Greetings around the world

For today's assignment, my topic has nothing to do with sports. Instead, I'll be writing about the various greeting styles in different parts of the world. Luckily, we live in Canada, a very multicultural country, so it's fair to say that most of us have friends or know people that come from different cultures. This being said, most of us have already been in a situation where we've had to greet someone from another country. I'm sure we've all experienced one akward moment when doing so either because it's not something you or the person you were greeting felt comfortable doing.

Courtesy of: Wikipedia

Cultures define the way people greet each other and I believe it's important that we more or less know what is acceptable and what isn't in different countries as a sign of respect and knowledge. To greet one another, some people might shake hands while others kiss, hug or just say hello. So how do you know how people greet each other in other countries? Let take a look at few.

Courtesy of: Wikipedia

In North America, specifically in Canada and in the U.S. people tend to just shake hands formally or informally. In a formal way, you would shake hands firmly and make direct eye contact. Informally, one might give more a palming or tapping hand shake. Montreal is most likely the only city in North America that really stands out when it comes to greeting. They still continue to greet each other in the traditional French way, which consist of two kisses on each cheek.

Courtesy of: Pocket Cultures

In the Middle East, people first salute each other by saying "salam alaykum" which stands for "peace by upon you" in English followed a putting their right hand on their heart. Men will kiss each other on the cheek, 2 or 3 times depending on which country they're from. Women hug among themselves but opposing genders may never come into physical contact as Islam prohibits it.





Courtesy of: Japan Probe

Moving on to Asian countries, it is much more conservative, especially in Japan. Japanese greet each by bowing to one another in all occasions whether it be for business, with friends or family. Asian cultures are known for not being "touchy touchy" so it's important to keep your distance when greeting them or else they will feel very uncomfortable.