ECSTRA/Greeting

Typical situations to be focussed on:

1. current informal greeting terms

2. current formal greeting terms

(Please remember our guidelines.)

AT: Austria
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BE: Belgium
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CH: Switzerland
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CZ: Czech Republic
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DE: Germany
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DK: Denmark
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EE: Estonia
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ES: Spain
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FI: Finland
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FR: France
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HR: Croatia
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HU: Hungaria
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IE: Ireland
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IT: Italy
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LT: Lithuania
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LU: Luxemburg
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LV: Latvia
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MT: Malta
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NL: Netherlands
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NO: Norway
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PL: Poland
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PT: Portugal
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SE: Sweden
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SI: Slovenia
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SK: Slovakia
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UK: United Kingdom
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Non-European Nations
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Greetings in China

In China, a hand shake is considered to be the standard greeting. Instead of shaking hands very firmly, the Chinese prefer to shake hands very lightly and for as long as ten seconds.

As not everyone may greet you with a handshake, it may be a good idea to wait for your Chinese counterpart to extend their hand to you as others may use a nod or slight bow may be used to greet you instead.

Additionally, you might also see Chinese people lowering their eyes a little when they meet people. This is considered a symbol of respect as staring into the eyes might make some people feel uncomfortable.

When meeting very traditional Chinese people, it is usually the case that Chinese make a concerted effort to show respect and honor to you as a guest, new friend or business associate. Amongst the chinese in more westernized cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, the formal etiquette may be lacking.

Bows and Handshakes Chinese may nod or bow instead of shaking hands lthough shaking hands has become increasingly popular. The Chinese bow is slight, unlike the Japanese bow, from the shoulders rather than the waist. As a further sign of exchanging respect and honors, some older Chinese men may also place their hands in a ball, right over left,in front of their chest and make a slight bowing motion toward you. Simply do the same.

Introductions Chinese introductions can be friendly and relaxed or very formal, even austere. Chinese may not smile when introduced, as they are taught to not show emotions openly. When you are introduced to a Chinese group, they may greet you with applause to show appreciation and respect for your presence with them. Applaud back.

Vocal Greeting A common greeting is ni hao ma? (nee HOW ma), which means, "How are you?". You can simply say ni hao which means "Hello".

Respecting Seniority The Chinese show great respect for the wisdom and experience of its seniors. The senior people present will initiate the greetings. Greet the oldest, most senior person before any others. Paying attention to and making an effort to communicate with the senior members of the group will be greatly appreciated. In group introductions, line up according to seniority with the senior people at the head of the line.

Formality Use family names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Chinese host or colleagues to use their given names. You are unlikely to be on a first-name basis with your Chinese counterparts until your relationship is established.

Do Not Touch Amongst themselves, same sex touching in public is common and has no sexual overtones. Two females may be walking along the street holding hands or arms locked together. Two males will often have one with his arm draped around the other or one taking the other's arm as they are walking along. As total strangers who do not know you, Chinese dislike being touched. They will be uncomfortable with your touches, hugs, back slaps or other types of contact. Once you are familiar with a Chinese person, they may feel very comfortable to take your hand or arm when guiding you along the street or talking to you.