Saludos del mundo: Vocabulario temático

1- Greetings around the world

A handshake is a warm, go-to greeting in many Western countries when you meet with a friend or go to a business meeting. This greeting, of course, can vary from place to place, and if you take the time to learn how local people greet each other, you can make meaningful connections when you travel. 

1.1- Stick out your tongue (Tibet)

This tradition began with monks who would show that they were coming in peace by sticking out their tongues and in this way, they could prove they weren’t the reincarnation of a cruel 9th-century king known for having a black tongue.

1.2- Bump noses (Qatar, Yemen, Oman)

If you bring your nose in for a few friendly taps, you demonstrate that you see someone as a peer. Just remember: sniffing isn’t a part of this tradition, and women don’t usually do this. 

1.3- Air kiss (France, Italy, Portugal, Latin America, The Philippines, Ukraine, and Québec, Canada)

While in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico, São Paulo (Brazil) and Colombia, one air kiss is standard, in Spain, Portugal, Québec, Paraguay, Italy, the Philippines, and Paris, it’s two! Whereas, in Russia and Ukraine, it’s three, and in some parts of France, it’s up to four on alternating cheeks. 

1.4- Rub faces (New Zealand)

This tradition comes from the Maori culture and it is called “the sharing of breath”. You press your forehead and nose together with the other person’s forehead and nose. It is sometimes seen as a gesture of welcome, and it is actually sacred, and an honor to receive it in the Maori culture. 

1.5- Clap your hands (Zimbabwe and Mozambique)

In Zimbabwe, the clapping of hands is very specific. The first person claps once, and the second person twice, in response. But, everyone must clap in a particular way. Men clap with fingers and palms aligned, and women with their hands at an angle. In Northern Mozambique, people also clap, but three times before they say “moni” (hello). 

1.6- Revere your elders (Asia and Africa)

Throughout Asia and Africa, there is a very important cultural tradition of honoring your elders. In the Philippines, locals show their reverence in a particular way by taking the older person’s hand and pressing it to their foreheads. In India, locals touch older people’s feet as a show of respect. In Liberia,  and Nigeria, young people drop to their knees to honor their elders.

1.7- Put your hand on your heart (Malaysia)

It is quite formal, but people take the opposite person’s hands in theirs, and then release their hands and bring their own to the chest and slightly nod  to symbolize goodwill and an open heart. It’s polite for the other person to return the gesture. 

1.8- Sniff faces (Greenland and Tuvalu)

In Greenland, the Inuit tradition of sniffing someone’s cheek or forehead, is limited to only close relationships. On the other hand, in Tuvalu, doing this particular greeting is a traditional welcome for visitors. 

1.9- Bow (Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, and Thailand)

Bowing varies depending on the country. In India, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos, you need to put your palms together in the prayer position at heart level or higher before bowing. In Thailand, the higher you place your hands, the more respect you’re showing. In Japan, the deeper the bow, the more respect is being shown. Although, 90 degrees is the max but remember not to use prayer hands. In addition, Japanese men bow with their hands at their sides, and women with their hands on their thighs.

2- Let’s define these terms!

Greeting: Algo cortés que dices o haces cuando te encuentras o le das la bienvenida a alguien. Un saludo.

Ejemplo:
–    He nodded his head in greeting.

Handshake: Un tipo de saludo, en el que dos personas se enfrentan y se toman la mano. Un apretón de manos.

Ejemplo:
–    She welcomed us with a smile and a warm handshake.

Stick out the tongue: Sacar la lengua.

Ejemplo:
–    It can be impolite if you stick out your tongue to an older person in the USA.

Clap: Hacer un ruido corto y fuerte al golpear juntas tus manos. Aplaudir.

Ejemplo:
–    By the end of the movie, everyone was clapping.

Reverence: Un sentimiento de respeto o admiración por alguien. Veneración.

Ejemplo:
–    My dad shows great reverence for his grandparents.

Sniffing: Oler algo tomando aire por la nariz. Olfatear.

Ejemplo:
–    Our cat is always sniffing my clothes!

Bow: Inclinar la cabeza o cuerpo hacia adelante, especialmente como una forma de mostrar respeto a alguien. Reverencia.

Ejemplo:
–    They bowed to the Queen of England.