Hello Iya and everyone,
Thank you for this wonderful post on greeting customs across the Anglophone world. It was fascinating to read how greetings vary globally and how they reflect respect, warmth, and cultural values.
Where am I, and what are the greeting customs here?
Currently, my study home country is Latvia, where I am pursuing my higher education. Though Latvia is not traditionally considered an Anglophone country, English is widely spoken, especially among students and young professionals, which makes intercultural interactions smoother.
In Latvia, the greeting customs are quite simple and formal, especially in public or professional settings. Common greetings include “Sveiki” (Hello) and “Labdien” (Good day). Latvians value personal space and a reserved approach, so greetings are usually accompanied by a polite smile or a handshake. Physical gestures like hugs or cheek kisses are generally reserved for close friends or family members, similar to how you shared your experience of adapting to "la bise" in France.
Greeting customs in my home country (India):
I am originally from India, where greetings vary widely depending on the region, culture, and context. One of the most traditional and respectful greetings is “Namaste”, performed by joining both palms together with a slight bow. It signifies respect, goodwill, and positive energy, somewhat similar to the meaning behind Hawai’i’s “Aloha.” Among friends and in informal situations, hugs or handshakes are common, but Namaste remains universally respectful, especially in formal or spiritual settings.
Have I encountered any cultural customs that were uncomfortable?
Yes, at first, adjusting to the greeting customs in Latvia felt different, especially the reserved nature of interactions compared to the warmth and openness I was used to in India. In India, people often engage in casual conversations with strangers, whereas in Latvia, people can be more reserved initially. However, like your experience in France, I gradually adapted by observing and understanding local customs, balancing my own comfort with cultural respect.
Final thoughts:
Your post beautifully highlights how greetings go beyond words—they express love, respect, and connection, whether it's “Dumêla” in Botswana or “One Love” in Jamaica. For anyone living abroad, learning these customs is a meaningful step toward integration and intercultural understanding.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience. I look forward to hearing more stories from the community!
Warm regards,
Princi Tanwar
Thank you for this wonderful post on greeting customs across the Anglophone world. It was fascinating to read how greetings vary globally and how they reflect respect, warmth, and cultural values.
Where am I, and what are the greeting customs here?
Currently, my study home country is Latvia, where I am pursuing my higher education. Though Latvia is not traditionally considered an Anglophone country, English is widely spoken, especially among students and young professionals, which makes intercultural interactions smoother.
In Latvia, the greeting customs are quite simple and formal, especially in public or professional settings. Common greetings include “Sveiki” (Hello) and “Labdien” (Good day). Latvians value personal space and a reserved approach, so greetings are usually accompanied by a polite smile or a handshake. Physical gestures like hugs or cheek kisses are generally reserved for close friends or family members, similar to how you shared your experience of adapting to "la bise" in France.
Greeting customs in my home country (India):
I am originally from India, where greetings vary widely depending on the region, culture, and context. One of the most traditional and respectful greetings is “Namaste”, performed by joining both palms together with a slight bow. It signifies respect, goodwill, and positive energy, somewhat similar to the meaning behind Hawai’i’s “Aloha.” Among friends and in informal situations, hugs or handshakes are common, but Namaste remains universally respectful, especially in formal or spiritual settings.
Have I encountered any cultural customs that were uncomfortable?
Yes, at first, adjusting to the greeting customs in Latvia felt different, especially the reserved nature of interactions compared to the warmth and openness I was used to in India. In India, people often engage in casual conversations with strangers, whereas in Latvia, people can be more reserved initially. However, like your experience in France, I gradually adapted by observing and understanding local customs, balancing my own comfort with cultural respect.
Final thoughts:
Your post beautifully highlights how greetings go beyond words—they express love, respect, and connection, whether it's “Dumêla” in Botswana or “One Love” in Jamaica. For anyone living abroad, learning these customs is a meaningful step toward integration and intercultural understanding.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience. I look forward to hearing more stories from the community!
Warm regards,
Princi Tanwar