The speaker says that there are 196 countries in the world and almost everyone has a different greeting. It is important to learn a few greetings if you like to travel, because being able to greet someone in their own language is a great way to break the ice and earn their respect. However, greetings are not just about the words; they are also about customs and rituals. For example, in some cultures, people handshake, kiss, hug, bow, or nod, and the appropriate greeting depends on the situation and whether it is formal or casual.
The speaker also talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people greet each other. People are now less likely to shake hands, especially with strangers, and more likely to nod or gesture instead. This seems to have been welcomed by many people, as it is now seen as more polite than not shaking hands in a business meeting.
The speaker then discusses greetings in different parts of the world. In Britain, greetings are often quite awkward, even between family members. People tend to keep a stiff upper lip and maintain boundaries, so a handshake or a simple “nice to meet you” is usually enough. However, the younger generation is more likely to hug or kiss. In America, Canada, and Mexico, physical contact is more common. Hugs and kisses are used to show affection, warmth, appreciation, or congratulations. In most European countries, a kiss or two on the cheek is the norm, even between strangers.
In most Asian countries, greetings are more formal. A handshake, nod, or bow is typical, and in business meetings, there is often a specific way of exchanging and handling business cards. The angle and duration of a bow can be meaningful, depending on social status and the relationship between two people. Hugs are almost never seen in Japan, even among family members.
In India, the most common greeting is Namaste, which involves joining the hands in front of the chest and bowing the head slightly. This is also common in Thailand. In the Philippines, people often take the hands of their elders and press them to their foreheads as a sign of respect.
The speaker concludes by saying that it is impossible to learn all the languages of the world, but that it is important to take a moment to learn about the greetings and customs of other cultures before traveling or meeting someone from a different background. This will help you to build rapport and communicate more effectively, and it may even help you to make new friends.
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