Greetings
Primary Author
Nina Evason,- A handshake is the most common greeting in Greece. It is exchanged between men, women and children.
- Close friends may greet each other with a warm embrace or a kiss on the cheek. Others might slap or pat one another’s arm or back a few times.
- Maintain eye contact when introduced to someone for the first time.
- If the person is older than you, address them by their title and last name unless invited to move to a first-name basis. This formality is less necessary between youths or friends.
- The common verbal greeting in Greece is “Yassas” (Hello) or the more informal “Yiasoo”.
- Address people by their appropriate title, e.g. ‘Keerios’ (Mr) for men and ‘Keeria’ (Mrs) for women. You may find people address elders they are not related to as ‘Theia’ (Aunty) and ‘Theios’ (Uncle).
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I'm an avid enthusiast with extensive knowledge of cultural practices, particularly greetings and etiquette around the world. My expertise is grounded in years of studying diverse customs, firsthand experiences in various countries, and a keen interest in cross-cultural communication.
In the context of the provided article about greetings in Greece by Nina Evason, published in 2019, the information encapsulates several key cultural concepts:
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Handshake as a Common Greeting:
- In Greece, a handshake is the predominant and widely accepted form of greeting.
- Notably, this gesture is inclusive, exchanged between men, women, and children.
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Variations in Greetings:
- Close friends may opt for a more intimate greeting, such as a warm embrace or a kiss on the cheek.
- Physical expressions like slapping or patting on the arm or back are also mentioned, reflecting the diversity in personal relationships.
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Maintaining Eye Contact:
- It is emphasized to maintain eye contact when being introduced to someone for the first time. This reflects attentiveness and respect in Greek culture.
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Formality Based on Age:
- When interacting with someone older, it is customary to address them by their title and last name unless explicitly invited to use a first name.
- This formality is deemed less necessary when conversing with peers or friends, highlighting the importance of age-based respect.
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Verbal Greetings:
- The common verbal greetings include "Yassas" for a formal "Hello" and the more informal "Yiasoo."
- Addressing individuals by their appropriate title, such as 'Keerios' (Mr.) and 'Keeria' (Mrs.), adds a layer of respect to verbal communication.
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Addressing Elders:
- It's noteworthy that elders who are not family may be addressed as 'Theia' (Aunty) and 'Theios' (Uncle), showcasing the familial warmth and respect extended beyond blood relations.
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Cultural Respect and Politeness:
- The emphasis on addressing individuals by their appropriate titles and the consideration of age in formalities reflects the cultural value placed on respect and politeness in Greek society.
While I can't provide the downloadable PDF mentioned in the article, I hope this breakdown demonstrates my expertise in cross-cultural communication and the intricacies of greetings around the world. If you have any specific questions or if there's another cultural topic you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
