Listening
Greetings Around the World There are many ways to greet people. Number 1: A bow
Man: Around the world, there are many different ways to greet people. Bowing is the traditional way of greeting in Northeast Asian countries like Korea and Japan. In Japan, when you bow, you don't look directly at the other person's eyes. But in Korea it's important to see the other person's face when you bow. In both countries, people bow to show respect. Traditionally, Japanese bows where the left hand covers the right hand are more polite than when the right hand covers the left. This is because, in the days when people used swords, the right hand was used for fighting. The left hand covering the right symbolizes one's stopping one's own stronger hand. Some companies such as airlines still teach their employees to bow in this way.
Number 2: A hug
Woman: When good friends meet in Russia, they often hug each other. This is true for both women and men. Russia isn't the only place where friends hug. In Brazil, for example, friends also hug each other in greeting. In Brazil, the hug is called an abra o.
Number 3: The salaam
Man: The salaam is a greeting from the Middle East. It is used in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and some other Arab countries. It is most popular with older, more traditional people. To give a salaam, first touch your heart, then your forehead. Then your hand moves up, away from your head. When people use this greeting, they say, "Peace be with you."
Number 4: The namaste or wai
Woman: People in India and in Thailand use a different kind of greeting. It is called namaste in India. In Thailand, it is called wai. The hands are put high on the chest, and you bow slightly. This hand gesture looks similar to the gesture many cultures use for prayer. It grows out of a cultural tradition of acknowledging the goodness in the person one is greeting. Though it is a way of greeting, it also means "Thank you" and "I'm sorry."
Number 5: A strong, short handshake
Man: You all know how to shake hands. This is common in many countries. But it isn't always done the same way. In the United States and Canada, for example, people usually give a strong, short handshake. It's short but rather firm.
Number 6: A softer, longer handshake
Woman: In many other countries, people also shake hands. But they do it differently from in the United States and Canada. In Mexico and in Egypt, for example, many people -- especially men -- shake hands. Mexican and Egyptian handshakes usually last a little longer. The handshake is softer -- not as strong.
Key to Unit 4