Great Britain

1. Great Britain Greetings Handshakes in England are not aggressive and are generally reserved for introductions and formal occasions. Calling young people or friends by their first names is acceptable, but in other circumstances “Mr.,” “Mrs.” Or other appropriate titles should be used until directed to do otherwise. In general conversation, one should avoid loud or boisterous behaviour. Visiting It is a common courtesy to telephone ahead before visiting. When visiting a family, one should greet them with a smile and a handshake at the door. Flowers or chocolates are suitable gifts and should be presented to the lady of the house on arrival. The English admire good manners. Traditionally, men hold doors open for women and stand when women enter the room. The English are very appreciative of visitors who are well informed and interested in English history and culture and able to carry on an intelligent conversation. Gestures Demonstrative hand gestures should be used sparingly. Excessive touching, such as backslapping or putting an arm around a new acquaintance should be avoided. Yawning without covering the mouth or excusing oneself may be interpreted as a sign of rudeness or boredom.

2. Denmark Greetings The handshake is the most common form of greeting among adults. Younger people and close acquaintances usually nod or wave and say Davs (pronounced “dowse”), the equivalent of “hi” in the United States. Danish people are informal and very friendly, but they place a high value on being polite. Usually only close friends use first names. Visiting Rules of etiquette are important when visiting. One should always knock before entering, enter only when invited to do so, sit where the host suggests, and never follow the host into another room unless invited to do so. It is considered impolite to leave directly after dinner. Personal topics such as a person’s income and social status should be avoided in conversation. The family Families in Denmark are in many cases still close-knit and quite stable. A distinguishing aspect of the Danish culture is the importance given the individual – a concept taught and honoured in Danish homes. If children err, they are not usually punished physically because parents feel that children are individuals and have the right to make decisions for themselves.

3. Greece Greetings Greek people shake hands, not only when they first meet, but every time they see each other. A visitor is usually greeted with much warmth, often with an embrace and a kiss on both cheeks. Slapping a friend’s hand at shoulder level is also a common, more informal way of greeting. Visiting Ancient Greeks believed a stranger might be a god in disguise, and were therefore warm to all strangers. Their tradition of hospitability has continued to the present. In the home, the men stay with guests while the women wait on them. Women are pleased by compliments on the appearance of their homes. However, guests should be careful not to praise a specific object or the host may insist on giving it away. One way to reciprocate Greek hospitability is to praise the families’ children and, with parental approval, give them a small gift. If a Greek host insists several times about anything (that you eat more or stay longer, for example), they really mean it, and you should courteously comply when possible. Gestures Contrary to what one sees in the United States, a slight upward nod of the head means “no” not “yes”. Tilting the head to either side, therefore, means “yes”, or “of course.” A Greek may smile not only when happy but sometimes when angry of upset.