A question of culture.

9. A question of culture

DID YOU KNOW THAT ...?

Today the British often do no more than say “hello” when they see friends. Even adults usually shake hands only when they meet for the first time.

French people, including school children, shake hands with their friends, or kiss them on both cheeks, each time they meet and when they leave. That’s why French people think the British are unfriendly and impolite.

In the USA it is normal for men to shake hands when they meet, but it is unusual for men to kiss when they greet each other.

In Japan it is polite and normal for men and women to bow when they greet someone.

The Inuit, who lives in Canada, rub noses. In Polynesia you take your friends hands and use them to stroke your face.

In Tibet it is very polite to stick your tongue out at someone. It shows you have no evil thoughts.