Non-verbal greetings can be very different around the world. They often show what people value in their culture. Here are some examples:

1. Gestures:

   • Handshake: In Western countries, shaking hands is very common. A firm handshake shows confidence. In a 2019 survey, 70% of Americans said they like this kind of greeting when it’s formal.
   • Bowing: In Japan, bowing is a way to show respect. The depth of the bow changes depending on the situation. About 80% of people in Japan use bowing to greet others.

2. Physical Contact:

   • Hugging: In places like Brazil and France, people often greet each other with hugs. A study found that 60% of Brazilians hug friends when they say hello.
   • Personal Space: In the Middle East, people stand close together when they greet each other. For example, 75% of people in a study from the UAE preferred to be close when greeting.

3. Facial Expressions:

   • Smiling: Smiling is understood everywhere and is very important in many cultures. A global survey found that 95% of people think a smile means friendliness when greeting someone.

Knowing these different ways to greet people is important. It helps us interact with respect and understand each other better, especially when we travel.