Culture

Culture Greetings

In formal situations, Brazilians greet each other with a handshake. A common greeting among friends, except from one boy or man to another, is to hug and kiss on alternating cheeks or touch cheeks and “kiss the air”. In some regions, three kisses are exchanged. Common verbal greetings include, //Ola.// //Tudo Bem?// (Hello. Is everything fine?) and //Coma via?// (How are you?) Young friends greet each other with a simple Oi (Hi). When a person joins or leaves a group, it’s polite to shake hands with everyone. Common leaving terms includes //Tchau// (Good- bye) and //Ate logo// (See you soon). Superiors and authorities may be addressed formally with the titles //Senhor// (Mr.) or //Senhora// (Mrs.), followed by their last names. In less formal situations, first names are commonly used, sometimes before the name is //Seu// (for men) or //Dona// (for women).

Gestures Brazilians often use gestures to communicate and express feelings. Gestures often go with greetings. One beckons by closing the fingers of the hand into the palm facing up. Pulling down the lower eyelid with an index finger means caution or disbelief. One may tap the fingers horizontally under the chin to say that another person does not know what he or she is talking about or is exaggerating. The “okay” sign in the United States, with the thumb and index finger forming a circle, is an offensive gesture. Brazilians tend to stand close and touch each other often during a conversation. Eye contact is important. Passing between talking people is rude.

Visiting Brazilians enjoy visiting. If a meal or snack is in progress, it is considered impolite not to ask visitors to join in eating. Hosts generally also offer coffee or other refreshments at the end of a visit. In rural areas, not accepting refreshments may be considered rude. If invited to dinner, one might take candy, wine, or a small gift to the hosts. Invited guests commonly arrive up to a half hour late except perhaps in Sao Paulo. Guests are generally expected to stay at least two hours. Asking personal questions about one’s age, salary, ect. is considered inappropriate.