Knowing how Australians greet each other

If on your next vacation you want to take a trip to Australia or you would like to go to study in this country, one of the aspects that you should know to quickly adapt to life there are its customs and daily habits.

For some people living in a new country can cause culture shock, especially as they get used to their new surroundings. To live in a society like that of Australia there are several things you can do, which will help you to adapt as soon as possible and to feel like a fish in water.

In the first contact with the natives, either to ask for directions or some kind of information, you will have to greet them and introduce yourself appropriately. For this reason, in this article we are going to learn how Australians greet each other.

How are the Australians?

Also known as "Aussies", Australians are generally cordial, sincere, jovial and informal in their dealings. They enjoy a good educational level, which translates into ample job opportunities and a high quality of life. The latter is reflected in their friendly, open and relaxed character.

Australians are simple people who highly value effort and hard work, without distinguishing between social classes. They are characterized by their open mind, respect for other cultures and their hospitality towards foreigners. In short, Australians are warm, close and friendly people.

How is the greeting in Australia?

When talking about how the greeting in Australia is, we must take into account the context in which that encounter that starts a conversation occurs. In other words, an informal family or friends gathering is not the same as a more formal work meeting.

For example, Australians among friends greet each other in an affectionate way: with a kiss on the cheek or a short hug. Now, whether it is a business or university meeting, Australians greet each other politely and formally with a brief handshake and a smile.

According to Australian custom and as in many other countries, greetings should be made at the beginning and end of a meeting, as well as any guests who may be arriving during the meeting.

In addition, Australians often address other people using their names even in the first meeting so it is important that you memorize the names of your interlocutors when they are introduced to you. It is also essential to make eye contact when you are greeting the other person. This is a sign of respect and also indicates that you are paying attention and listening to what the other person is saying.

What formulas are used to greet in Australia?

• G'day: The abbreviated form of "Good day" is the most common and informal formula for greeting each other and is pronounced as "gidday." It can be used for both day and night.
• "Ow ya goin 'mate?": It is the abbreviated formula of the well-known "How are you going mate?" which means how are you.
• "Cheerio": Used to say goodbye.
• "Cya This Arvo": As you will see, Australians love to abbreviate words. This formula means "See you this afternoon." They use the expression arvo to refer to afternoon in all situations.
• "Hooroo": It means see you later.
• "Toodle-oo": Another way to say goodbye.
• "Good morning Good Morning.
• "Good afternoon": Good afternoon.
• "Good evening": Good evening.
• "Good night Good Night.
• "Nice to meet you": Nice to meet you.
• "It's good to see you": I'm glad to see you.
• Cheers: Thank you.
• "Ta": Thank you.

How are the presentations?

When it comes to presenting both men and women in a formal context, the expressions "Señor", "Señora" and "Señorita" are used being "Mr.", "Mrs." and "Miss" their respective expressions in English.

If it is an informal presentation between a group of friends, expressions such as "This is my friend Peter" (he is my friend Peter) or "This is my workmate Ann" (she is Ana, my coworker) can be used.

How do Australians greet each other at a party?

You can use any of the formulas that I have indicated in previous paragraphs. However, it should be borne in mind that if you are invited to a party or barbecue it is customary for you to bring something to drink (for example beer, wine or soft drinks) for the enjoyment of the group and your own.

Also, in Australia it is considered good manners to contact the host of the party to see if they need or want you to bring anything else. On the other hand, if you are invited to dinner at someone's house, it is customary to bring a gift to the host when you arrive, such as a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine.

Other ways to greet in Commonwealth countries

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of more than fifty countries with cultural, historical and cultural ties, many of them being English the official language.

Although each country has its own political system and is independent, some such as Australia or Canada continue to maintain a link with the British monarchy. So how do you greet in Commonwealth member countries like Canada or England?

Canada

Canadians are one of the friendliest people in the world, which translates into the greetings they use to interact with others.

For example, in Quebec the most commonly used greeting is "Bonjour" and "Ça va?" while in Maritimes people greet each other with a simple "Hello" or "Hi" followed by a friendly "How ya 'doin'?" On the other hand, Ontario and Toronto also use similar formulas.

It is said that Alberta and Saskatchewan are where the friendliest people in the country live and you will always find people willing to chat unlike in the big cities where people usually rush the most.

England

The most common way that the English use to greet each other is the handshake and it is common to put it into practice when someone is introduced to another person or before starting a meeting in the business world.

Usually you only greet with a kiss on one of the cheeks when the interlocutors are friends or acquaintances and there is affection between them. Unlike countries like Spain, it is not the most common thing to always greet with a kiss.

Other ways to greet are:

• "Hello or Hi": It means "hello".
• "Good morning Good Morning.
• "Good afternoon": Good afternoon.
• "Good evening": Good evening.
• "Good night Good Night.
• "How do you do?": It means how you are and is usually said in formal contexts accompanied by a handshake.
• "How are you?": It also means "how are you" but is used in more informal situations. It is usually answered with "I'm fine thanks, and you?" which means "I'm fine, thank you, and you?"
• "Nice to meet you": This phrase means "nice to meet you" and is often spoken while shaking hands. It is usually answered with "nice to meet you too" (nice to meet you too) and is often said while shaking hands.
• "Delighted to meet you": It is another formula to express that someone is delighted to meet another person. To answer, "too" is added at the end of the sentence as in the previous case.

Use these little tips in your future meetings in the ocean country and you will greet like a true "Aussie"!