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Papua New Guinean Culture

Greetings

Author
Chara Scroope,

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  • The general customary greeting is to shake hands and to ask “yuorait” – “How are you?”
  • People commonly clasp hands with one another to greet or grasp each other around the hips.
  • A nod of acknowledgement may also suffice.
  • Occasionally, people will greet each other by shaking the other’s hand, then holding it against their chest. This is a sign of friendship and respect.
  • In chiefly societies, commoners are expected to bow before the chiefs.
  • When addressing someone of importance, it is most appropriate to use their title along with their full name. However, usually the informal use of someone’s first name is appropriate.

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