Sri Lankas Culture Mary English

When Greeting Traditional greeting is the namaste (which means I bow to the divine in you) Traditional greeting is the namaste (which means I bow to the divine in you) The word associated gesture is offered by holding the palms of the hands together below the chin, nodding slightly, and saying the word, namaste The word associated gesture is offered by holding the palms of the hands together below the chin, nodding slightly, and saying the word, namaste Shaking hands is accepted (hugging, kissing, or touching is not accepted) Shaking hands is accepted (hugging, kissing, or touching is not accepted)

Nonverbal Gestures Nonverbal gestures for agreement are reversed Nonverbal gestures for agreement are reversed One should avoid standing with ones hands on ones hips One should avoid standing with ones hands on ones hips One should avoid pointing with ones finger, instead many people point with the chin One should avoid pointing with ones finger, instead many people point with the chin Winking may be misinterpreted Winking may be misinterpreted

When eating at anothers home It is customary to remove ones shoes It is customary to remove ones shoes If invited for a meal, a gift is appreciated but not expected If invited for a meal, a gift is appreciated but not expected Be careful when serving your food, eating your meal, and thanking your host Be careful when serving your food, eating your meal, and thanking your host

Clothing Conservative clothing is imperative Conservative clothing is imperative Cottons and silks in light colors are suitable Cottons and silks in light colors are suitable Western dress is common Western dress is common Revealing clothing is inappropriate Revealing clothing is inappropriate Back to Home Page.