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I. Introduction
Greetings are used to say hello in English. It's common to use different greetings depending on
whether you greet a friend, family or a business associate. There are also greetings that are used
with people you do not very well.
Once you have been introduced to someone, the next time you see that person it is important to
greet them. We also greet people as we leave people. In English (as in all languages), there are
different ways to greet people in formal and informal situations.
Hi / Hello
How are you?
What's up? (very informal)
How are you doing? (very informal)
It's important to note that the question "How are you?" or "What's up?" doesn't necessary need a
response. If you do respond, these phrases are generally expected:
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Informal Greetings: Departing
Goodbye / Bye.
See you (later).
Later (very informal)
II. Development
Exercise 1
Practice the dialogue with your partner, and then identify which the greetings are.
Mr. Bean meets Mrs. Breuer, one of his students, and her husband in the street.
First meetings
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this web site. Smith, our Lynne. you.
salesman.
John, this is
Lynne Hand.
Informal
Subsequent meetings
Good morning Mrs. Hand. How I'm very well, thank you. And
are you today? you?
Good afternoon, Mrs. Hand. It's Thank you. It's nice to see you
good to see you. too. How are you?
Hello Lynne. How are you doing? Fine thanks. What's new with
you?
Hi, Lynne. How are things? Oh fine. You know how it is.
Informal
Note! - On first meeting say, "It's nice to meet you", and when departing "It was nice to meet
you".
For future meetings say, "It's nice to see you again", and when departing, "It was nice to see you
again."
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III. Assessment
Exercise 2
1. When you meet your friend at 11 a.m., what do you say to him/ her?
2. When you meet your friend at 5 p.m., what do you say to him/ her?
3. When you meet your friend at 8 p.m., what do you say to him/her?
4. When you meet a person for the first time, what do you say to him/her?
5. When you meet a person for the second time, what do you say to him/her?
Exercise 3
Mr Bean meets Mrs Jones, one of his students from college, and her husband in the street.
Mrs Jones: __________ . Mr Bean, this is my husband Michael, Michael this is Mr Bean my
________.
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Mr Bean: ______ to meet you too. Are you from England, Mr Jones?
Mr Bean: No, I'm from ________, but I live in Manchester while I am teaching at college.
Exercise 4
Here's a typical scenario of friends greeting each other. Study the following conversation. Then
practice with your partner by developing your own dialogue.
(Helli walks past) Oh! I've been meaning to introduce you to an old friend of mine.
Helli : I'm not old, Daren! Hi, my name is Helli and you must be Paolo? I have heard so much about
you.
Daren : What's with the formalities? Just say hi! Helli is one of us! Anyway Helli and I have to go, later
Paolo!
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READING
How do you think the people in these countries greet each other?
There are many different greeting customs around the world. Here are some.
Chile
People usually shake hands when they meet for the first time. When two women first meet, they
sometimes give one kiss on the cheek. (They actually “kiss the air.”) Women also greet both male and
female friends with a kiss. Chilean men give their friends warm abrazos (hugs) or sometimes kiss women
on the cheek.
Finland
Finns greet each other with a firm handshake. Hugs and kisses are only for close friends and family.
The Philippines
The everyday greeting for friends is a handshake for both men and women. Men sometimes pat each other
on the back.
Korea
Men bow slightly and shake hands to greet each other. Women do not usually shake hands. To address
someone with his or her full name, the family name comes first, then the first name.
People shake hands when they are first introduced. Friends and family members often hug or kiss on the
cheek when they see each other. In these situations, men often kiss women but not other men.
Exercise 5
According to the text, in which country or countries are the following true? Check ( V ) the correct
boxes.
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Exercise 6
Pair work. How do these people greet each other in our country?