- Greetings tend to vary based on age and social status, not sex. Whether you are meeting a man or a woman for the first time, you should “som-peah.” This is similar to the Thai “wai.” With hands held together, as in prayer, slightly bow your head.
- The person who is socially inferior or younger should be the first to bow, but it is considered polite for the older/socially superior person to respond quickly.
- The higher the hands are held and the lower the bow, the greater the degree of respect.
- When addressing a social equal, the hands are held at the level of the mouth; when addressing a person of higher social standing (this includes monks, regardless of age), the hands are held in front of the nose; and when addressing a younger/socially inferior person, they are held at the chin.
- It is unnecessary to som-peah to service providers, i.e. waiters and taxi drivers.
- Many educated Cambodians will follow Western customs and offer a handshake, but it can’t hurt to som-peah before shaking hands. Handshakes tend to be more on the gentle side and do not linger long.
- Som-peahs are made during initial introductions, or if people have not seen one another in a long time, but it is not necessary to bow every time you meet a friend or coworker. A simple wave or hello is fine.
- However you greet, you should remember to smile.
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