Kyrgyzstan

Greetings

Men greeting Men –Men will usually shake hands with the right hand when greeting and departing. This is usually accompanied with the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum" which means "God grant you peace". In some regions the teenagers/young adult men shake hands and lean forward like they were going to embrace the other but actually just touch the side of their head to the side of the other man's head like a partial hug without other body parts involved. This is more of a greeting between good friends. Family members will often engage in full hugs.

Women greeting Women- Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek. During initial meetings a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice.

Greetings between Men greeting Women- At a first meeting a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. It is best for women to initiate the greeting. Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on each cheek.

Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.

Communication Style

• The Kyrgyz tend to speak in a very round about manner. They don’t' usually just state their point directly; they tend to hint at things and very often they will give someone the answer they think they want to hear rather than the truth.
• While people may be indirect when giving answers or asking for assistance, they tend to be quite direct in asking what people from other cultures may feel as personal questions. It is common to ask about one’s marital status, salary, age, etc.
• Most people have a good sense of humor that tends to be on the warm side. Sarcasm does not usually go over well.

Personal Space & Touch

• A little less than an arm’s length of personal space during conversations is the norm in most situations. This space tends to be less between good friends and family.
• When it comes to personal privacy, it is common for people to enter a room with a closed door without knocking. This tends to be the case if you are staying with a family as a guest. People may also seem surprised when you lock the door to your room or ask for them to knock before entering.
• Touching is common during conversations; especially on the hands, arms, shoulders, back. There tends to be more touching between members of the same gender than members of opposite genders.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact tends to be the norm to the degree that it is not deemed challenging or a "stare down."
• Avoiding one's eyes is usually reserved for when you are expected to be ashamed of yourself.
• Religiously observant men may avoid eye contact with women and vice-versa.

Gestures

• Many people will point with their faces. For example, if something is "over there" they'll point their nose and raise their eyebrows (the higher the eyebrows the further away something is).
• Blinking is often used to show agreement to something someone says or to just say "yes".
• Clicking the tongue is away to say “no”. For example, if you were at a bazaar being asked to buy something over and over again, a verbal “no” may not do the trick, but a tongue click will show that you are serious and that you don’t want to buy anything.
• Whistling to get someone's attention from a distance, like across the street, is common.
• Most people will expect you take your shoes off when entering a home.
• When you are offered something at a dinner table, for example as a guest at someone's house, it is polite to refuse what you are offered 3 times before saying yes (even if you don't really want it). While some may see this as pressuring you into eating more or drinking more, it is just their way of being polite.
• If invited to a home, note that the most honored guest of the night will usually be sat furthest from the door.

Views of Time

• In social situations, the view of time is generally quite relaxed. For big dinner parties being 2 hours late is common. For a lunch get together around an hour would be normal.
• In business situations, people tend to be more punctual and it is a good idea to show up on time.

Gender Roles

• Women tend to be viewed as equals in most parts of the country. Many hold jobs and some hold positions of power, although salaries will most likely be lower.
• The women who do work are still expected to take care of all the household chores including, preparing the food, serving the food, and cleaning up afterwards.
• In many areas, women who smoke tend to be looked down upon. This is the case for foreign women as well. In the capital, Bishkek, and a few other areas, it is fine for women to smoke.

Taboos

• The middle finger is recognized and is viewed a rude gesture. A more common equivalent is done by making an “o” sign with one hand and slapping the top of it with the other hand (palm flat) once or twice.
• Pointing a closed fist to someone is usually viewed as a threat to fight.
• Avoid eating greeting, and giving and/or receiving things with your left hand as it is commonly viewed as "dirty hand" thought to be used in the bathroom.
• Toasting to each other while drinking is an important part of bonding, so if drinking shots with others, avoid sipping. It's better to refuse from the start rather than to stop in the middle of the evening when you start feeling tipsy, as it will most likely offend the rest of the toasters who haven't had you drink with them yet.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 16 but is not heavily enforced.
• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Dress

• For Men: Conservative suits or tie and jacket in the cities and when dealing with government officials. Business casual may be appropriate in certain areas.
• For Women: Stylish, yet somewhat conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate.
• Being well-groomed and having clothes neatly pressed is important.
• Jeans, t-shirts, and other less casual clothing is inappropriate in business situations.

Titles & Business Cards

• Using Mr., Mrs., or Miss followed by the last name is quite common.
• It’s best to wait to be invited to call someone by their first name.
• It is a good idea to spend a little time reading a counterparts business card before putting it away and be sure to include your title on the card.
• Use your right hand or both hands to give and receive business cards.

Meetings

• It’s good to be on time for meeting even though you may be kept waiting.

Gift Giving

• If you are invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a gift to the host or hostess. Appropriate gifts include nice bottle of wine, liquor, chocolates or sweets.
• Gifts do not usually have to be wrapped and they tend to be opened right away.

In the Classroom

• Students wear school uniform which are black and white.
• School is from 8:30 AM to 3PM, Monday to Saturday.
• The elementary, middle and high schools form one school, so students from 6 to 17 years are in the same school. The students finish school when they are 17 (11th grade).
• The grades are from 1 to 5 and the best grade is 5. If you have a grade greater than or equal to 3, you pass. If you have less than 3, you fail.

Other Observations

• Tips are not usually given at restaurants.