Turkmenistan

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". Family members will often engage in full hugs and members of the Russian-speaking population may exchange kisses on the cheek.

Women greeting Women- Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head and the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum". Good friends and family of the Russian-speaking population 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 simple nod of acknowledgment accompanied with the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum" will usually suffice. In certain regions a handshake may be appropriate nut it is best for women to initiate the greeting. Good friends and family of the Russian-speaking population may exchange a kiss on each cheek.

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

Communication Style

• People tend to communicate more directly in business environments and less so among friends and family.
• Saving face is an important part of Turkmen culture so people will rarely answer with a direct "no".

Personal Space & Touch

• An arm’s length of personal space among family and friends is common. A bit more space is given in business situation and when conversing with the opposite sex.

• Light touching is common among friends and family, for example touching shoulder or an arm. This is less so between genders.

• It is best to avoid touching during conversations in business/formal situations and definitely with the opposite sex.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is acceptable and expected during conversations. However, while conversing with opposite sex; too much eye-contact might be considered flirting.

Gestures

• The thumb’s up sign means “good or great”, open hand raised up means “hello”.
• People usually people point with their index finger. Beckoning is done by hand.

Views of Time

• Being on time is quite important in business and less so in social life.
• It is common for to be 15 to 30 minutes late when meeting friends or going to parties. People don't tend to think they are wasting other people's time when they are late.
• Most services don’t usually run strictly on time. The buses usually leave when they are full, but domestic planes and trains tend to keep to their schedules.

Gender Roles

• Women are active in the business world and most work; however they’re still expected to maintain the family and raise the children.
• Decades of atheism has removed most barriers for behavior/activities of people, including women. Still, women are expected to be modest and keep some distance from non-relative men.
• Women hold jobs, but not usually high up in government or businesses.
• Smoking in public is viewed as somewhat taboo for women in many areas, as only prostitutes tend do it. Drinking in public is looked down upon in many areas as well.
• Foreign women can get away with drinking,even in public places, but not smoking as much.

Taboos

• Public displays of affection may be considered rude in certain areas.
• Snapping and then hitting your hands together repeatedly is the sign for having sex.
• Eating while walking in the street is considered strange in many areas.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking and smoking ages are 18 and they are not heavily enforce
• Penalties for possession of illegal drugs are heavy, and include fines and lengthy prison sentences.
• Most laws are strongly enforced, but knowledge and awareness about the laws is really low.

Dress

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

Titles & Business Cards

• When addressing elders or a boss it’s best to use the first name + father’s name, e.g. Serdar Atayevich. In less formal situation the first names is fine, e.g. Serdar.
• It’s best to wait to be invited to call someone by their first name.
• In social situations, many people will use titles reserved for relatives even if the person is not a relative, e.g. Uncle or Uncle Serdar.

• It's best to use your right hand or both hands to give and receive business cards.

Meetings

• One is expected to come on time and be dressed appropriately. Usually the elders/superiors are greeted first.
• Some small talk is expected, but not much.

Negotiations

• It’s best to be honest about price, although some bargaining is expected.
• Showing some emotion during negotiations is okay, but not too much.
• If the decision is not given right away, it’s most probably negative, as saying “no” directly would cause both parties to lose face.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not expected, but they can be given to boss, elder etc.
• Gifts should be wrapped and they will most likely be opened in private.
• Gifts shouldn’t be too expensive.
• If you are invited to someone’s home, it is polite to bring a gift to the host or hostess. Appropriate gifts good quality chocolates or sweets.

In the Classroom

• Most schools starts on in September and ends in June. There are fall, spring, and winter vacations (1 week, 1 week, 3 weeks).

• University dress code is strict. Formal for men and Turkmen dress for women.

• Most grades are given on 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest and a failing grade being 2.

• Lecture is the most common form of teaching.

Other Observations

• The former Soviet Union had a huge influence, so the culture has many similarities with Russia.
• Turkmen culture is partially exercised in the social life of ethnic Turkmens, but doesn’t usually influence the business life at all. Passion for real Turkmen culture has become a rarity.
• People carry their purchases in bags. If you are carrying around something that is not in a bag, it will usually attract attention.

• Foreign students are expected to follow local rules.