what do you say...

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:46 am

when you meet people for the very first time?

or when you introduced yourself to foreign people?

Yesterday, we received the visit of 2 sirs from Georgia and I heard my boss telling them that I speak english and other similar nonsenses...

Then, they came over our firm and when in my office, of course, I was pleased to greet them...

A part a simply..How are you? and Nice to meet you, what do you generally say?

Bye

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:55 am

your greeting was just perfect. polite and warm.....we haven't met, but i wanted to say hello to you, my family originated in Lake Como area. :-6

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:06 am

ACCADUE;458862 wrote: when you meet people for the very first time?

or when you introduced yourself to foreign people?

Yesterday, we received the visit of 2 sirs from Georgia and I heard my boss telling them that I speak english and other similar nonsenses...

Then, they came over our firm and when in my office, of course, I was pleased to greet them...

A part a simply..How are you? and Nice to meet you, what do you generally say?

"How do you do?", or "Hello" or "Good Morning", or "Whoi slapper, who are you,

and what are you doing in my bed? Where am I?"

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:06 am

lady cop;458865 wrote: ....we haven't met, but i wanted to say hello to you, my family originated in Lake Como area. :-6
Great! not very far from me.. just an hour by car..

I asked that, because yesterday I was quite embarassed: in fact, I did not know why they were there, so I could not start a conversation, if needed..

I'm afraid I made a poor showing. or, as we say in Italy a "thin figure"

Oh dear me!!!

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:08 am

Bill Sikes;458870 wrote: "How do you do?", or "Hello" or "Good Morning", or "Whoi slapper, who are you,

and what are you doing in my bed? Where am I?"

Thanks, dear, but I suppose I should know what to say in that occasion!

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:11 am

ACCADUE;458871 wrote: I asked that, because yesterday I was quite embarassed: in fact, I did not know why they were there, so I could not start a conversation, if needed..

Just make small talk - about the weather, or something! See:

http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Personal/M ... #SmallTalk

for ideas on "small talk" - however, take all the info. at the whole URL with a big

pinch of salt, some of it isn't very accurate....

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:13 am

We would have said "I reckon you aint from around these parts?":rolleyes:

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:16 am

ACCADUE;458873 wrote: Thanks, dear

I must pull you up on that one. "Dear" is an inappropriate salutation under

the circumstances.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:24 am

Bill Sikes;458882 wrote: I must pull you up on that one. "Dear" is an inappropriate salutation under

the circumstances.

Oops..

Really ?!!

Would you be so kind to explain, please ?Thanks a lot and best regards.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:30 am

SnoozeControl;458888 wrote: :yh_rotfl

:yh_sleep :yh_youkid

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:36 am

ACCADUE;458887 wrote:

Originally Posted by Bill Sikes

I must pull you up on that one. "Dear" is an inappropriate salutation under

the circumstances.

Oops..

Really ?!!

Would you be so kind to explain, please ?Thanks a lot and best regards.

Aha, sorry, my mistake. I looked up your sex in your "profile", and it says

"female", so what you said is OK - it could be taken to be just slightly "familiar",

though, or condescending (Note, hopefully unneccessary - I am not saying you

meant it like that!). If you were a man, the circumstances would have been

very different

.

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:16 am

SnoozeControl;458901 wrote: I usually extend a hand and say something like "Hello, it's nice to meet you."

So different to how I imagined

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:24 pm

I'm usually smiling and laughing and it's a opener to greeting - people don't make friendly awkward.

I've been on vacation for 2 weeks - and people found my laugh contagious and chimed right in, or I chimed right in and the intro was over and a good conversation followed. Met wonderful people - fun..

Patsy

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:16 am

Our vice president was in house last week. When I was introduced and I shook his hand I leaned in towards his ear and said I keep a file on everyone and if he needed dirt I was the go to guy. That really made me laugh/wonder whats wrong with me later on in the day.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:28 am

You did very well, Accadue!! And what Snooze suggested would be perfect. LadyCop is a lovely person and I'm glad you two have now met!!

Using "dear" in English depends very much on the circumstances, and your tone of voice. Not really like the Italian equivalent. Probably good to avoid it. Grin. In writing a letter, coupled with a name or address form ... "Dear Paola", "Dear Sir", "Dear Mr Smith" - is always fine though.

Great to see you again!!!

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 8:30 am

Thanks Aussy, for you kindness and comprehension.

You know? There are a lot of ways of saying that we not english-speaking do not know and we cannot learn from our school books because they are simply not reported.

We learn a lot of grammar, we learn how to translate very long sentences, we try to learn the saxon genitive but, when we have easy things to do, such as to greet someone, to ask him few simply questions, even to point the way, we are at the ground...

May be that english teaching is changed past time, but I "well" remember my very first close encounter with an english boy who was travelling in Italy and he asked me the way for the railway station, it was a drama...

Or, the worst, my first job, when I had to tell the american colleague the the boss was not in office...Oh, dear me.!!!

I wonder why they do not teach the basic things, first: the other will come, then...

Elvira · Post by **Elvira** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:42 am

I would introduce myself, and confirm my job title, and then say it was nice to meet them. I'd then ask them if they'd travelled down that day, and if the journey was easy.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:12 pm

I usually smile and say "It's nice to meet you!" and offer my hand. Some people think that a woman wishing to shake hands is wrong but I guess that's according to custom. I am always charmed by anyone who extends a hand and a firm handshake impresses me. If it's a more formal occasion, I would say instead, "How do you do?" possibly with an extended hand as well.

I am not familiar with many foreign introduction customs but I act the same way in that case. I presume they may understand my English when I greet them but in case they don't, I rely on a big smile so they can tell I'm happy to meet them. That translates in all languages.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:48 am

Probably, many among you have thought I am quite dumb, because of this thread.

Generally when I meet a person - an italian one, I mean - I am not speechless.

But, try to put yourself in my shoes: they introduce you people you don't know why they are here, what they will do and - most important - foreing language you do not practice from so many years.

One thing is reading, another is speaking..

Anyway, thank you for your help.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:48 am

i don't think you're dumb, i think you're a lovely person!!

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:54 am

ACCADUE;462165 wrote: Probably, many among you have thought I am quite dumb, because of this thread.

What! You can't speak? Mentally you seem very good!

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:58 am

Hi Accadue,

No, I certainly don't think you are dumb! I think it is very admirable that you want to be considerate when you meet foreigners. I would want that too. Thank you for posting!!

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:43 am

Bill Sikes;462172 wrote: What! You can't speak? Mentally you seem very good!

Why ?

Why when I see a message from Bill Sikes I get a nervous breakdown!!!!:(

What did I say wrong, now!!!!:-5

(oh, pls, I'm just joking....:yh_silly )

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:41 pm

ACCADUE;462255 wrote: Why ?

Why when I see a message from Bill Sikes I get a nervous breakdown!!!!:(

What did I say wrong, now!!!!:-5

(oh, pls, I'm just joking....:yh_silly )

At least you're Italian, Accadue, not French. Grin... And I'm just joking too. I expect you would not find very many people in FG who can get around anything near the way you do in a language they were not born to!!!

Saturday afternoon here, and the sun is shining. I've just finished reading John Berendt's book on Venice. Do you know it? . It's available in Italy as "Dove cadono gli angeli. Venezia e altri misteri" (Beware Falling Angels). It didn't bowl me over like his earlier book on Savannah, Georgia - "Mezzanotte nel giardino del bene e del male" (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil but I found it interesting.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:43 pm

i usually say; Howdy yall , come on in and sit a spell.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:45 pm

Oh Guppy, that sounds so good. It's been too long since I've been down your way!!!

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:53 pm

AussiePam;462785 wrote: Oh Guppy, that sounds so good. It's been too long since I've been down your way!!!

i want to head down your way one day. i have always wanted to see australia. ......got any room for a guppy?:)

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:58 pm

Always !!!!

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:03 pm

AussiePam;462790 wrote: Always !!!!

you might regret them words missy. guppy knows how to get on a plane any ole day and fly........whats fer supper anyhow?

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:14 pm

A bit early for supper yet. But I've fixing to fix rack of veal, done Italian style with mushrooms, oregano, garlic, potatoes and asparagus.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:00 am

It is a jungle out there....

(detective Monk)

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:50 am

I love Monk !!! How are you, Paola? I hope you had a good weekend!

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:52 am

Thanks AussiePam..

Yes, quite a calm week-end, with my husband, my daughter and his fiancé, my son back from university....

Here the weather is foggy - even if not yet cold as it was on november 2005..

The problem is that, due to pollution, cars in Milano and around a certain area outside Milano, are not allowed to travel on Sunday..

In fact, if there is no problem in Milano, because of public transportations such as trams, subways, buses, outside Milano you cannot move.

Nice, isn't it?

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:53 am

I made a mistake: "her fiancé"

(those personal pron..!!!)

Red · Post by **Red** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 6:29 am

AussiePam;462796 wrote: A bit early for supper yet. But I've fixing to fix rack of veal, done Italian style with mushrooms, oregano, garlic, potatoes and asparagus.

can i come for tea pam....?

Ill wash up after...

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 11:30 pm

Sounds like a really nice weekend, Accadue, with all your family. Mine are so spread out. It was my son's birthday on Monday and his sister took him to Paris for a few days. What a lovely present. They are going to phone me tomorrow to tell me all about their adventure. Can't wait!!!

And Red, that turned out pretty well. If you email yourself over here fairly soon you'll just be in time for Asian style baked fish (garlic and ginger) and seafood curry noodles. Maybe some Chinese broccoli.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:41 am

Magenta flame;466215 wrote:

"What the hell do you think your doing in my office!!!? Don't you know how to damn well Knock? This better be good, or I'll have security take you out the back and show you just how impertenant you are!!!"

Well that's how I'd do it!:wah:

This is what I would have say!!!

Thank you.

It will be for the next "V-Visitors" !!!

Troppo bello! (too much cool)

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 11:10 am

A friendly handshake and "nice to meet you" works well here too....

You know in the muslim community if a man has put his right arm across his body and rests his palm roughly over his heart he is politely declining your handshake as they don't always feel comfortable with that form of greeting... so watch for that trick. It's embarassing to retract your extended hand hehehehe A friendly nod of the head and a hello is good enough then.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:20 pm

How are you, Paola? I've temporarily moved my office to the coast - as one does - so can get in a bit of swimming!!!! Bit of a south wind blowing today, but I love the sea in all weather. There's dozens of pelicans roosting on the light poles too. Amazing sight!!

G'day Minks, Magenta!!! Interesting input! Of course I guess a woman wouldn't try and offer her hand to a Muslim man anyway. There are three muslim girls in my favourite gym class, and two of them I know well. (It's a women only gym). They are very touchy/feely and we all hug lots. The third is very shy. So I guess woman to woman you could probably offer a hand.

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 1:39 am

I remember that when our european and overseas colleagues came to visit our offices in Italy, we all greet each other with hugs and kisses..

But I have been told that you never should kiss on a cheek, for greeting, an oriental person, because it is rude..

Is it true ?

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:21 pm

ACCADUE;471787 wrote: I remember that when our european and overseas colleagues came to visit our offices in Italy, we all greet each other with hugs and kisses..

But I have been told that you never should kiss on a cheek, for greeting, an oriental person, because it is rude..

Is it true ?
If it's a bum cheek....yes

minks · Post by **minks** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:35 pm

ACCADUE;471787 wrote: I remember that when our european and overseas colleagues came to visit our offices in Italy, we all greet each other with hugs and kisses..

But I have been told that you never should kiss on a cheek, for greeting, an oriental person, because it is rude..

Is it true ?

Crikey here if you tried that you may get a black eye ahahahaha

Saffron · Post by **Saffron** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:38 pm

ACCADUE;458862 wrote: when you meet people for the very first time?

or when you introduced yourself to foreign people?

Yesterday, we received the visit of 2 sirs from Georgia and I heard my boss telling them that I speak english and other similar nonsenses...

Then, they came over our firm and when in my office, of course, I was pleased to greet them...

A part a simply..How are you? and Nice to meet you, what do you generally say?

Bye
And which Georgia are you meaning? The State of Georgia? OR the Georgia in Egypt? Or is there another Georgia?

I have relatives on my dad's side in Georgia here in the U.S. their speech is slllloooooow as molasses in January. And they have very very thick southern accents. Way too much for me, I have to patience to talk to them. So I just write to an aunt.

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Wed Nov 29, 2006 3:53 pm

I love the Georgia, US accent. Have a girlfriend in Atlanta. She speaks slow, drives fast!!!!

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 5:17 am

minks;472209 wrote: Crikey here if you tried that you may get a black eye ahahahaha

Sorry, I don't understand the meaning...

Could you pls explain, so I will know if I should laugh .. or not:-3

Thanks

ACCADUE · Post by **ACCADUE** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 5:20 am

Saffron;472211 wrote: And which Georgia are you meaning? The State of Georgia? OR the Georgia in Egypt? Or is there another Georgia?

ATTACH]12036[/ATTACH]

Oh dear me! How many Georgia are there??

I meant Georgia-USA - the only one for me.

I didn't know there was a Georgia in Egypt...