Greeting Norms

The common way to greet in Persian is Salām (Peace) or Salām aleikum (Peace be upon you). Throughout all the Persian speaking countries it is common to place a hand on top of the heart while nodding or bowing slightly when greeting as a sign of respect and sincerity.

When greeting, a handshake is usually the norm between men and also between women in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, while women may also hug each other when meeting, if they are close friends. Handshakes are done by using the right hand only, and men and women should only shake hands if the woman stretches out her hand first.

People of the same gender usually kiss each other two or three times on the cheek when they meet. Afghans will usually kiss someone’s forehead when greeting, which shows deep respect, but a man should not kiss women like this if they are not related.

Keep in mind that Afghans tend to ask each other about their health and family when greeting and it is polite to wait until the end of these pleasantries before moving on to a different topic.

In Iran it is common for people with the lowest status to greet first, so it is polite to greet first as a compliment to your counterpart.

Communication Styles

Iranians are usually regarded as indirect communicators. They tend to speak in a figurative manner in order to avoid causing offense and to respect their counterparts. Iranians will often make use of stories or traditional sayings to get to their point. Saying ‘no’ directly is often seen as rude in Iranian culture so it should be avoided. Nonetheless, in Iranian etiquette (taarof, that means politeness and mutual respect) it is polite to say ‘no’ initially when offered something, such as food or help, and accepting only when the other person insists, which they will.

Afghans tend to be both direct and indirect communicators, depending on who they are talking with. When interacting with older people, Afghans tend to speak indirectly and respectfully, but will tend to talk directly with people of the same age. The type of language used also tends to vary depending on the age difference and status. Additionally, raised voices in public are considered extremely disrespectful.

Tajiks have an honest approach to communication and even though Tajiks can be quite reserved, they are very welcoming, as the people of Tajikistan are well-known for their hospitality. Tajiks are very friendly, generous, and kind to their acquaintances. Humor plays a big role in Tajikistan’s communication and it is appreciated among friends.

Personal Space and Touching

In Persian speaking countries, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, people are conscious about their personal space and will generally keep a considerate distance of each other while talking. However, while seating in public spaces that distance may not be kept between people of the same gender.

In public, physical contact is kept at a minimum between those of different gender. Nonetheless, it is common to touch friends and family in a friendly way out of the public eye. Public displays of affection, like holding hands or kissing when greeting is common between people of the same gender.

Eye Contact and Gestures

Eye contact is expected among peers and is considered respectful and trustworthy in all Persian speaking countries. In accordance with Islamic principles, though, women and men should lower their gaze and not maintain eye contact with each other.

Some gestures have the same meaning in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Pointing, for instance, is considered rude in these three countries. Similarly, pointing your feet towards someone is equally rude, insulting even, as is displaying the soles of one’s feet. The thumbs-up gesture does not have the significance it has in the West, instead, it has the same meaning of a raised middle finger. In both Iran and Tajikistan, people should avoid blowing their nose in public. Additionally, in Iran, it is rude to turn ones back at someone.