| Uruguayans address people who are not close friends
or family very formally. Señor, Señora or Señorita,
that is Mr., Mrs. or Miss, are the usual forms of address. People may also
be addressed according to their professions: lawyers may be addressed as
Doctor, accountants as Contador, engineers as Ingeniero.
Uruguayans frequently drop in on their friends.
Telephoning first is not necessary. Hospitality is always extended to visitors.
A gourd of yerba mate is often the first thing offered. It is traditional
to shake hands with visitors when they arrive and when they depart. When
men greet each other, they may hug each other, or pat each other on the
back. Women usually kiss each others' cheeks. In conversation, Uruguayans
stand close together when they talk, closer than is common for North Americans. |
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Did you know? |
| Personal
visiting cards are common in Uruguay. New acquaintances or business people
will exchange cards when they first meet. Among young people this custom
is not common, but it is still expected among professional working people. |
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