The last thing about Greeks is so common. Greeks can't say "NO" because they think they re going to dissapoint their company. I ve live 10 years in Germany and I would say Germans are more direct. They say easily "no". But Greeks: "yes, yes, yes, I'm gonna call you" , or "yes, why not, next time probably" or "it sounds nice, it's a good idea, I'm gonna see if I have enough time." So basically just one "yes" means yes. 3 yes means "no". Πολύ καλό βίντεο, μπράβο!
Thank you for a very insightful video. Greece reminds me a little of my visit to Sofia, Bulgaria when it was still communist. Everyone seems to have a job. In Greece, you have toll attendants on the highways where other countries are going to e-pass and mailing the tolls. There are street cleaners in Athens who sweep the sidewalks. In the USA, we're transitioning to more self-service, but in Greece you can't even buy bananas or other produce without someone weighing it for you, and like you, I've never seen a self-checkout. New Jersey, in the USA, is a state which has gas attendants and you are not permitted to pump your own gas. It is an anomaly on the east coast, but good preparation for the Greek experience.
I actually can't wait to go back to Greece after lockdown here in Australia. Greek people have go to be a very strong and prided culture of people. Direct and down to earth no bullshit aside. They tell you what they think, they are happy to help you, they are hospitable, they do not care who you are, you are always welcome. The children of most Greek people are mature and respectful of elderly people, help their neighbors like no tomorrow. The Greeks are also very intelligent, I mean the foundations of mathematics and science comes from there.They are all about family and helping each other. Thats why even though they had an economic crisis, they survive, because they know how! I love the Greeks they are by far my favourite people and I have visited over 80 countries.
Hi! I am a half greek teen living in england, and you're videos are so helpful for me to reconnect with the language and culture! I do speak relatively well, but my fluency goes away quite quickly when I haven't been to greece in a while. love your content, thank you :))
Ενδιαφέρον, ευχαριστώ! In Quebec, Canada, we also always serve tap water to the customers at a restaurant (back when we could sit at a table in a restaurant)
The whole thing about someone pumping your gas for you used to be the norm in America decades ago. Gas stations were known as service stations. However slowly it became a thing where you did it yourself. It's not very common but it does occur in America. There are some places, (Oregon is where I think but don't quote me on that) were they still do it because it creates jobs. Growing up where I live in Kentucky there was always usually one gas station in the major cities that that had the service station where they would pump gas for you. That was when I was a kid. I'm 25 now and those gas stations no longer exist.
The state of Oregon finally got rid of at least some of their law requiring a gas station employee to pump gas for customers. It’s funny to us in nearby Washington State that some Oregonians were complaining that they’re scared of pumping their own gas, since we do it all the time.
2. I love that there are employees that help you with everything in Greece. In Norway you have to do everything yourself, even if you have a broken arm there's noone around to help you in airports etc. 3. In many places you get tap water for free (and the water quality is excellent), but it is always full of ice cubes (even in winter!) unless you ask them not to put it in. 5. I LOVE oregano, and I always get chips with oregano in Greece! And speaking of chips, in Greece you most often get a little snack for free when you order a drink. That never happens in Norway. No wonder we love Greece!
Έχεις δίκιο και μπορώ να ταυτιστώ με πολλά από αυτά τα πράγματα. Όσο περισσότερο ταξιδεύεις, τόσο περισσότερο καταλαβεις τον κόσμο ... Τέσπα, προτιμώ τον ελληνικό τρόπο ζωής! : )
The indirect part is funny. I’ve picked the same thing up when talking to my friends in Japanese. They like to add things like “I think” “maybe” and “isn’t it” onto affirmative statements. They might say in response to an invitation “ちょっと” which means “a little bit” implying that they don’t wanna go or can’t go.
There are some similarities between Filipino culture and Greek culture 1. The gasoline employees. These are common in the Philippines. Every gasoline station here has an employee that will pump the gas for you. We commonly call them as "gasoline boys" (because most of the employees were males) 2. In most convenience stores, there is always a personnel present in the cashier, even in shopping malls, there are mall crews in which you can ask about the product displayed. 3. Water is the default here in the Philippines, although most of the fast food restaurants will probably promote soda since there's a payment for that. However, you can say to the counter that you don't want soda but will have water. Water is free in all restos and local common canteens (carinderia). 4. Pedestrian lanes were mostly usable, though there are times that some motorists would disregard that there is an existing pedestrian lane. So, most of the times, pedestrian lanes are for aesthetics. That's why the government opted to footbridges, however since it is very tiresome to cross thru footbridge, some would choose to jaywalk instead. 5. Oregano here is a herbal medicine, especially if you have respiratory problems. It is rarely used as a spice, maybe I should try it. 6. Filipinos uses indirect communications too. They often use idioms, make sarcastic remarks, and other non-verbal gestures.
The free water thing is funny. In the US, it’s a universal thing at restaurants/bars/cafes. Ice water, and even adding lemon, is free. European friends have expressed that it’s pretty weird to them. Edit: the indirect communication thing is pretty common in the US too. Not only what you said, with the “Yeah! I’ll see if I have time” type. In the Southern US, there’s a saying “bless your heart.” It is usually used as one of the strongest criticisms. If you disagree, or think someone is an idiot, you say “well, bless your heart, darling.”
Regarding indirect communication - I was thinking about the Southern U.S. as well. But we do use "bless your heart" in two different contexts in Texas - 1. the way you spoke of it, and 2. as a genuine expression of care for someone who is in / has been dealing with a difficult situation. (It's fairly easy to determine which is being used. 😉)
Are you sure you’re talking about Greece? I’m from India and it seems to me that you’re informing the world about Indian practices… except the Oregano. We have Corriander for that! 😀 I had no clue there was so much in common between the Greeks and Indians. 🤗
Hola, que tal?, como van?, Los mejores y más cordiales Saludos desde puente piedra, lima, Perú, ojalá que puedas venir en algún momento a mi país y que disfrutes mucho de todo por aquí, con la familia y los amigos, felicidades por tus vídeos....
In my hometown (small town in MI, USA), there is one gas station left that still has a fuel attendant. I always leave him a tip if I go there because I feel bad not fueling my own car lol
Hello! Have you ever been in Italy? Especially the south? Many of your habits kind of happen there too: gas station employee, self service, pedestrian lanes and indirect communication :D
I'm curious to ask...about the indirect communication. I have a romantic interest, who is Greek, he is very special to me and we have been in touch for a few years long distance, remaining mostly as friends... and I cannot tell if him and I were flirting in the past. I definitely was flirting with him, but I feel like he enjoys talking indirectly with me, in like a mysterious way rather than it being upfront and communicative...is this because Greek people are more creative and soulful and attached to their inner emotions more? Should I gently accept his subtle advances and communicate the same way back? I do see that being upfront in the past did offend him. For now, it remains long distance because he lives across the world but I have felt romantic vibes through video...there are just no words or firm promises yet the depth of how he describes his romantic interest through music is deeper than I have ever experienced in North America. Thank you in advance! It just struck a chord to hear that Greek people will communicate that way...what do you suggest I do? I really like him..
Hi! I hope you two meet each other in person again :) The Greek culture is considered a "high context" culture; indeed, a big chunk of our communication is through body language and other subtle ways of communication. This have both positive and negative sides. For example, we sometimes get frustrated when people don't get our hints and we might overreact later. The other person might not even see it coming... But the personality of the individual plays a role as well. Some people are more upfront and we do admire that. Being direct about your feelings is definitely admirable and apprectiated and, if you feel comfortable expressing how you feel and accepting any outcome, you should do it! I think there are two reasons why we are more indirect: a) we enjoy the process b) it is a way to avoid confrotation. So, in an essence, if you like flirting indirectly, keep on doing it, if you would rather express your feeling directly no matter the consequences, go on and do that as well. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thank you, Helinika! 🙏 This was so helpful! I think it’s so lovely how communication in Greek culture is done through such subtlety. It’s so poetic and beautiful...artful! Thank you for your encouragement. Your videos are so well done and explores the many angles of Greek culture. I cannot wait to learn more...so Thank You! I am from Canada but my background is Romanian/Austrian/Polish. I love Greece, it is so beautiful 🇬🇷...I also love how Greek people will enjoy the process of communicating subtly. That was such a surprise to learn! I would have never known if I did not watch this video. Thank you soooo much! If I do meet him in person, I will let you know 🤞
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I'm from Brazil. I really like Greek culture, We are very similar ; )
I am Greek. I really like Brazilian culture. We are very similar ; )
Brasilian italians greeks
Awww yes very true! My partner is Brazilian and my background is Greek, we surely have a lot in common! 🙂😊🇧🇷🇬🇷
The last thing about Greeks is so common. Greeks can't say "NO" because they think they re going to dissapoint their company. I ve live 10 years in Germany and I would say Germans are more direct. They say easily "no". But Greeks: "yes, yes, yes, I'm gonna call you" , or "yes, why not, next time probably" or "it sounds nice, it's a good idea, I'm gonna see if I have enough time." So basically just one "yes" means yes. 3 yes means "no". Πολύ καλό βίντεο, μπράβο!
😊😊
Εχεις απολυτο δικαιο,αλλα αυτη η νοοτροπια εχει και την αρνητικη πλευρά:δε λενε ξεκαθαρα τη γνωμη για να συνεχιζουν το δούλεμα....
Thank you for a very insightful video. Greece reminds me a little of my visit to Sofia, Bulgaria when it was still communist. Everyone seems to have a job. In Greece, you have toll attendants on the highways where other countries are going to e-pass and mailing the tolls. There are street cleaners in Athens who sweep the sidewalks. In the USA, we're transitioning to more self-service, but in Greece you can't even buy bananas or other produce without someone weighing it for you, and like you, I've never seen a self-checkout. New Jersey, in the USA, is a state which has gas attendants and you are not permitted to pump your own gas. It is an anomaly on the east coast, but good preparation for the Greek experience.
I actually can't wait to go back to Greece after lockdown here in Australia. Greek people have go to be a very strong and prided culture of people. Direct and down to earth no bullshit aside. They tell you what they think, they are happy to help you, they are hospitable, they do not care who you are, you are always welcome. The children of most Greek people are mature and respectful of elderly people, help their neighbors like no tomorrow. The Greeks are also very intelligent, I mean the foundations of mathematics and science comes from there.They are all about family and helping each other. Thats why even though they had an economic crisis, they survive, because they know how! I love the Greeks they are by far my favourite people and I have visited over 80 countries.
Hi! I am a half greek teen living in england, and you're videos are so helpful for me to reconnect with the language and culture! I do speak relatively well, but my fluency goes away quite quickly when I haven't been to greece in a while. love your content, thank you :))
This comment made me so happy! Great to hear that :)
Ενδιαφέρον, ευχαριστώ! In Quebec, Canada, we also always serve tap water to the customers at a restaurant (back when we could sit at a table in a restaurant)
I've just moved to Greece! Your videos are sooooo good! Thanks so much!!
The whole thing about someone pumping your gas for you used to be the norm in America decades ago. Gas stations were known as service stations. However slowly it became a thing where you did it yourself. It's not very common but it does occur in America. There are some places, (Oregon is where I think but don't quote me on that) were they still do it because it creates jobs. Growing up where I live in Kentucky there was always usually one gas station in the major cities that that had the service station where they would pump gas for you. That was when I was a kid. I'm 25 now and those gas stations no longer exist.
The state of Oregon finally got rid of at least some of their law requiring a gas station employee to pump gas for customers. It’s funny to us in nearby Washington State that some Oregonians were complaining that they’re scared of pumping their own gas, since we do it all the time.
2. I love that there are employees that help you with everything in Greece. In Norway you have to do everything yourself, even if you have a broken arm there's noone around to help you in airports etc. 3. In many places you get tap water for free (and the water quality is excellent), but it is always full of ice cubes (even in winter!) unless you ask them not to put it in. 5. I LOVE oregano, and I always get chips with oregano in Greece! And speaking of chips, in Greece you most often get a little snack for free when you order a drink. That never happens in Norway. No wonder we love Greece!
Thanks for sharing!!
@@helinika Τhank you for the video, and for replying! Καλό Σαββατοκύριακο!
Έχεις δίκιο και μπορώ να ταυτιστώ με πολλά από αυτά τα πράγματα. Όσο περισσότερο ταξιδεύεις, τόσο περισσότερο καταλαβεις τον κόσμο ... Τέσπα, προτιμώ τον ελληνικό τρόπο ζωής! : )
🙂🙂
The indirect part is funny. I’ve picked the same thing up when talking to my friends in Japanese. They like to add things like “I think” “maybe” and “isn’t it” onto affirmative statements. They might say in response to an invitation “ちょっと” which means “a little bit” implying that they don’t wanna go or can’t go.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for this video. I am writing a story about Greek and this video help me understand Greek culture a bit better 😁
Glad to hear that!
There are some similarities between Filipino culture and Greek culture
1. The gasoline employees. These are common in the Philippines. Every gasoline station here has an employee that will pump the gas for you. We commonly call them as "gasoline boys" (because most of the employees were males)
2. In most convenience stores, there is always a personnel present in the cashier, even in shopping malls, there are mall crews in which you can ask about the product displayed.
3. Water is the default here in the Philippines, although most of the fast food restaurants will probably promote soda since there's a payment for that. However, you can say to the counter that you don't want soda but will have water. Water is free in all restos and local common canteens (carinderia).
4. Pedestrian lanes were mostly usable, though there are times that some motorists would disregard that there is an existing pedestrian lane. So, most of the times, pedestrian lanes are for aesthetics. That's why the government opted to footbridges, however since it is very tiresome to cross thru footbridge, some would choose to jaywalk instead.
5. Oregano here is a herbal medicine, especially if you have respiratory problems. It is rarely used as a spice, maybe I should try it.
6. Filipinos uses indirect communications too. They often use idioms, make sarcastic remarks, and other non-verbal gestures.
Here in Brazil we have the same system on gas stations
The free water thing is funny. In the US, it’s a universal thing at restaurants/bars/cafes. Ice water, and even adding lemon, is free. European friends have expressed that it’s pretty weird to them.
Edit: the indirect communication thing is pretty common in the US too. Not only what you said, with the “Yeah! I’ll see if I have time” type. In the Southern US, there’s a saying “bless your heart.” It is usually used as one of the strongest criticisms. If you disagree, or think someone is an idiot, you say “well, bless your heart, darling.”
Regarding indirect communication - I was thinking about the Southern U.S. as well. But we do use "bless your heart" in two different contexts in Texas - 1. the way you spoke of it, and 2. as a genuine expression of care for someone who is in / has been dealing with a difficult situation. (It's fairly easy to determine which is being used. 😉)
Γεια σας. Μόλις βρήκα το κανάλι σας. σας ευχαριστώ πολύ! Λατρεύω την ελληνική γλώσσα και κουλτούρα. ❤️
Χαίρομαι πολύ γι' αυτό!
@@helinika Δεν έχω πάει ποτέ στην Ελλάδα αλλά ελπίζω Ότι θα πάω μια μέρα αφού είναι το όνειρό μου
Here in Oregon State (USA), we also don't pump our own gas.
It may be bottled too if the tap water quality is not good in the area.
Also, the discussions are like yelling and talking over each other in an aggressive way, without really making much sense.
Are you sure you’re talking about Greece? I’m from India and it seems to me that you’re informing the world about Indian practices… except the Oregano. We have Corriander for that! 😀 I had no clue there was so much in common between the Greeks and Indians. 🤗
Interesting! :)
@@helinika, you must visit India sometime, you’ll feel at home!
I have seen a few supermarkets with a self-checkout in Athens and IKEA seems to be adding them to the smaller stores.
Ahahaha, many of these common Greek things are also common in the Philippines! It's amusing to see some similarities.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing :)
Hola, que tal?, como van?, Los mejores y más cordiales Saludos desde puente piedra, lima, Perú, ojalá que puedas venir en algún momento a mi país y que disfrutes mucho de todo por aquí, con la familia y los amigos, felicidades por tus vídeos....
In my hometown (small town in MI, USA), there is one gas station left that still has a fuel attendant. I always leave him a tip if I go there because I feel bad not fueling my own car lol
Good effort nicely explain.
Hello! Have you ever been in Italy? Especially the south? Many of your habits kind of happen there too: gas station employee, self service, pedestrian lanes and indirect communication :D
Hi! Yes, I have been in Northern Italy so far but even there I noticed many similarities :)
I'm curious to ask...about the indirect communication. I have a romantic interest, who is Greek, he is very special to me and we have been in touch for a few years long distance, remaining mostly as friends... and I cannot tell if him and I were flirting in the past. I definitely was flirting with him, but I feel like he enjoys talking indirectly with me, in like a mysterious way rather than it being upfront and communicative...is this because Greek people are more creative and soulful and attached to their inner emotions more? Should I gently accept his subtle advances and communicate the same way back? I do see that being upfront in the past did offend him. For now, it remains long distance because he lives across the world but I have felt romantic vibes through video...there are just no words or firm promises yet the depth of how he describes his romantic interest through music is deeper than I have ever experienced in North America. Thank you in advance! It just struck a chord to hear that Greek people will communicate that way...what do you suggest I do? I really like him..
Hi! I hope you two meet each other in person again :)
The Greek culture is considered a "high context" culture; indeed, a big chunk of our communication is through body language and other subtle ways of communication. This have both positive and negative sides. For example, we sometimes get frustrated when people don't get our hints and we might overreact later. The other person might not even see it coming...
But the personality of the individual plays a role as well. Some people are more upfront and we do admire that. Being direct about your feelings is definitely admirable and apprectiated and, if you feel comfortable expressing how you feel and accepting any outcome, you should do it! I think there are two reasons why we are more indirect: a) we enjoy the process b) it is a way to avoid confrotation.
So, in an essence, if you like flirting indirectly, keep on doing it, if you would rather express your feeling directly no matter the consequences, go on and do that as well. Fingers crossed 🤞
Thank you, Helinika! 🙏 This was so helpful! I think it’s so lovely how communication in Greek culture is done through such subtlety. It’s so poetic and beautiful...artful! Thank you for your encouragement. Your videos are so well done and explores the many angles of Greek culture. I cannot wait to learn more...so Thank You! I am from Canada but my background is Romanian/Austrian/Polish. I love Greece, it is so beautiful 🇬🇷...I also love how Greek people will enjoy the process of communicating subtly. That was such a surprise to learn! I would have never known if I did not watch this video. Thank you soooo much!
If I do meet him in person, I will let you know 🤞
@@TanyaKatherine :) :)
Being from Taiwan, I found Greeks to be so direct when I met some 🤣
The gas station thing is similar to India 😅😂
👌🏽
You forgot yes and no head gestures...with a nod for yes and flipping head up with your tongue for no.
Please your making a video belding name out and in
In Oregon USA they do not allow you to pump your own gas either!
💛
Love your accent, are you Greek??
Yes, I am from Athens :)
@@helinika cool!
It a like italy
Even in america we have people pump our own gas.
GOD JESUS BLESS YOU GORI GOBELAH
A SPECIAL PRAYER TO DO STANDING AGREEMENT AS LISTENING ONCE A WEEK FOR YOU
ON UA-cam PARAKLISIS TO THE THEOTOKOS IN ENGLISH BY ICONA+
7) comment on videos