by Harriet Lee

Created on: August 22, 2010   Last Updated: August 23, 2010

People from Argentina are warm, friendly and passionate. The family is of most importance and is at the centre of Argentinean life with extended families still having significant status.

When meeting an Argentinean family, initial greetings are formal and follow a set of rules for greeting, this is the eldest or most important person is always greeted first. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will be sufficient in showing good manners.  In general, Argentines do prefer third-party introductions, so it is a good idea for you to wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering, when possible. Upon leaving ensure you say good-bye to each person at the gathering or event individually.

The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this does come a responsibility to care and protect for others in terms of security, jobs, and so forth and to maintain personal and family honor.  Loyalty means an awful lot to people in Argentina. 

Argentina's official language is Spanish.  However, Argentinean Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish.  If you have time it would be an idea to learn a few basic phrases.

If you are invited to an Argentinean home, then you need to dress well.  Males should wear perhaps a suit, shirt and tie and females a dress or skirt and blouse.  You will not be expected to arrive on time so think about arriving half an hour later than the agreed time.  This will not be taken as rude, but will be expected of you.  Like good manners in any country, be sure to telephone the following morning to thank them.

Always ensure good table manners.  Do not just sit anywhere. Wait to be seated.  Do not begin eating until the host or hostess invites you to do so, no matter how tempting it may be.  Ensure your elbows do not rest on the table and your hands are kept visible at all times.  You will need to wait for a toast to be announced before delving into your drink.  When you have finished your food place your knife and fork across your plate to the right hand side ensuring the fork prongs are facing downwards.

Although it may all sound a little overwhelming you would probably do all the above anyway without any thought.  Mostly it is just good manners.  Enjoy your time and take in the wonderful surroundings and beliefs. 

Resources

www.kwintessential.co.uk

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