The document discusses alternative greeting methods to handshakes that could help prevent the spread of germs like swine flu. It notes that some cultures greet each other through fist bumps, bows, salutes, or verbal greetings instead of physical contact. It suggests that the Canadian government consider introducing non-contact greetings from other parts of the world, such as bowing from China, in order to curb flu transmission during seasonal outbreaks. However, it also identifies some traditional greetings like nose-rubbing from New Zealand or cheek-sniffing from Tuvalu that could increase germ spread.

1. Tim Vitkuske
Tim Vitkuske
Media Writing – MDCM 120 01
Feature Assignment – FINAL DRAFT
Philip Mascoll
November 4, 2009
Title: Hello World!
How would you feel if you were introduced to someone, offered your hand to shake, and
the person says, “I’m sorry, I’m worried about swine flu, so I can’t shake your hand.”
Would you be offended to be categorized as someone who might be a carrier of this over
hyped sickness? Would you understand such a concern because germs spread so easily?
It seems that every flu season there is a halt in handshakes, for fear of spreading nasty
viruses.
I feel that there shouldn’t be any handshaking drought, since there are hand sanitizer
dispensers everywhere. I also have the common sense to constantly wash my hands.
However, I suppose there are a percentage of people without that knowledge!
Perhaps to save embarrassment and prevent awkward moments, Canadians should change
their traditional greeting gesture.
If we started slapping each other on the back, as is common in Greece, surely germs
would be less of a concern.
On the Caribbean Island of Grenada, folk simply tap clenched fists, something that young
people in Canada picked up on long ago.
Even better would be a greeting that has no physical contact at all. We’ve all seen the
Chinese tradition of the respectful bow. Gosh they are smart over there!
In Bangladesh, a relaxed salute with the right hand is a sufficient greeting.
You might hear a Jamaican say, “Waapun”, which is essentially “What’s happening?”
The Kanouri people in Niger shake a fist at head level and call out, “Wooshay!
Wooshay!” (“Hello! Hello!”)
These are just a few of the possibilities that our good government may want to consider
introducing to our endangered society to prevent swine flu from spreading.
I have also come across some cultures which have greeting methods that would surely
increase the spread of germs! These are the ones to avoid.

2. Tim Vitkuske
Consider New Zealand’s Maori, where some press noses together with their eyes closed.
Let’s hope neither has to sneeze!
Exchanging pipes is common practice in Mongolia. It may as well be a kiss on the lips!
The best is for last. In Tuvalu, relatives will press a cheek to the cheek of another and
sniff deeply. Risky business!
Since shaking hands is such a good way of spreading germs, it might prove beneficial to
adopt one or more of these alternative methods of saying “G’day!”