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text=GEORGIA%20-%20LANGUAGE%2C%20CULTURE%2C
%20CUSTOMS%20AND%20ETIQUETTE&clid=1917528&lr=213 GEORGIA -
LANGUAGE,
CULTURE, CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/georgia.html
Capital: T'bilisi
Ethnic Make-up: Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%, other 2.5% (2002
census)
Religion: Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other
0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)
Government: Republic
Language in Georgia
Georgian is the primary language of about 3.9 million people in Georgia itself (83% of the population) and
of another 500,000 abroad (in countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, USA and Europe). It is the literary
language for all ethnographic groups of Georgian people, especially those who speak other South
Caucasian languages (or Kartvelian languages): Svans, Megrelians, and the Laz. Gruzinic, or "Kivruli",
sometimes considered a separate Jewish language, is spoken by an additional 20,000 in Georgia and
65,000 elsewhere (primarily 60,000 in Israel).
Religion in Georgia
o Most Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox (65%), Russian Orthodox (10%) or Armenian
Apostolic (8%) churches.
o Although religion does not overtly impact the culture, behaviour or etiquette, the values do on a subtle
level appear in outlook and also areas such as treatment of guests.
Hospitality
Hierarchy
o When meeting someone for the first time, shake hands while saying "gamarjoba" ("hello"). Once a
relationship warms up some, but not all, Georgians will quickly move to a kiss on the cheek.
o When addressing people only close friends or family will usually use first names.
o First names may also be used with the word "Batono" ("Sir") or "Kalbatono" ("Madam") immediately
afterwards, which brings a sense of formality.
o Most people would expect to be addressed with their appropriate title followed by the surname.
o As with most European and North American nations, gifts are usually given at birthdays and at
Christmas.
o However in Georgia they also have "name days" - these are the birth dates of Saints whom people are
named after.
o Gifts do not need to be expensive and it is more about the thought and intent behind the gift.
o If invited to a Georgian home, bring flowers, imported sweets or chocolates to the hosts.
o Give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are given for funerals.
o Gifts do not need to be elaborately wrapped.
o A small gift for the children is always appreciated.
o Gifts are not necessarily opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
Communication Style
Business Meetings
o At the beginning of meetings introduct ions are the norm. These are generally made in order of seniority
although women are often introduced first. Be prepared to give an overview of your background,
experience and general purpose for your visit.
o It can also prove fruitful to send a full biography of everyone who will attend the meeting beforehand to
save time and also offer a more thorough introduction.
o A first meeting is often more about seeing if doing business together is possible. Do not expect any
contracts to be signed on a first meeting. Time and patience are needed.
o Meetings may continue over a lunch or dinner. The topic of conversation will shift away from business
but this should be used as the time to let the Georgian hosts get to know you on a personal level.
o In most cases decisions are made at the top of a company. Unless you are meeting with the boss or
owner bear in mind that all your meeting will achieve is getting across the key points that will then be
passed upwards to the decision maker.
o Meetings can be frequently interrupted. Do not interpret this as a sign of disinterest but Georgians will
not see any issues with dealing with more than one issue at a time.