Communication Style

Foreigners frequently observe that Ukrainians rarely smile in public. In fact, speaking loudly and smiling at strangers usually indicates that the person is a westerner. However, in personal and professional relationships, Ukrainians see themselves as direct, open, and forthright. They made their feelings known to those who needed to know. Public displays of affection, anger, or other emotions are more common than in the United States or other Western countries. These are generally acceptable as long as they do not involve offensive gestures or the use of physical force against another person.

Ukrainian men greet each other with a warm handshake, direct eye contact, and occasionally a brief hug followed by a pat on the back. In greeting, female friends kiss each other three times on the cheek. A person's full name is repeated when they meet for the first time. A Christian name, a patronymic, and a surname make up a person's name. Men's patronymics are -vich or ovich, and women's patronymics are -avna, -ovna, or ivna. If the father's Christian name is Petro, his sons will have the patronymic Petrovich, and his daughters will have the patronymic Petrovna. When a person has a professional title, it is customary to use it.