Communication Styles

Serbians prefer direct communication styles. In general, they express their opinions and disagreements on an issue openly. Speaking loudly in conversation is common in Serbian culture because speaking softly is often misconstrued as a lack of self-assurance. Personal space in Serbia is smaller than in other cultures. Body language and facial expressions frequently reveal how a Serbian is feeling.

Greetings are also determined by centuries-old customs. Younger people should greet older ones first. Those who enter a home first extend greetings to those they find within. In addition to a spoken greeting, male persons greet others by taking their hats off. Relatives address each other by their terms of relationship, such as uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother, and so on.

Serbians are often openly emotional and rarely private. They enjoy talking and being heard. It is considered impolite not to give someone their full attention. Serbs are hospitable, sharing their lives with family, neighbors, and friends. Serbs dislike rowdy public behavior and prefer to blend in with the crowd.