How do different cultures answer the telephone?

In Spain the common rule is to answer by saying "¿Dígame?", that is a polite (and considerably old-fashioned) form of "Tell me?". A shorter "¿Diga?" is also very common. Businesses usually answer by saying the name of the business: "Acme Inc. read more

If an unknown caller, I'd answer with my whole name: "Riikka Pasanen", and naturally the caller would answer with their name and then proceed to explain the reason for the call. If it was a friend or acquaintance calling, I'd answer with the name I call myself: "Riikka" or if it was a very close friend, with "Hei!". read more

Around the world, different cultures have developed characteristic phone manners since Bell's day. No people open a call with more effusive hospitality than the Arabs. Whatever the subject of the conversation, it begins with what seems like five minutes of generally meaningless but absolutely essential greetings. read more

For the Chinese, it’s totally acceptable to answer the phone wherever you are! If you’re in a meeting or talking face-to-face, expect to be interrupted by a ringing phone! This is for a good reason. read more