Study Overseas

The Southern region of the US is famous for its hospitable and friendly nature. Southerners are well known for being particularly warm and welcoming to visitors to their homes or to the South in general. The practice of Southern hospitality is still a big part of the Southern way of life shaping the way people interact and how they treat others. Southerners go above and beyond a cursory "hello" when they meet a stranger, they show respect, courtesy, kindness and selflessness in a number of ways.

So, let's take a look at how the friendliest region of the US welcomes it's visitors...

1. Southern Etiquette

An important feature of southern hospitality is proper local etiquette which means addressing people politely. Young Southerners should address adults as "Sir" or "Ma'am". Where the marital status of women is unknown, a simple "Miz" is acceptable. For everyday brief encounters, it is polite to acknowledge people with a greeting such as "how do you do?" or "hello".

2. Southern Manners

Southerners make a point of practising common courtesy, this extends to everybody, regardless of whether you know the person or not. Displaying good manners doesn't mean you have to be insincere. Simple gestures such as saying please and thank you, respecting authoritative figures and opening doors for others are valued and appreciated by Southerners.

3. Southern Friendliness

Part of the Southern charm is friendliness. Southerners tend to smile a lot more at people they don't know. As a visitor you may be asked, "hi do?" or "how are you?" Southerners take a genuine interest in people, especially those who are new to the area.

4. Southern Welcome

Southerners are famous for their hospitable nature when it comes to receiving guests. A cordial and generous reception towards guests is a local custom which is intended to make the visitor feel as comfortable as possible in unfamiliar surroundings. If there is a party or just a small group of people, the host will go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy. As a guest, it is polite to accept whatever your host offers you. If you are invited in for tea, don't expect a piping hot beverage served in dainty cups and saucers. Traditionally, Southerners drink sweet tea served in a tall glass filled with ice and maybe a slice of lemon.

5. Southern Cuisine

A big feature of Southern hospitality is the provision of Southern cuisine to visitors.

Food is served in plentiful portions; in fact, it would be considered a failure on the host's part if their guests left hungry! Cooking up a good meal and sharing it with company is one of the key notions of Southern hospitality. Offerings of food are not limited to entertaining visitors in your own home, often Southerners will take a cake or other delicacy to the door of a new neighbour by way of an introduction.

6. Southern Driving

You will find that Southerners have their own code of conduct when it comes to driving. Being courteous on the roads is commonplace in the South; if someone has made space for you during a lane change, you should show your gratitude by waving your hand. Not doing so may appear rude and arrogant and could even cause a little hostility! However, if your car broke down or ran off the road, Southerners would flock to your rescue.

7. Southern Lingo

Like any region in any country, the South has its own phrases and dialect. If you hear any sayings with which you aren't familiar, just ask what it means. Remember, southerners are known for their hospitality, they'll be glad to help you out. Here are some common Southern expressions that you may come across:

"Y'all" - addressing more than one person

"How's Your Mom'an'em?" - How's the family?

"I'm fixing to" - I'm going to...

"We'll be Talkin' at Ya" - I'll be seeing you

If you ask for directions you may find that places can be "down the road aways" or if the person doesn't know, you may hear, "you can't get there from here".

Article By: Emily Crane