You may have heard that Cypriots are loud. But you have also likely heard them talking about the loudest car, or hunting. That’s not all – Cypriots are also multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-lingual. There are plenty of reasons why Cypriots can be so loud.
Cyprus is a multi-religious country
Cyprus is a multi-religious nation with a diverse population. Most of its citizens are Greek Orthodox, while most of its Turkish population is Sunni Muslim. While the two main ethnic groups live together, their language is not spoken in the same way. Greek Cypriots speak standard modern Greek, while Turkish Cypriots speak Cypriot dialect. Despite the language barrier, many Cypriots can communicate in English.
Cyprus’s religious diversity is reflected in its constitution. The Greek Orthodox Church is legally recognized in Cyprus, and the Church of Cyprus recognizes Islam and the Armenian Orthodox. The government provides substantial financial support to religious institutions, and the Maronite Catholic community is exempt from taxation.
Although the country is largely secular, religion is strongly linked to its cultural identity. Most Greek Cypriots are members of the Autocephalous Greek Orthodox ‘Church of Cyprus.’ However, a small minority of Turkish Cypriots identify as Christian. Historically, there has been no major conflict between the two groups over religion, and religious tolerance is widespread.
It is multi-cultural
Cypriots are very hospitable people, and they’re not afraid to give you food or drink. They also tend to speak loudly and use hand gestures more than people from other parts of the world. As a result, a friendly discussion between two Cypriots can seem like an argument to an outsider. Cypriots will also often offer food to strangers, even if it’s not their favorite.
Cypriots are also notorious for interrupting one another in social situations. At a table for four people, you’ll hear several people talking at the same time. In some cases, you’ll have up to five different tangents of conversation going on at once. While foreigners might mistake this for an argument, Cypriots’ interruptions are merely an expression of interest in the conversation.
While Cypriots are gregarious and lively conversationalists, you’ll need to be wary of tick-borne diseases. In addition, you should dress modestly, with long trousers, no exposed shoulders, and headcovers. Furthermore, Cypriot women are expected to fulfill traditional domestic roles.
It is multi-lingual
Cypriots have a way of speaking that is different than Western Europeans. They use more hand gestures and talk loudly. What may seem like a friendly discussion can come off as a fight if you’re not used to it. Cypriots often use the plural form of language to refer to authority figures.
Cypriots also tend to interrupt other people. At a dinner party, for example, three or four people may be talking at the same time. This can result in five tangents of conversation at once! While this can be confusing for foreigners, it actually shows that Cypriots are interested in the conversation.
It is multi-religious
The Cyprus Conference is under way, and all the participants have declared their desire to reach a solution to the conflict in the island. It is an opportunity of a lifetime, and all the parties have a responsibility to ensure that it is successful. In the past few days, thousands of Cypriots have demonstrated their support for peace and dialogue at rallies across the island.
Cypriots don’t just talk loudly. They are often in conversation about the latest hunting trip, dinner, and which car is the loudest. While this may not seem offensive to many people, it can be annoying to others. It’s also a good idea to avoid Cypriot small talk if you’re not fond of it.
Cypriots can be very friendly and are happy to accept food and drink from visitors. They are also hospitable and use hand gestures to express their emotions. They may be a little bit louder than the average western European, but this doesn’t make them less friendly. Also, men don’t typically kiss women, but young female friends will often hold hands with men.
