Country in Central Asia. Official name – Mongolia. Population – 3.3 million people (as of 2020). Capital – Ulaanbaatar. Official language – Mongolian. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Buddhism.
A handshake is the accepted form of greeting in Mongolia, both in society at large and in business practices.
If you greet someone by saying a few phrases or words in Mongolian, it will be seen as a sign of respect for the country's culture by your colleague in Mongolia.
Forms of greeting like hugs and cheek kisses, which are common between friends and relatives in many other cultures, are not widespread in Mongolia. In informal settings, it is possible to see an older person greet a younger person by taking their hand and bringing it close to their face without actually touching it.
It is important to show respect towards elderly people. In the Mongolian language, there are several ways to address them, including different forms of the pronoun "You," which vary depending on the person's age and hierarchical position in the company.
During a greeting, especially during the first meeting, it is important to maintain direct eye contact with your Mongolian colleague. This helps build more sincere relationships.
In Mongolian society, it is customary to address each other by first names. This is primarily due to the fact that Mongolian surnames are often very long. For the same reason, Mongolians frequently use nicknames, especially in informal settings.
However, in business and formal communication, when addressing a Mongolian partner, you should use their surname rather than their first name...
In addition to your last name, first name, and contact information, also include your position in the company, such as your job title. This will help your Mongolian colleague understand your place in the company's hierarchy and adjust their behavior toward you accordingly.
For a business trip to Mongolia, it’s a good idea to prepare several versions of business cards with different lang...
In Mongolia, great importance is placed on developing and maintaining relationships, especially with foreign partners. However, you should not expect much time to be dedicated to small talk during business meetings.
In formal settings, Mongolians tend to behave quite reservedly, refraining from openly displaying emotions. However, in informal settings with people they know well, their...
A possible and safe topic for small talk, especially to start a conversation, is the weather. For reference: Ulaanbaatar is considered the coldest capital in the world.
Your Mongolian partners will appreciate discussing the national festivals held in the country, especially Naadam, celebrated annually in mid-summer as Mongolia's national holiday.
Sports are a very popular topic ...
Personal topics should be avoided, especially in the early stages of developing business relationships. Questions about family, health, age, or financial status are considered inappropriate when speaking with foreigners. Likewise, it is not customary to make any remarks about a person’s appearance.
Refrain from talking about your personal life or family, especially if your conversation ...
The comfortable distance for communication in Mongolian society may generally be slightly smaller than in other cultures, such as Central or Northern Europe. Observe your Mongolian colleagues during interactions at events to draw your own conclusions.
The so-called comfort zone for communication can vary depending on several factors. One of these is the level of trust and closeness betw...
Mongolia has a unique culture rooted in the country’s rich history and its remarkable geographic location between Russia and China.
Communication in Mongolian society can vary significantly depending on where people live, the professional sphere they work in, and even the company they work for. For example, the communication style of employees in domestic companies may differ from that ...
Any questions? Contact us.
Ask a Question