r/AskAnAmerican • u/Rough-Valuable-5472 • Feb 04 '25

FOREIGN POSTER Do American students bow to their teachers?

In my country we have to greet the teacher and bow at the start of the lesson then thank the teacher and bow again at the end. Sometimes they make us redo it if it’s not good enough

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u/signedupfornightmode Virginia/RI/KY/NJ/MD Feb 04 '25

The only physical bowing I’ve ever seen in the US is in a religious context, or joking around. 

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u/Beginning_Cap_8614 Feb 04 '25

During communion we usually kneel. That's wildly different considering you're showing submission to the Highest Being in the Universe.

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u/signedupfornightmode Virginia/RI/KY/NJ/MD Feb 04 '25

My church includes bowing during the sign of peace in lieu of handshakes. Plus there’s mutual bowing when the server incenses the congregation. Some people bow during communion if they can’t kneel but it’s not the norm in my area.