The Balkan Hug: Why Serbian People (Especially Kids!) Show Affection Immediately A cultural perspective for language learners. Introduction When learning a language, we focus on grammar and vocabulary. But culture is just as important! Today, I want to share some personal stories about physical affection and open communication in Serbia, especially when interacting with children. 1. The Immediate Connection: No Need for Introductions In many cultures, you must build trust slowly before showing deep affection. In Serbia, connection and warmth are often immediate—especially if you are someone new and positive. I experienced this early on during a school trip when I was about 13 or 14. I was singing and chatting with friends in a courtyard when a young boy, perhaps 6 or 8 years old, came up to me. He didn't want to leave my side! He asked me to sing the famous traditional song "Zona Zamfirova" (a cultural reference for Serbian learners!) He played with my fingers, totally unconcerned with the age difference or the fact that we were strangers. My friends joked that he was in love—but really, it was just pure, open Balkan affection. When his mother called him away, he was genuinely sad! 2. The Power of "The Collective Hug" The affection doesn't stop with small gestures; it often involves the whole community! I often used to visit my old elementary school, and every time, the children would gather around me like bees around a flower! Once, a little girl was particularly brave: she started talking to me, then spontaneously gave me a big hug—all without any reason! Then she asked me to gently scratch her head. Just then, a teacher came by and looked surprised. She asked me, "Are you her parent?" I smiled and replied: "Does it look like I am her mother?" The teacher smiled back and said, "Yes, why not?" That teacher perfectly understood that affection here often looks parental, even when it's not. We are all part of a big, warm community!