While many conversations may begin with a choppy “’Ello!”, the Burmese are models of social politeness. When greeting anyone, use the common expression of kind interest in the Burmese language “Mingalaba” (Minga-la-ba). It translates loosely to mean “Have an auspicious day.” Like the well-used “Namaste”, this phrase is not reserved for a particular social class or gender, but can even be used with monks and respected elders.