“Palevome”: Foundations of struggle and conflict in Greek interpersonal communication

A sense of contest and struggle permeates everyday life in Greece to a degree that is uncharacteristic of the typical Western orientation to interpersonal communication. The verb “palevome” is used to illuminate the Greek perspective on conflict and its role in interaction. Traditional cultural roots of palevome are discussed in relation to ingroup and outgroup distinctions and the importance of “philotimo.” Conversation style, competition, and the process focus of interaction are examined in light of the interpersonal struggle pervading Greek interaction.