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One of the first review on one of the e published English-Balinese dictionary questioned the absence of the greeting word 'hello' in the Balinese dictionary. Although Indonesian language adopted English word of 'hello' to 'halo' for greeting, Balinese word for 'hello' as is, is not existed.

Discussion with Professor Sutjaja, the author of the dictionary, revealed that there was no exact replacement of word 'hello' in Balinese language. Having said that, the term of the initial greeting surely existed in more intimate way. Phrases of a kind gesture such as 'how are you' which often uses phrases like 'punapi gatrane' or 'punapi niki' are often used as an opening greeting. Some friendly villagers also use phrases such as 'have you had you meal?' in form of 'sampun ngajeng?' as an intention to say 'hello' at the same time saying 'welcome and please dine with our family'.

It is come to be a bit odd gesture in western culture, however, it is the friendly and open warm welcome closeness might be the reason why the word 'hello' being perceived as unnecessary and replaced by a more direct intention of first meeting.

Nowadays, the religious based term such as 'om swastiastu' is getting more popularity among Balinese and nationally known formal initial greeting in Balinese language.

The modern younger generation of Balinese, on the other hand, seems prefer to use adopted term of Indonesian language of 'halo' or 'hey' to express initial word of casual greeting.

Again this is only a reflection of my personal point of view as Balinese. I surely knew this partly true as I myself use the terms to the expectation and to get my intention to the point among us, fairly often.