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BLOGS| Cultures of various nations online |
| CUSTOMS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES |
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This is an interesting quiz I received regarding This is a good test. Have fun ! Etiquette Around the World - check it out To consult "The Encyclopedia of World Cultures" at your library {DHL's is call No.: REF 390(03) E56} Here are some notes that i have taken regarding customs in various countries: When in: Afghanistan Afghans usually sit with legs crossed, however, pointing the soles of the feet towards someone else is considered impolite. During meals, Afghans generally sit on the floor around a mat on which food is served in a communal dish. Food is eaten with the fingers of the right hand or a piece of nan (unleavened bread). Any business discussions occur after refreshments. Guests do not bring gifts. Albania Albanians greet with a handshake. They often move their hands and heads when conversing. Visiting is considered a joyful event and unplanned visits are common. Algeria In Algeria, Arabic is the official language. Greetings are often cordial and genuine, usually a handshake and an embrace (between members of the same sex). Algerians frequently use hand gestures during conversations. It is considered impolite to point directly at someone. Men and women tend to socialize separately. During non-social visits, people generally spend little time on small talk and usually shift the conversation to the intended subject. Argentina When negotiating with business associates in Argentina, remember to be punctual for meetings, but expect most local businessmen to arrive five to 10 minutes late. The most popular topic of discussion is sports, particularly soccer. The national language is Spanish, but English is spoken and widely understood. A few words in Spanish is appreciated, but do not attempt it at a business meeting unless you are fluent. Australia Australians generally don't like to talk business during leisure hours, and they avoid making class distinctions. For example, when riding alone in a taxi, it's considered polite to sit in the front seat with the driver. If an Australian invites you to afternoon tea, expect just that, a cup of tea. However, an invitation to tea usually will include dinner. Austria In Austria, it is impolite to begin eating before others are ready. Also, punctuality at business meetings is expected. Bahrain The official language is Arabic although English is widely used in business and banking circles. Handshakes are common and may last the length of the conversation. It is generally unacceptable for a man to greet a woman unless it is part of business protocol. Bahrainis often invite relatives, friends and foreigners to their home. Guest usually bring a gift to the host, such as sweets or flowers. Bangladesh When introduced to a man, it is customary to shake hands with him, while women may merely nod. A standard Hindu greeting is performed with the palms held in prayer. Most business people speak English. It's also considered polite to arrive strictly on time for both business and social engagements. Use the right hand for eating and don't forget that the "thumbs up" gesture is considered rude. Belgium When dining with business associates in Belgium, relax and enjoy yourself. Meals are an important social and cultural event. Most Belgians are thrifty and do not like waste; finishing one's food is expected. Belize Belizeans are informal and friendly when greeting one another. In formal situations, people address others by title but in informal settings they use first names. To hail a taxi or bus, people in Belize move the hand up and down before the vehicle passes. When visiting, most hosts will offer a refreshment. In those areas without refrigeration people might offer fresh coconut. Bolivia In Bolivia, scheduled events begin late since arriving on time is not expected. Bolivians maintain little personal space and tend to stand close during conversations. Bolivians often use their hands and facial expressions to communicate. Eye contact is considered essential and avoiding another's eyes show lack of trust, suspicion, or shyness. In restaurants, the tip is usually included but leaving a little extra (up to 5%) is considered polite. Brazil In Brazil, remember that the official language is Portuguese, not Spanish. Brazilians take soccer very seriously, and consider their national team to be the best in the world. In business negotiations, Brazilians enjoy conversation, jokes and getting to know each other. This is part of business negotiations, so you should take time to enjoy them. Bulgaria In Bulgaria, 'yes' is indicated by shaking the head from side to side and 'no' is expressed with one or two nods. In conversation, Bulgarians generally do not use hand gestures but they often touch each other. During meals, napkins are placed on the table, not on the lap. Toasting is done at the beginning and throughout the meal. People maintain eye contact when clinking glasses during the toast. Canada Remember that Canada is, by law, a bilingual country. In fact, about 25 percent of the population considers French their first language. Nearly all government employees in Canada are bilingual. Chile When meeting someone for the first time in Chile, a firm handshake with direct eye contact is an appropriate greeting. However, close friends and relatives greet each other with an "abrazo"(ah-brat-zo), a combination hand shake and hug, often supplemented with a kiss for women. China When dealing with business associates in China, remember that the Chinese people place emphasis on trust and mutual connections. Always use a person's proper title and expect a slight bow or handshake upon an introduction. Maintain distance when speaking, avoid open displays of affection, and never appear loud or overly aggressive. Tropical or lightweight clothing is acceptable in the summer in northern China and for most of the year in southern China. Colombia During conversations, Colombians tend to be expressive with their hands and face. Goods manners while eating is important to Colombians. In a group, it is considered impolite to take anything to eat without offering it to others first. Eating on the streets is considered improper. Costa Rica In Costa Rica, socializing is an important part of a business relationship. While lunch is a time to discuss business, dinner is usually reserved for entertaining guests. Czech Republic Czechs do not visit one another unannounced. Czechs remove their shoes when entering a home and leave them in the entryway. Invited guest usually bring flowers for the host. Denmark Danish is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood. Although generally informal, Danes shake hands when introduced to strangers, at the end of business meetings and on formal occasions. When visiting, it is important to arrive on time. Danes also bring a small gift for the host such as flowers, wine or chocolate. In restaurants, a service charge is included in the bill, but some people leave a small tip. Dominican Republic To hail a taxi, one wags a finger or fingers (depending on the number of passengers) in the directions one is going. At a restaurant, one will clap to request the check. To Dominicans, privacy is unimportant. Hosts offer visitors something to drink and invite them to eat if mealtime is near. It is not considered impolite to refuse such an offer. Ecuador When negotiating in Ecuador, professional courtesy is extremely important. It is unwise to appear overly familiar with Ecuadorians. A handshake is acceptable when meeting for the first time. Women who are close friends may kiss each other in greeting, while men will embrace. Many visitors have trouble breathing when they first arrive in Ecuador due to the high altitude, therefore it is advisable to relax on your first day and acclimate yourself. Egypt In Egypt, English is widely spoken. The Egyptian work week is Saturday through Thursday, and Friday is a day of rest in the Muslim culture. Social engagements are usually held late in the day. Dinners may not be served until 10:30 p.m. or later. El Salvador Summer clothing is suitable all year round because of the warm climate. Business people often wear suits. A brief, firm handshake is the usual formal greeting. It is considered impolite to point directly at people. However, pointing to animals or objects is acceptable. To hail a taxi, one points at an angle to the street. England In general, the English are a reserved people. A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English. Manners are important. When visiting, guests usually bring a gift such as chocolate or flowers. Sending a thank you note is also considered appropriate. The English eat continental style, with fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Fiji In Fiji, it is customary to introduce yourself with a handshake, a smile and raised eyebrows. When socializing with business associates, a drink of kava may be offered as a sign of goodwill. Kava is made from the root of a plant in the pepper family. Refusal to drink may be seen as an insult. Finland In Finland, taking a sauna is a national pastime, an offer to join your host in the sauna represents an honor or a special occasion. At meals, the guest of honor is expected to offer a toast following the meal, so it is a good idea to save your wine until then. Use caution when driving: seatbelt and drunk driving laws are strictly enforced, and moose and reindeer are common roadway hazards. France The French are very proud of their culture, heritage and way of life. They expect visitors to have some knowledge and appreciation of the French culture. The French tend to dress fashionably. Professional attire tends to be formal. Table manners is considered important. One does not place the elbows on the table. Fruit is peeled with a knife and eaten with a fork. It is polite to bring a gift to the host such as chocolate or flowers. Foreign visitors should not bring wine as a gift unless certain of its high quality. Germany When doing business in Germany, remember that business people there respect order and discipline. Arrive on time for meetings and social events, and answer all correspondence and inquiries promptly. When telephoning, Germans generally avoid small talk, and proceed straight to the business at hand. Greece When dealing with business associates in Greece, you should give your business card to everyone you meet. When you want to say "hello," don't wave your palm "American style", instead, raise your index finger with your palm closed. Grenada Grenadians are considered to be among the friendliest people in the Caribbean. They always offer guests a refreshment and it is considered impolite to refuse. Grenadians have a passion for the sport cricket. Each town has a cricket team and boys begin playing at age ten. Guatemala In Guatemala it is considered polite to speak softly, and the use of titles is very important. Don't call out someone's name in public. Instead, make a short hissing sound to get someone's attention. Haiti When dealing with business associates in Haiti, remember that although punctuality is not strictly adhered to, an early arrival is considered rude. Generally, people shake hands in greeting. It is recommended you keep a supply of business cards on hand. These should be printed in both English and French, the Haitian native language. Casual warm weather clothing is accepted, but business meetings usually call for a conservative suit. Honduras In Honduras, individual needs are considered more important than schedules, so being late for appointments or social events is common. A handshake is an appropriate greeting for men and urban women. Hand and body language are important forms of communication. Visiting is common and often people visit unannounced. Hosts almost always offer guests refreshments; refusing is considered impolite. Hong Kong In doing business in Hong Kong, respect is the watchword. You must show respect to gain respect. Trustworthiness is a point of pride, so you may want to apologize when asking for a written contract, even though it is recognized as standard practice. Also, avoid the colors blue and white in your presentation materials, as these represent death and mourning. Hungary Adults greet each other with a firm handshake. When addressing someone, it is polite to use the person's professional title with his or her surname. When visiting, guests usually bring a gift of flowers or candy. Hands are kept on the table but not the elbows. Napkins are kept on the table throughout the meal. Iceland When doing business in Iceland, remember that it is considered bad form to discuss the weather. Expect natives of Iceland to greet each other using first names; visitors should use last names. Tipping is not allowed, since service charges are included on all bills. Appointments and punctuality are not emphasized in Iceland, because a strong tradition of "dropping in" prevails. India When invited to a meal in India, guests should offer a gift of flowers, candy or fruit to their host. At some social gatherings, guests are adorned with garlands of flowers. These should be removed and carried in the hand as an expression of humility. Indians are often too polite to say no to an invitation; if they cannot attend, they will more likely say "I'll try." Indonesia In Indonesia, never touch another person's head, for this is thought to be where the spirit resides. Although handshaking is becoming more accepted, avoid using your left hand to pass or receive anything, for it is considered unclean and will be taken as an insult. Negotiating is everything in Indonesia, never pressure or hurry, and be prepared to bargain. Punctuality is expected. Presenting your business card is essential to gaining respect and acknowledgement. Ireland The Irish always toast their visitors, and consider refusal to drink a bit of an insult. So if you must refuse, always say it's for health reasons. Make business appointments in advance, but keep in mind that the Irish are not very time conscious. In Ireland the official language is Gaelic, but it is never used in business. Avoid discussing religion or politics. Israel Hebrew is Israel's official language but English is widely used especially in commerce. Israelis tend to be an informal. They usually address each other by first name. Israelis love to visit friends and family and may even drop by unannounced. Handshakes are common. Additional contact depends on the one's ethnic origin. In Israel, the work week is Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays, businesses operate until 2 p.m. Italy Meals in Italy are generally unhurried, and can last up to four hours. During the meal, it is impolite to put your hands in your lap. At the table, it is also impolite to stretch at the table, even if the meal is over. Jamaica English is the official language of Jamaica. Jamaicans are generally outgoing and like to have lively conversations. In casual situations, Jamaicans commonly use nicknames. To hail a taxi, one keeps the hand down and waves. Good table manners are considered an important social refinement. Cricket and soccer are very popular in Jamaica. Japan In business dealings in Japan, a well-groomed, conservative look for men and women is advisable. Avoid trendy hairstyles, and heavy makeup and jewelry. Always treat a business card carefully, never bend it or write on it, as this will be considered a direct insult. If your host is quiet, do not be concerned; silence is an ordinary part of conversation. ************************************************* Humor: cultural differences link ************************************************************* Samples of cultural differences and gestures: Arab Patients: A therapist should never drop bread on the floor or even worse step on a piece of bread in front of an Arab patient. Arab Patients: A therapist who crosses his/her legs, should avoid pointing the sole of his or her shoe to an Arab patient or members of his/her family.. Greek Patients: A therapist should not use the The "OK" sign in front of a Greek patient, because it is a signal of a body orifice. Netherlands Patients: A therapist who tap the center of his/her forehead while looking at a patient from Netherlands, is making a signal that the "Patient is Crazy". Spanish Patients: A female therapist, while sitting, should not cross her legs in front of a Spanish patient, because it is viewed as "un-feminine" in Spain to do so. Turkish Patients: A therapist should never use the fig gesture in front of a Turkish patient, because it is considered very rude. This is done by clenching your hand into a fist and push your thumb between the first two fingers. |
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