How to Be Polite in 20 DifferentCountries
If you’ve doneany traveling at all, you’re likely quite aware that customs and etiquettediffer from one culture to another: what may be perfectly innocuous inone place may be hideously offensive in another, and vice-versa. Granted, evenif you haven’t traveled at all, you’re probably aware of the fact that certaintypes of behavior aren’t exactly acceptable in other ｃountries: belchingat the table may be a sign of gratitude in some places, but in most areas ofNorth America and Europe, such a display will earn you a fair bit of ire.Whether you plan on traveling to any of the places listed below or just doingbusiness with a foreign client, it’s important to educate yourself on thestandards of politesse and etiquette beforehand—the last thing you want to dois offend someone with any ignorant, boorish behavior. Here’s how to bepolite in 20 different ｃountries:
Japan
When dealing with Japaneseclients, be sure to dress fairly conservatively, and make sure that you bowlower than they do upon meeting them. Accept gifts with both hands (and openthem later, not in front of the giver), and never blow your nose at the diningtable. Avoid asking and answering direct questions: it’s better to implyrather than ask, and to answer with vagueness during conversations.
Sweden
Keep personal distance anddon’t touch people when you talk to them. Ensure proper table manners, neverdiscuss religion or politics, and try to maintain a level of quiet dignity.Silences during conversations are not considered uncomfortable, and it’s betterto be a bit quiet, rather than overly verbose. When dining out, don’tdrink before the host offers a toast, and don’t get drunk.
Mexico
When meeting others, womenshould initiate handshakes with men, but all people should avoid making toomuch eye contact that can be seen as aggressive and belligerentbehavior. If sharing a meal with others, keep your elbows off the tableand try to avoid burping at all costs. Keep your hands off your hips, and makesure you never make the “okay” sign with your hand: it’s vulgar.
Kenya
When greeting someone older orof a higher status than yourself, grip their right wrist with your left handwhile shaking it it’s a sign of respect and deference. Do ask questions abouttheir health, family, business etc. before getting to major topics, as skippingthese niceties is seen as impolite. If sharing meals, do not begin eating untilthe eldest male has been served and starts to eat.
Jordan
Keep your voice low and quietwhen conversing with others, as that is seen as being mature and respectful. Beaware that people will speak to you at a closer distance than you may be usedto, and you may be touched on the arm or shoulder during conversation. Politejokes are acceptable, as is inquiring about family members. Never show thebottoms of your shoes.
Germany
Much like Scandinavianpeople, Germans tend to be reserved and polite. Ensure that handshakes arefirm, and always address people with Mr. or Mrs. followed by their surname(“Herr” or “Frau” if you’re confident that you’ll pronounce them well). Decenttable manners are of great importance, and be sure to say “please” and “thankyou” often.
China
Be generous with saying“thank you” when someone does anything from pouring you tea to offering you agift, and if or when you receive a gift, take it with both hands. If someonemakes a comment about your weight/appearance/idiosyncrasy, try not totake it as offensive: it’s merely an observation on their part.
Barbados
Years of British rule inBarbados established a high degree of politesse, so be sure to greet people asMr./Mrs./Miss and say “please” and “thank you” often. Formal table manners area must, as is modest dress anywhere but at the beach. Avoid discussing religionand politics, and stick to neutral-yet-friendly topics of conversation withothers.
Pakistan
Be sure to dress modestly(especially if you’re female), and if you go out for a meal, eat with yourright hand the left is considered unclean. Sit on your left hand if you needto, but keep it away from your food. Don’t show anyone the bottom of your shoe,and try not to touch anyone with your feet.
France
Be sure to say “please” and“thank you” often, and always thank people for their time. If you need help ata shop, apologize to the staff for bothering them with a question, and be sureto thank them before you leave. Make sure that you chew with your mouth closedduring meals, don’t speak when your mouth is full, and for goodness’ sake,don’t slurp anything!
Korea
Don’t be offended if a Koreanwoman merely nods instead of offering her hand to shake, and don’t extend yoursto her. Never touch a Korean person while talking to them (unless you’re on very friendlyterms), and maintain a respectable distance: personal space is rather vital.Try to avoid talking too much during meals, and offer to pay even if you knowthat the other party is treating you.
Argentina
This is another ｃountry inwhich people will lean in close when they speak to you, and touch you oftenduring a conversation. Pulling away is considered rude and “cold”, so beprepared to sacrifice your own personal space for the sake of social courtesy.Maintain strong eye contact, and don’t put your hands on your hips.
The Netherlands
Shake hands with everyone,ensuring that you smile and make eye contact while doing so. Make appointmentsfor meetings and social functions well in advance (like, a couple of weeks inadvance), and be punctual when you show up. Feel free to bring gifts such aschocolate or flowers when visiting people.
Russia
Turning down an alcoholicdrink is considered terribly offensive in Russia, so it’s a good idea tofortify yourself with some greasy food before heading out for a meal withRussian or Ukrainian clients. Don’t smile at strangers or they’ll think you’re deranged,and when paying for items, place your money on the ｃounter rather than tryingto hand it directly to the cashier.
Canada
Canadians are (for the mostpart) polite, respectful, and fairly reserved people. It’s important toremember social niceties such as saying “please” and “thank you” when dealingwith them, and if you open doors for people and offer firm handshakes, you’resure to stay in the good books. When ordering food or drinks, never begin with“I want…,” as it’s considered rude and ignorant to do so.
Italy
Dress formally andrespectably in churches and upscale restaurants, and ensure that yourtable manners are impeccable. Be punctual, always be generous withsocial niceties, and under no circumstances should you ever be drunk in public.Say “please” often, and if possible, try to make at least a bit of an effort tolearn a few Italian words and phrases.
Nepal
It’s best to dress modestlywhen traveling around Nepal, and if you end up exchanging gifts with others,never do so with your left hand. When it comes to sharing meals, use utensilsso you avoid contaminating anything with implements that may have touched yourmouth, and take care to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s home, or atemple.
Israel
Greet people with a warmhandshake and ready smile, and invite them to address you by your first name.Don’t be offended if someone shows up 15 to 20 minutes late, or if they takephone calls during your meeting with them. If asked personal questions, answerwith generalizations. If you’re male, don’t speak to another man’s wife if shehasn’t been introduced to you.
The U.K.
Like in Canada, people in theUnited Kingdom tend to be fairly polite and reserved. Possibly more so. Be verycourteous in your speech, never address anyone by their given name unlessinvited to do so (always address them as Mr./Mrs./Miss followed by theirsurname to begin with), and ensure that you use proper table manners whensharing meals.
Brazil
Smile often. Don’t be afraidto touch others during conversation, and be generous with the “thumbs-up” sign.Avoid the “okay” gesture (it’s offensive), and if you eat a sandwich, use anapkin to hold it rather than your bare hands. Don’t use a toothpick withoutcovering your mouth with your free hand, and if you’re going to wear a tinystring Speedo on the beach, be sure to strut around in it.
Article Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/how-polite-ｃountries.html
Image Source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dq0BvZoE9E/UWLYeDXe56I/AAAAAAAAANI/qciGedFCUFk/s1600/different-greetings3.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
Innocuous(adj.) ~ having no adverse effect
Belch(v.) ~ to expel gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth
Ire(n.) ~ anger
Boorish(adj.) ~ rude and clumsy in behavior
Imply(v.) ~ to express indirectly
Verbose(adj.) ~ using or containing excess words
Belligerent(adj.) ~ inclined or eager to fight
Idiosyncrasy(n.) ~ a tendency or type of behavior of a specific person
Slurp(v.) ~ to eat or drink noisily
Deranged(adj.) ~ driven insane
Upscale(adj.) ~ on the upper end of an economic or social scale
Impeccable(adj.) ~ without flaw or errors
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
Do youtry to learn the culture of the ｃountry you are going to visit before going ona trip? Why?
Howimportant is it to respect other ｃountries culture?
How doyou react when a foreigner in your ｃountry behave in a way that is sociallyunacceptable in your culture?
“When in Rome, do as Romans do.” Agree or disagree? Discuss your answer.
