UK — 2
HI, HOW ARE YOU? THE HOLA! LITTLE GUIDE HAI! NI HAO! TO CULTURES’ GUTEN TAG! ETIQUETTE ZDRASTVOOYTE! HOLA! GUTEN TAG! MERHABA! HOW DO YOU DO?2012 Culture can mean many things. It’s a vast concept that can be defined in a wide variety of ways. One of the simplest and most comprehensive ways to think about culture is as the complete way of life of a group of people.
that relate to etiquette, communication, social and business interactions, and other elements critical to fostering sensitivity, awareness and understanding in our everexpanding global community.
For the purposes of the The Little Guide to Cultures’ Etiquette, we focus on aspects of culture
In this edition we explore these aspects in twelve countries throuough the world.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 12 20 28 36 44 52 60 68 76 84 92
UNITED KINGDOM FRANCE ITALY SPAIN TURKEY GERMANY AUSTRIA RUSSIAN FEDERATION CHINA MALAYSA MEXICO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UK FR IT ES
UNITED KINGDOM
FRANCE
ITALY
SPAIN
TR DE AT RU TURKEY
GERMANY
AUSTRIA
RUSSIAN FEDARATION
CN MY MX US CHINA
MALAYSA
MEXICO
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM UK — 6
GREETINGS
“HOW DO YOU DO?”
is a greeting not a question. The correct response is to replay:
“HOW DO YOU DO?” UKUK— —068
Men shake hands when greeting one another and usually throw in a “How do you do.” Handshakes are usually on the lighter side and don’t linger that much.
At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Women tend to extend their hand first.
UK — 09
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
The English tend to keep about an 2-3 feet between them while speaking. Touching is usually kept to a minimum.
Family members are more relaxed and familiar with each other, so touching of the arms, elbows, or hands is acceptable.
However in a business environment, touching is very minimal and personal space is respected much more than in a family setting.
2-3 Feet
UKUK— —10 08
GESTURES AND TABOOS
OBSCENITY Also, Tapping the side of the forehead in the UK means you are stupid, not smart.
Cutting in line or breaking the “queue” is not accepted.
Loud talking and shouting in public is considered bad form.
UK — 011
LAW AND ORDER
18 The legal drinking age to purchase alcohol at a bar or liquor store is 18.
16
17
Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds may consume beer, wine, porter, cider, or sherry with a meal in an eating area on licensed premises if they are in the company of an adult and the adult purchases the alcohol.
UKUK——1210
GIFT GIVING Gifts are not usually exchanged at a first meeting.
If invited to an English household, it is appropriate to bring flowers, good wine, liquor, or chocolates.
Make sure that gifts are nicely wrapped.
Avoid
WHITE LILIES as they are reserved for funerals.
UK — 13
FRANCE UK —14
GREETINGS
BONJOUR! (good day)
BONSOIR!
(good evening)
AU REVOIR! (good-bye)
UK FR —16 — 14
Shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. Good friends may include a light hug.
Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting in. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. However, it is very rude to “faire des bises” if you are sick. In this case you can simply say hello or shake hands. At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.
Light kisses on the cheeks, known as “bises,” are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
In Nantes, you greet with four kisses, alternating cheeks.In the south, it is two kisses.
Foreigners often have a hard time determining which side to kiss first. In this case, follow the French person’s lead.
Note: The number of kisses also varies depending on the region of France.
FR — 17
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
An arm’s length distance or a bit closer is an appropriate amount of personal space.
Given the close nature of the French greeting with kisses, the French are generally more at ease maintaining personal space.
However, during subsequent meetings, touching during a conversation is acceptable and considered a sign of affection.
an arm’s length FR — 18
GESTURES AND TABOOS The French use the “thumbs up” sign to say “okay.” Slapping your open palm over a closed fist is considered a vulgar gesture. Do not sit with legs spread apart. Sit up straight with legs crossed at knee or knees together.
ZERO
Feet should never placed on tables or chairs. Toothpicks, nail clippers, and combs are not used in public. Keep your hands out of your pockets. Do not yawn or scratch in public. Sneeze or blow your nose as quietly as possible using a handkerchief or tissue. If possible, leave the room.
FR — 19
LAW AND ORDER
18 The official drinking age is 18, although it is not uncommon to start much younger. Wine, among other alcohol, is a staple in the French lifestyle and it is completely normal to start drinking at a fairly young age. In 2008, the French government imposed a smoking ban in cafes, bars and restaurants.
FR — 20
GIFT GIVING
Gifts are not generally exchanged at initial business meetings.
When invited over for dinner or a drink, you should always bring the hostess a gift, either a bottle of high quality wine or a dessert is acceptable.
Gifts tend to be opened when received.
FR — 19
ITALY UK — 22
GREETINGS
BUON GIORNO! (good morning]
BUONA SERA! (good evening)
CIAO!
(hi, bye) UKIT —24 — 22
Men usually shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. Good friends and family will engage in a light hug. In certain regions, good friends and family may even exchange a kiss on each cheek.
Light kisses on the cheeks (usually 2 or 3) are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually do.
Light kisses (usually 2 or 3) on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do.It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
IT — 25
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
An arm's length distance or a bit less is usually an appropriate amount of personal space during conversations. This space tends to be considerably less between friends and family.
Italians tend to touch quite a bit during conversations. This is more common with good friends and family then say in business or formal situations.
It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the street, etc. Public physical contact is considered normal within certain limits.
an arm’s length
UKIT —26 — 24
GESTURES AND TABOOS
VICTORY Italians do as much speaking with their hands as they do with their mouths. In most conversations, hands are waving around giving emphasis to what is being said. Tapping the side of your head with the index finger mean someone is “crazy”. The chin flick; flicking your fingers under your chin signifies not knowing or not caring. Don’t point with your index finger and pinky finger at the same time. It is called “la corna” and it is considered extremely vulgar in Italy.
IT — 27
LAW AND ORDER
The legal purchasing age for alcohol is 16 and is somewhat enforced.
16
There is no legal drinking age. UK IT ——2826
GIFT GIVING
Gifts are generally not given in business settings, unless perhaps there is a very important delegation that visits. In which case, something locally made might be given as a souvenir. If invited over for dinner you should always bring a gift. Either a bottle of high quality wine/liquor or a nicely wrapped chocolates/ sweets is a good idea. Avoid gifts like a letter opener, knives, and or scissors as they can mean a severing of relations. Gifts tend to be opened when received.
IT — 29
SPAIN UK — 30
GREETINGS
BUENOS DÍAS! (good morning]
BUENAS TARDES! (good afternoon)
HOLA! (hi)
ES — 32
Men usually shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. Good friends and family will engage in a hearty hug or abrazo. In certain regions, good friends and family may even exchange a kiss on each cheek.
Light kisses on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually do.
Light kisses on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
ES — 33
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
An arm’s length distance or a bit less is usually an appropriate amount of personal space during conversations. This space tends to be considerably less between friends and family.
Spaniards tend to touch quite a bit during conversations. This is more common with good friends and family then say in business or formal situations..
It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the street, ( del brazo). Public physical contact is considered normal within certain limits..
an arm’s length
ES — 34
GESTURES AND TABOOS Spaniards tend to talk with their hands quite a bit. In most conversations, hands are waving around giving emphasis to what is being said.
A common gesture in a conversation is a slight shrugging of the shoulders while the arms are held mid-way to the chest and the hands are extended.
Table manners are extremely important. A knife and fork are to be used in restaurants and it is not usually polite to eat with the hands. .
Dipping your bread in the soup —
DON’T YOU DARE!
Get your elbows off the table!
BUT PUT THOSE HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!
ES — 35
LAW AND ORDER
The legal drinking age is
18 but it is not readily enforced. In some regions the age is
16 —3610 ESUKUK——36
GIFT GIVING
Gifts are not generally exchanged at initial business meetings.
If invited over for dinner or a drink to a Spaniard’s home, you should always bring a gift. Either a bottle of high quality wine or a dessert is acceptable.
Gifts tend to be opened when received
ES — 37
TURKEY UK —38
GREETINGS
GÜNAYDIN! gew-nahy-DUHN
(good morning; good day]
IYI AKSAMLAR! EE ahk-shahm-LAHR
(good afternoon)
MERHABA! MEHR-hah-bah
(hello)
TR — 40
During initial meetings, men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Hugs and light pats on the back and shoulder are common between good friends and family. Some men may share a kiss on each cheek as well. In the last couple of years some men have started to touch the temples together instead of kissing on the cheeks.
A kiss on each cheek combined with a light hug is common if two women know each other well. A light handshake is the norm if they are meeting for the first time.
This can be a little tricky and it is best to follow the other person’s lead in most situations. If they offer their hand, then a simple handshake is required, or if they offer their cheek, then a kiss on each cheek is required. If neither is offered then a nod and/or ‘merhaba’ (hello) is polite. It may be that a person’s religion requires them not to touch a member of the opposite sex.
TR — 41
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING An arm’s length is generally considered an appropriate amount of personal space when speaking, particularly when interacting with colleagues and acquaintances. For friends and family this space is often smaller and a fair amount of touching is common. It is common to see men hold hands with men. Women hold hands with
women. Women also can be seen with arms around each other’s waists while walking and female friends often hold each other’s hands while talking. Turks tend to be very touchyfeely in friend to friend conversations, but everything is about the waist. Touching a leg is often regarded as a sexual and therefore inappropriate gesture.
Touching between members of the opposite sex is limited in public unless well-known as “friends-only.” When two business partners are talking to a third person, it is a demonstration of mutual trust to briefly put a hand on the shoulder or the upper back. Avoid lower back contact as it can be regarded as sexual.
an arm’s length
TR — 42
GESTURES AND TABOOS Making a ‘tut’ noise and raising one’s chin means no.
ing motion with their fingers toward themselves.
Touching all four fingers to one’s thumb and moving the hand up and down means something is delicious, good or good looking (usually accompanied by a “umum” sound).
Putting your hand to your heart can mean my friend, thank you, nice to meet you, peace be with you, etc.
People beckon one another by extending their arm palm down and making a scratch-
In homes, you will most likely be expected to take off your shoes but be
Kissing in public is not common.
aware not to cross your legs so the bottom of your foot is pointing toward someone. It is considered rude to point at someone. Be aware that during the fasting month of Ramadan, observant Muslims cannot eat, drink, or smoke between sunrise and sunset. It’s best to avoid doing so in Muslim majority areas.
IT IS CONSIDERED RUDE TO CROSS YOUR ARMS WHILE FACING SOMEONE.
UK — 43
LAW AND ORDER
18 The legal drinking age is 18 as is the legal smoking age. TR — 44
GIFT GIVING
Gifts are not expected or necessary in business situations. However wining and dining is common. If invited over for dinner or a drink to a Turkish home, you should bring a gift. Avoid bringing alcohol unless you are sure they drink. Appropriate gifts include dessert, pastries, chocolates, or a nice vase or plant holder.
TR — 45
GERMANY UK —46
GREETINGS
GUTEN MORGEN! (good morning)
GUTEN ABEND! (good evening)
GUTEN TAG! (hello; hi)
DE — 48
Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. A firm but fairly brief handshake is the norm. With friends, a simple hello will suffice.
At a first meeting, women generally shake hands while maintaining direct eye contact. Between good friends and family kissing on one or both cheeks is common.
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Good friends and family may engage in a light hug or a kiss on one or both cheeks.
Note: When dealing with groups of people, it’s best to take the time to shake hands with everyone individually when arriving and departing.
UK — 49
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
Germans in general prefer to guard their personal space. An arm’s length of space or more is normal when conversing. Unless having an intimate conversation, any closer than
an arm’s distance apart is usually considered an infringement on personal space. Germans generally do not touch when speaking. When speaking with those outside of the family or close circle of friends,
touching can be seen as an invasion of privacy. Between friends and family, hand holding, walking arm in arm and hugging are commonplace.
an arm’s length DE — 50
GESTURES AND TABOOS
OK
When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, you should face your palm downwards and make a scratching motion with the fingers. Waving the hand back and forth with the palm up usually signifies “no”. The OK sign and thumbs up are understood, but do not tend to be used that often. At the end of a presentation or performance, Germans often signal their approval or thanks by gently rapping their knuckles on the tabletop instead of applauding.
DE — 51
LAW AND ORDER
18
16
One can buy low alcohol content beverages, such as beer and wine, at the age of 16. Stronger alcohol can be bought legally when 18 years old.
15 People who are 15 and older may be given non-distilled beverages in public when with a parent or guardian.
Underage persons in possession of alcohol are not punished, however, people who make alcohol available to them are. The legal drinking age does not apply when drinking in private.
DE — 52
GIFT GIVING
Simple gifts such as souvenirs from one’s country or company are appropriate for initial business meetings.
It’s a good idea to have gifts nicely wrapped and they are usually opened right away.
If invited to a German’s house, it is appropriate to bring good quality chocolates/sweets, imported liquor or wine. Flowers may be an appropriate gift as well but avoid lilies as they are reserved for funerals or red roses as they indicate romantic intentions.
DE — 53
AUSTRISA UK — 54
GREETINGS
GUTEN MORGEN! (good morning)
GUTEN ABEND! (good evening)
GUTEN TAG! (hello; hi)
AT — 56
Men shake hands when greeting one another while maintaining direct eye contact. A firm but fairly brief handshake is the norm. With friends, a simple hello will often suffice.
At a first meeting, women generally shake hands while maintaining direct eye contact. Between good friends and family a light hug and exchanging kisses on one or both cheeks is common. The kisses are more like air kisses, touching cheeks instead of kissing with the lips.
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is usually best to wait for the women to initiate. Between good friends and family a light hug and exchanging kisses on one or both cheeks is common. The kisses are more like air kisses, touching cheeks instead of kissing with the lips.
Note: Austrians tend to say “Gruss Gott” in formal circumstances and “Gruss Dich” in more casual situations. The latter is like saying hello when you walk into a shop or pass someone you know on the way.
AT — 57
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
An arm’s length of personal space or more is expected during conversations. Unless you are having an intimate conversation, any closer than arm’s length may be considered an infringement of personal space.
Austrians do not generally touch very often when speaking as it can be seen as an invasion of privacy. This is not always the case with friends and family.
Austrians aren’t exactly touchy-feely and they don’t tend to get in your space. This is true regardless of gender. Family members and good friends will be closer, but it’s rare you’ll have more contact than a handshake in business contexts.
an arm’s length AT — 58
GESTURES AND TABOOS When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, you should face your palm downwards and make a scratching motion with the fingers. Waving the hand back and forth with the palm up usually signifies “no”. The OK sign and thumbs up are understood, but do not tend to be used that often.
OK
At the end of a presentation or performance, Germans often signal their approval or thanks by gently rapping their knuckles on the tabletop instead of applauding.
AT — 59
LAW AND ORDER
18 Stronger alcohol can be bought legally when 18 years old.
16 One can buy low alcohol content beverages, such as beer and wine, at the age of 16.
! Underage persons in possession of alcohol are not usually punished, however, people who make alcohol available to them are. The legal drinking age does not tend to apply when drinking in private.
Austrians are big on their tobacco and finding a smoke free environment can be a challenge. This is a real inconvenience to non-smokers. New laws are supposed to mitigate this, but they are not yet widely enforced. Those with sensitivity to cigarette smoke will most likely find themselves uncomfortable in many, many places.
AT — 60
GIFT GIVING
If invited to dinner at an Austrian’s house, bring a small gift of consumables such as chocolates. If giving flowers, always give an odd number as except for 12, even numbers mean bad luck. Do not give red carnations, lilies, or chrysanthemums. Gifts should be nicely wrapped. Gifts are usually opened when received.
AT — 61
RUSSIAN FEDERATION UK — 62
GREETINGS
DOBRAYE OOTRO! (good morning]
DOBRIY DEN! (good afternoon)
ZDRASTVOOYTE! (hello)
RU — 64
Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Hugs are common between good friends and family.
Women generally shake hands when meeting one another for the first time. In some instances a slight nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. A light hug accompanied by three alternating kisses on the cheek (usually starting with the left) is common if two women know each other well.
A light handshake is common. In some instances a slight nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. Three alternating kisses on the cheek (usually starting with the left) is common between friends and family.
Note: It is expected that you always take your gloves off when greeting someone, no matter how cold it is out.
RU — 65
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
During conversations, an arm’s length of personal space tends to be the norm.
There is not that much touching during conversations, especially at first meetings. Friends and family tend to touch more.
RU — 66
GESTURES AND TABOOS
SCREW YOU
When gesturing or beckoning for someone to come, it’s best to face your palm downwards and make a scratching motion with the fingers.
Whistling at a performance or sporting event signifies dislike or disapproval.
It is common to take off your shoes when entering a home. Never point or wag your finger at a Russian
RU — 67
LAW AND ORDER
The drinking age is
18 but it is
rarely enforced. It is common to see preteens, and even younger children, drinking alcoholic drinks. Alcoholism is prevalent throughout the country.
RU — 68
GIFT GIVING Bringing a gift to an initial business meeting is common. Something with your company logo or representative of your country is always a good idea.
If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift.
Russians often protest when they are offered a gift. Reply that it is a little something and offer the gift again and it will generally be accepted.
Do not give yellow flowers. RU — 69
CHINA UK — 70
GREETINGS
ZAO’AN!
(good morning)
WANSHANG HAO! (good evening)
NI HAO! (hello)
CN — 72
Men generally shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head.
Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied or limited to a nod of the head. Good friends and family may engage in a light hug.
At a first meeting a handshake or nod of acknowledgment will do.
CN — 73
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
Chinese tend to be comfortable standing a little less than an arms length from one another. One and a half to two feet is common. When meeting strangers this distance is farther.
In conversation, there is little to no touching, unless it is with families, close friends or boyfriend girlfriend relationships.
It is common for women who are friends to hold hands or link arms while walking.
1.5 — 2 feet
CN — 74
GESTURES AND TABOOS Beckoning or pointing with the index finger is considered bad form. Using your whole hand, palm flat, is the way to go. People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers.
Spitting in public after clearing ones throat is quite common Using your feet to move something or putting one’s feet on the furniture is considered extremely rude.
Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as it is reserved for funerals. Avoid sucking and biting your chopsticks as well.
Whistling and finger snapping is considered
RUDE!
CN — 75
LAW AND ORDER
18 The legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18 and is somewhat enforced.
CN — 76
GIFT GIVING
Gifts are not usually exchanged at a first meeting. Avoid giving gifts of knives, scissors, or letter openers as they signify severing of a close bond.
Clocks, cut flowers and anything in groups of four are to be avoided as well.
Receive and give gifts with two hands. It is polite to refuse a gift several times before accepting.
Gifts should always be nicely wrapped ( red and gold paper are good) and they are not to be opened right away unless prompted to do so.
CN — 77
MALAYSIA UK — 78
GREETINGS
SELAMAT PAGI! (good morning)
SELAMAT MALAM! (good evening)
HAI!
(hello) MY — 80
The Chinese are comfortable with a light handshake, sometimes accompanied with a touch on the arm. Malay men will use the handshake and also the salaam accompanied with a slight bow. Indian men will use the handshake and also the namaste. Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. They are usually gentle and not to prolonged. Many people use a two handed handshake when greeting and departing.
Chinese women are comfortable with a light handshake or just a slight nod of acknowledgment. Malay women will use the handshake and also the salaam accompanied with a slight bow. Indian women will use the handshake and also the namaste.
While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod or slight bow will do. Wait for the women to initiate with all three ethnicities.
Note: There are three major ethnicities in Malaysia; Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Greetings tend to differ between the three.
MY — 81
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
2 — 3 feet
Malaysians prefer standing at least arms lengths from one another. Two to three feet is normal. When conversing with friends and close acquaintances this distance is a bit shorter.
Amongst friends and close acquaintances of the same sex, there is some touching during conversation. Avoid touching between men and women while conversing.
MY — 82
GESTURES AND TABOOS
Always use your right hand only to pass or receive an object.
People beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers. Beckoning or pointing with a finger is considered bad form. Using your thumb with the rest of your fingers clenched in fist is the way to go. Avoid touching or passing object over the top of anyone’s head as it is viewed as the most sacred body part. Pounding your fist into the palm of the other hand may be an obscene gesture to some people.
MY — 83
LAW AND ORDER
The legal drinking age is 18 and enforced. The legal smoking age is 18 and is becoming increasingly enforced.
18
Sales to Muslims is highly illegal. MY — 84
GIFT GIVING
Very simple gifts are sometimes exchanged after a first meeting. Always use two hands when giving and receiving gifts and they are not to be opened when they are received. If given a gift it is customary to reciprocate the gesture with a gift of the same monetary value. Appropriate gifts when visiting an ethnic Malaysian home include, sweets, fruits, and perfumes that are not alcohol based.
MY — 85
MEXICO UK — 86
GREETINGS
BUENOS DÍAS! (good morning]
BUENAS TARDES! (good afternoon)
HOLA! (hi)
MX — 88
Men usually shake hands when greeting one another. At a first meeting a gentle handshake will suffice and is sometimes combined with slight touches on the arms and/or elbows. Handshakes may linger a bit. Good friends and family will engage in a light hug or abrazo which may be combined with a few slaps on the back.
At a first meeting, women shake hands or give a light touch on the forearm. Friends and close acquaintances generally kiss each other once on the cheek.
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Friends, family and close acquaintances usually share a light kiss on the cheek, sometimes with a brief hug.
MX — 89
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
1 — 2 feet
Mexicans are comfortable standing close to one another while talking. One to two feet is normal. It can be considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are speaking.
There is a fair amount of touching between men and men, and women and women and men and women while conversing.
MX — 90
GESTURES AND TABOOS Most gestures found in North America are understood and used by Mexicans. Mexicans sometimes use a “psst-psst” or a kissing sound to catch another’s attention in public. This is usually not considered overly rude. Whistling is used to call someone or get their attention.
When demonstrating the height of something, be aware that holding the palm face down is reserved for animals. For people, hold the palm sideways with the thumb on top. It is also considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets.
Making a V sign with your fingers and then placing it on the outside of each nostril is an obscene gesture. Showing a closed fist with a raised arm at an almost 90 degree angle is a threatening gesture and very offensive. Burping out loud is considered very rude.
Standing with your hands on your hips usually signifies anger. MX — 91
LAW AND ORDER
The drinking age is
18 and it is
rarely enforced. The legal smoking age is 18 but it is somewhat enforced when buying.
MX — 92
GIFT GIVING Simple gifts may be brought to a first meeting, something usually from one’s company.
If invited to a Mexican’s house, it is appropriate to bring flowers, wine, spirits, or chocolates.
Make sure that gifts are nicely wrapped and they are usually to be opened right away.
Avoid marigolds and red flowers. MX — 93
UNITED STATES OF AMREICA UK — 94
GREETINGS
“HI, HOW ARE YOU?”
is not an invitation to a lengthy conversation. The proper response is to replay:
“FINE,”/“GREAT (informal)
“VERY WELL, THANK YOU!” (formal)
US — 96
Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.
At a first meeting, a light handshake will suffice. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.
US — 97
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
Americans value their personal space and tend to be comfortable with 2-3 feet of personal space during conversations.
For most Americans there is little to no touching during conversations. This may be different between good friends and family.
Hugging is reserved for close family members and friends.
2 — 3 feet
US — 98
GESTURES AND TABOOS
GOOD
Whistling at performance events is a sign of appreciation. Waving can indicate both greeting and saying goodbye and is usually done by moving the entire hand from left to right with the palm facing outward. Raising the middle finger is seen as highly offensive. Avoid using it, even when pointing to objects or scratching your face. Race is a sensitive subject throughout the country. To avoid offending anyone refer to Americans of differ ent ethnicities as such: African American, Italian American, Asian American, etc. Spitting is usually unacceptable in public settings. If you have to spit, it’s best to use a tissue and then throw it away.
US — 99
LAW AND ORDER
The drinking age is
21 and it is
heavily enforced. The smoking age is 18 in most states, 19 in others. It is readily enforced. Most public spaces are designated non-smoking.
US — 100
GIFT GIVING
It is not common to bring gifts to an initial business meeting, although they will be welcome. Avoid anything to expensive as it may be be seen as a potential bribe. If you are invited to an American home, good gifts to bring include, a bottle of wine, flowers, or chocolates. Gifts are usually opened when received.
US — 101
THE LITTLE GUIDE TO CULTURES’ ETIQUETTE 2012
RESOURCES http://www.culturecrossing.net/
UK — 103
UK — 104