Etiquette around the world

The behavior of people is determined not only by their current thoughts and other transient moments, traditions play a big role. Representatives of another may consider rude or noble grace to be rude or not to understand the meaning of a certain action or utterance at all.

Of course, it is impossible for each person to comprehend the traditional way and etiquette of all the peoples of the world deeper than professional ethnographers and other specialists. But the most important points about the culture of behavior in the most significant states must be known.

Folk etiquette is what has evolved over centuries and even millennia. Its formation was influenced not so much by political processes and government orders as by everyday life and living conditions of people.

A simple example: while in Russia, and in Europe, successful negotiations are reported to have been “held in a warm atmosphere,” then in India they are talking about “cool.” And this is only the topmost layer; the origin of many customs is difficult to understand even for professionals and most locals. It remains only to take note not trying to "remake" other people for themselves.

A wide range of sources will help to find out the necessary information: there are many books, articles about various countries. Using this information, you can easily make a positive impression on the inhabitants of a foreign country and understand their logic, motivation more deeply.

The main feature of Arabic etiquette is the strict implementation of the instructions of the Koran. During the so-called month of Ramadan, the faithful are forbidden to eat anything in the daytime. And also those who are going to negotiate and conclude deals with the inhabitants of the Arab countries should take into account that the first month on the Islamic calendar is not intended for receptions and official events.

But even on ordinary days, the same negotiations or other joint actions will be interrupted five times a day for prayer. Muslims perform the Friday break very strictly, and there is no reason to plan anything on this day.

It is undesirable to discuss religious or political issues, unless that is the purpose of your trip. Courtesy in doing business in an Arab country implies punctuality of one’s own, willingness to accept a host’s delay.

For the Japanese, the tea ceremony is of tremendous importance. This ritual, if it is not religious, is actually familiar to all inhabitants of the islands who know their culture at least a little. There are even a lot of schools where they teach you how to master this art for pretty solid money. But of course, Japanese etiquette has many other components. In particular:

• soup will not be the first but the last dish;
• the yard is perceived as a continuation of the house, and no one sees anything shameful in receiving guests there;
• in communication both with each other and with foreigners, the Japanese seek to find a compromise, rather than provoke a conflict;
• if you demonstrate your diligence and readiness to successfully solve problems, this will be only a plus;
• those who are late for a meeting or negotiations are not taken seriously at all;
• it is better to refuse a handshake.

English etiquette cannot but be affected, if only because it has been one of the most developed for centuries. And nowadays, the extraordinary respect for old traditions has allowed to preserve many customs that have long been obsolete in other countries. The greeting is quite simple; it's a well-known handshake.

Important: in England it is customary to shake hands with both men and women - and this tradition has nothing to do with those modern trends that make others resent all European in a row. But kissing hands and publicly expressing compliments is not only not approved, but also sharply condemned.

A device taken in one hand cannot be shifted to the other. Vegetables and meat are always served together, so you need to take a little meat and put vegetables with a knife on top, which should remain on the convex part of the teeth. Who injects the components separately from each other, is immediately perceived from the negative side.

Yes, the British never talk at a table among themselves - if someone speaks, everyone listens to him at once. And when you speak yourself, make sure that anyone present can perceive speech. Royal accuracy is valued by the British along with respect for their country as a whole. Who is late even for a minute, is perceived as an uncivilized person. It is unlikely that anyone will want to deal with such people, whether it be personal relationships, business deals or cultural projects.

The visit is furnished with several conventions:

• mail invitation first;
• then the answer to it, also on a postcard;
• visiting, you need to stay no more than ½ hour, politely leave and return home;
• and immediately after that send an e-mail with thanks for the reception.

Only the most rude of the English talk with their hands in their pockets. You can gesticulate, but not too actively, trying to keep your palm to yourself. Unless absolutely necessary, do not contact strangers personally before introducing yourself to each other.

A characteristic feature of China is traditionally calm and measured. The Chinese standard of living is natural in spirit, unhurried; as in Japan, tea handling is very developed. It is brewed according to special recipes and is necessarily drunk at a small table, and conversation on secular topics is also an indispensable “seasoning”. It is unacceptable to sit with a gloomy look or touch on some bad, negative topics.

France is considered a country setting standards in many ways, especially in fashion, clothing and perfumery. Etiquette as a whole is also very developed there, the French appreciate the talkative and tactful interlocutors; no one considers it shameful to give women flowers, even when there is no hint of holidays.

The vast majority of French citizens are not very fond of learning foreign languages, and even those who speak English or German have a bad attitude to their use in business speech. Therefore, those who master the French will receive a clear advantage over other foreigners. Do not be too lazy to give praise to one or another dish, since it is gastronomy that is perceived as the pinnacle of France's national achievements.

While in any German city, you need to indicate the status of the interlocutor during a conversation. They may forgive compatriots for omission in this case, but foreigners need to use every opportunity to reinforce their authority. When you do not know exactly who you are talking with, it is advisable to contact Herr Doctor. Courtesy is manifested in the fact that the restaurant visitor welcomes all those present, regardless of the degree of familiarity with them, with the word “Mahlzeit”.

German politeness invariably implies punctuality; addressing each other to you, emphasize close friendship, Russian approaches should be safely discarded. A handshake with the Germans may mean:

• meeting
• parting;
• consent or rejection of the opponent’s position.

Therefore, you need to carefully delve into the context of communication and evaluate what this gesture means in a particular case. The question of affairs and condition needs to be answered as detailed and as clear as possible, and not limited to a stingy statement of a good or bad life. Remember: the Germans do not hide what they think about the interlocutor, they also express negative assessments if they consider them reasonable.

The hot sun of the Iberian Peninsula determined the characteristic feature of its inhabitants - they came up with the so-called siesta. From 13 to 17 hours it is undesirable to bother someone with personal requests and even with urgent matters. When a Spaniard invites you to breakfast sincerely, he must do this three times. The first two times are just an on-duty manifestation of politeness. Punctual people in Spain will have a harder time than in other countries - they will need to accustom themselves to be late for 15 minutes.

If you happen to travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona, ​​Murcia or Seville, invite fellow travelers to share a meal. They will answer negatively, so you should do the same.

Just as Spain is one of the leaders in football, Italy is far ahead of other European countries in all that relates to pasta.But their inhabitants undoubtedly have something in common - this is impulsiveness, a tendency to express passions when defending their opinions. Italians gesticulate a lot, expressing their feelings with the help of facial expressions, so learn non-verbal language if you have to go to Rome, Naples, Venice.

Politeness in Italian also consists in the fact that any conversation begins with the question of the health of children and adults (of course, if appropriate). As in Spain, excessive punctuality is not to be expected. But it is important to observe the measure: 15 minutes of delay are quite familiar, but a half-hour wait will already cause many reproaches. At least five appetizers, the first and second dishes, cheese, dessert and so on are put on the table.

American etiquette, for obvious reasons, is quite close to English, but at the same time it is simpler and more utilitarian. Accustom yourself to make a big smile when you greet other people or simply address them. Shaking hands with those with whom you are not in an official relationship is not recommended. In America, because of the tendency toward gender equality, giving way to women is considered an impolite act.

Always speak directly and clearly hints are understood by residents of the United States with great difficulty. The principles of good nutrition for the population of this country are much more important than knowledge about the manner of handling a knife and fork.

Turkish etiquette is also quite specific. So, women always need to walk in long clothes that completely cover their limbs; and even men no matter the weather, you can’t wear shorts in public. In the order of things, the locals consider the guest’s invitation to the bathhouse, it’s even honorable according to Turkish ideas.

Everyone knows at least one rule of Indian etiquette - when inviting Indians to themselves, you should categorically refrain from beef dishes. When meeting, it is advisable to avoid handshakes, at least not to impose them on the other side. Those travelers who are fully dressed inspire more confidence and respect for the Indians than frivolous persons. Preparing for a purely business or formal event, you need to dress in a conservative style, it will be immediately appreciated.

You should not be offended, but you can use this tradition in order to learn the other side more deeply.

Korean etiquette traditions, like the Chinese ones, are due primarily to the reproduction of the family hierarchy at the level of the whole society. The oldest of those present are treated as respectfully as possible. Women who smoke and drink alcohol are perceived negatively in Korean society.

An important national tradition is the minimal use of furniture; eating, sitting on the floor are quite familiar. When entering a restaurant and discovering a not too refined setting, do not rush to look for another establishment; in Korea, it is generally not customary to pay attention to the external design, the main emphasis is on the quality of the preparation of dishes as such.

It is not possible to describe in principle in one article or even in a large book the customs of all the peoples of the world. But you can focus on certain points that may be useful to you.

Thus, Greek traditions imply the obligatory delivery of gifts to housewives - the most common gifts from guests are cakes, flowers, juices and cheeses.

The European approach to ecology is very attractive and modern in spirit. However, in Sweden, the requirements are even stricter for foreigners than the average for the continent.It is enough to leave rubbish outdoors after a picnic in order to get a very substantial fine. It is also undesirable to enter the territory where other people live without an invitation. But if you can make friends with the natives, immediately make sure - they are quite organized, not prim and very friendly in nature.

Norwegians attach no less importance to ecology than their eastern neighbors. They look very suspiciously at those who harm trees and vegetation in general. It should be borne in mind that a rare Norwegian calmly refers to noise, to the violation of silence and order. It is hard to imagine that even locals hurrying on a train push each other and hit someone in the crowd with their luggage.

The Danes are focusing their efforts on caring for their private homes, which look as elegant as possible, but by no means motley. The lifestyle in this country has a calm rhythm. Punctuality is not as strict as in the UK, but this applies only to informal meetings. Business representatives and government employees are very late to late for meetings, negotiations. And to those who are not sufficiently prepared, unprofessional.

Regardless of which country you are in, it requires acting respectfully with the local population; Remember, you represent not only yourself, but also a huge number of other people, opinions about which are formed by your behavior, including. No matter how strange and unusual customs are to be found along the way, do not rush to be surprised, let alone express indignation or even violent joy if something gives pleasure. Indeed, in the Russian modern way of life, there are guaranteed moments that will perplex any foreigner.

When an Englishman raises his eyebrows, he thereby expresses a skepticism about something. When a resident of Germany does the same, it demonstrates admiration.

In eastern (Arab) culture, it is not customary to transfer money, things, and especially gifts with your left hand, this will greatly offend the other person.

You will learn all about behavioral patterns in different countries of the world from the next video.