Etiquette around the world

The behavior of people is determined not only by their current thoughts and other transient moments, traditions play a big part. The fact that in one culture is considered to be the height of nobility and grace, representatives of another may consider it rude or not at all understand the meaning of a certain action or utterance.

Of course, it is impossible for everyone to comprehend the traditional way of life and etiquette of all peoples of the world than professional ethnographers and other specialists. But the most basic points about the culture of behavior in the most significant states are necessary to know.

Popular etiquette - that evolved over the centuries and even millennia. Its formation was influenced not so much by political processes and government regulations as by the daily life and living conditions of people.

A simple example: if in Russia, and in Europe, the negotiations that have successfully concluded report that they “took place in a warm atmosphere,” in India in this case they speak of a “cool” one. 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 note not trying to "remake" other people for themselves.

A wide range of sources will help you find out the necessary information: there are quite a few books, articles about various countries. Using such information, you will easily make a positive impression on the residents of a foreign state and will understand their logic and motivation more deeply.

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

But even on the most ordinary days, the same negotiations or other joint actions will be interrupted five times a day for prayer. Friday break Muslims perform very strictly, and on this day you should not plan any affairs.

It is not advisable to discuss religious or political issues, unless this is the purpose of your trip. Politeness in the conduct of affairs in an Arab country implies its own punctuality, readiness to accept the delay of the owner.

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

• the 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 wrong in the reception of guests there;
• in communication both among themselves and with foreigners, the Japanese seek to find a compromise, and not to provoke a conflict;
• if you demonstrate your hard work and readiness to solve problems successfully, this will be only a plus;
• those who are late for a meeting or negotiations are not taken seriously at all;
• handshake is better to refuse.

English etiquette can not be affected if only because it has been one of the most developed for centuries. Even today, the extraordinary respect for old traditions has allowed us to preserve many customs that have long been out of use in other countries. The greeting is quite simple, this is a well-known handshake.

Important: in England, it is customary to reap the hands of both men and women - and this tradition has nothing to do with those modern trends that make others resent all of European succession. But kissing hands and publicly expressing compliments is not only disapproved, but also sharply reproved.

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 use a knife to put vegetables on top, which should remain on the convex part of the teeth. Anyone who pushes the components apart from each other is immediately perceived from the negative side.

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

The visit is arranged with several conventions:

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

Only the most rude of the British talk, holding their hands in their pockets. Gesturing can be, but not too active, trying to keep his hand to himself. Unless absolutely necessary, do not contact personally strangers before presenting 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, the treatment of tea is very developed. It is brewed according to special recipes and must be drunk at a small table, and the 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 that sets standards in many ways, especially in fashion, clothing and perfumery. Etiquette as a whole is also very developed there, the French appreciate talkative and tactful interlocutors; No one considers it shameful to give women flowers, even when there is no hint of holidays.

The overwhelming majority of French citizens do not like to learn foreign languages, and even those who speak English or German do not like their use in business. Therefore, those who master French will have a clear advantage over the rest of the foreigners. Do not be lazy to praise this or that dish, because it is gastronomy that is perceived as the pinnacle of the national achievements of France.

Being in any German city, you need to indicate the status of the interlocutor during a conversation. Compatriots, they may, forgive the omission in this case, but foreigners should use every opportunity to reinforce their authority. When you do not know exactly who you are talking to, it is advisable to contact Herr Doctor. Politeness is manifested in the fact that a 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 on you, emphasize close friendship, Russian approaches need to be boldly discarded. A German handshake can mean:

• meeting
• parting;
• agreement or rejection of the opponent's position.

Therefore, you need to carefully understand the context of communication and evaluate what this gesture means in a particular case. The question of affairs and state must be answered in detail and as clearly as possible, and not limited to a mean statement of a good or bad life. Remember: the Germans do not hide what they think about the interlocutor, and express negative evaluations, if they consider them to be justified.

The hot sun of the Iberian Peninsula defined the characteristic feature of its inhabitants - they invented the so-called siesta. From 13 to 17 hours, it is undesirable to disturb someone with personal requests and even non-urgent matters. When a Spaniard invites you to breakfast sincerely, he must do it three times. The first two times - just a show of courtesy. Punctual people in Spain will have a harder time than in other countries - they will have to train themselves to be 15 minutes late.

If you happen to travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona, ​​Murcia or Seville, suggest traveling companions to share the meal. They will answer in the negative, and 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 undoubtedly, their inhabitants have something in common - this is impulsiveness, a tendency to express passions while defending their opinion. Italians are gesticulating 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 is that any conversation begins with the question of the health of children and adults (of course, if this is appropriate). As in Spain, there is no excessive punctuality. But it is important to observe the measure: 15 minutes of delay are quite familiar, but a half-hour wait will cause a lot of reproaches.. Put on the table at least five appetizers, the first and second course, cheese, dessert, and so on.

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

Speak always straight and clearly hints are understood by residents of the United States with great difficulty. The principles of rational nutrition for the population of this country are more important than knowledge of the manner of handling a knife and fork.

Turkish etiquette is also quite specific. So, women need to always walk in long clothes that completely cover the limbs; and even men regardless of the weather, you can not wear shorts in public places. In the order of things, locals consider inviting a guest to a bathhouse, it is even honorable in Turkish perceptions.

At least one rule of Indian etiquette knows everything - when inviting Hindus 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 greater confidence and respect for Indians than frivolous persons. Preparing for a purely business or official event, you need to dress in a conservative style, it will immediately appreciate.

You should not be offended, but you can use this tradition to get to know the other side deeper.

Korean etiquette traditions, like the Chinese, are primarily due to the reproduction of the family hierarchy at the level of the whole society. The most senior of those present are treated with the utmost respect. Women who smoke and drink are perceived negatively in Korean society.

An important national tradition is minimal use of furniture; eating, sitting on the floor are quite familiar. When entering a restaurant and discovering a not too sophisticated setting, do not rush to look for another establishment; in Korea, it is not at all customary to pay attention to the appearance, the main focus is on the quality of cooking as such.

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

Thus, the Greek tradition implies the obligatory presentation of gifts to housewives - gifts from guests are most often cakes, flowers, juices and cheeses.

The European approach to ecology is very attractive and modern in spirit. However, in Sweden requirements even for foreigners are tougher than the average for the continent. It is enough to leave litter in the countryside after a picnic to get a very substantial fine. On the territory where other people live, without an invitation to go too undesirable. But if you can make friends with the Aborigines, immediately make sure that they are completely organized, not at all stiff and very friendly in character.

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

The Danes are focusing on caring for personal homes that look as smart as possible, but they are not at all variegated. Lifestyle in this country has a quiet rhythm. Punctuality is not as strict as in the UK, but this only applies to informal meetings. Business representatives and government officials are very bad for those who are late for meetings and negotiations. And to those who are insufficiently prepared, unprofessional.

Regardless of which country you are in, it requires you to act respectfully towards the local population; Remember, you represent not only yourself, but also a huge number of other people whose opinion is formed according to your behavior, including. No matter how strange and unusual customs would be found on the way, do not be in a hurry to be surprised, especially to express outrage or even violent joy, if something is a pleasure. After all, in the modern Russian way of life there are guaranteed moments that will stump any foreigner.

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

In the Eastern (Arabic) culture, it is not customary to transfer money, things, and especially gifts with your left hand;

All about the features of behavior in different countries of the world you will learn from the following video.