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Cultural Awareness

Cultural Awareness. PHYSICAL GREETINGS.

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Cultural Awareness

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  1. Cultural Awareness

  2. PHYSICAL GREETINGS Businessmen in the United States and Britain rarely have to endure a kiss on each cheek from another man. Even in countries where such greetings are common (Italy and Russia, for example), a kiss is generally reserved for relatives or good friends. A foreign businessman will have to do a lot of relationship-building to reach the point at which he is greeted with a kiss. When that happens, the easiest thing to do is to stay still and let the kiss-initiating person move his head. Otherwise your noses may collide!

  3. more PHYSICAL GREETINGS In Asia, Westerners rarely master all the intricacies of a bow. The basics usually suffice: bow from the waist, and the person with the lower status bows more deeply. When greeting Westerners, many Asians follow a bow with a handshake. As any politician can attest, strong handshakes can hurt. North Americans and Australians should moderate their strong handshakes overseas. Many Asians who do shake hands actually perform a hand-clasp, with no pressure and very little pumping. To give emphasis to a handshake, it is permissible for each person to place their left hand over their clasped hands.

  4. FORMS OF ADDRESS There are very few countries in which businesspeople address each other by first names after a short time. In Germany and Switzerland, for example, even longstanding business partners may choose to address each other by their surnames. North Americans commonly use first names, and are notorious for losing credibility by using first names overseas.

  5. DEGREES OF POLITENESS Some Asian languages have several degrees of politeness. To know which level to use, Asians need to know their counterpart's standing in society. Hence they often ask very personal questions of foreigners, such as how much they earn or how many employees they supervise, to determine the level of politeness required. If you find such questions too personal, simply decline to answer, or say that it is not something that is usually discussed in your culture.

  6. When first twin Jenna Bush flashed the Hook 'Em Horns at an inaugural bash, she was just showing Texas pride. Little did she know that the horns were also the calling card of the Death Metal movement that sparked mayhem in Norway a few years ago.

  7. In parts of Africa, when you put your open hand in the air, it's not exactly a compliment. It implies that the person being waved at has five fathers."

  8. "Standing with your hands on your hips is considered a very aggressive posture in the Far East, particularly the Philippines and Malaysia. They'd probably hit you."

  9. "In the Netherlands, nobody touches anybody. The culture is extremely formal, so it's very hands-off.”

  10. "This is more confusing than offensive. People in other countries don't associate pointing to the sky with giving accolades to God. In india, for example, they point with their chins."

  11. "Thumbs-up is a very rude gesture in most Middle Eastern countries. It's essentially like giving some-one the finger."

  12. "Never, ever show the bottom of your foot to an Arab. It's considered the filthiest part of the body, so the gesture is horribly offensive. Horribly."

  13. Here’s more… Germany: Always knock before opening an office door. Office furniture may seem far apart, but moving your chair closer is insulting to your host. Saudi Arabia: Everyone is subject to strict Islamic law (no alcohol, ) Mexico: The family is of vital importance. Nepotism is accepted; criticism of it is taken as an insult. China: Business leaders ar highly sensitive to sovereignty issues. Things must be done their way or not at all. India: Many cultures and cultural taboos. Be alert to your surroundings. Hindu tradition reveres cattle; do not wear leather. United Kingdom: Change is not necessarily a good thing in the U.K. Many businesspeople prefer old, well-made clothes to new fashions. Egypt: As in all Islamic countries, use the right hand in preference to the left (which is considered unclean). Argentina: Manners in Argentina are more British than Latin. Informality and casualness can make a bad first impression

  14. VIDEO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nyy7JjVoPk

  15. GROUP PRESENTATION: Come up with a list of the top 10 things that a person should be aware of about YOUR culture (your group can determine what that means—America, Utah, Saratoga Springs, or 9th Graders) Write the list on a poster paper…..make sure your top 10 is both informative and appropriate for school Choose a spokesperson The whole group will come up to present

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