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Cultural gaffs - Coggle Diagram
Cultural gaffs
customs in different countries
US Passengers normally ride at the back seat of a taxy cab
Denmark: It is rude to squeeze past seated people with your back side facing them.
Sierra Leona: when a guest leaves your home, walk them at least to the 1st bridge to their way home.
Colombia: indicating the height of a person with your hand is rude, as it is reserved only for describing animals.
UGANDA Don't sniff your food, it's an insult to your host
Thailand: never touch a person, including a child, on their head, it's sacred
Argentina: A business meeting usually starts 30m-1h later than appointed hour. Don't come on time.
in the US you don't need to go up to the first floor. It is the same as ground floor in the UK
West Africa: Men normally don't fetch water, it's a job for women and girls
the US: tips are not included in bills in restaurants, mind you don't forget to leave 10-15% extra money
Jordan:it is customary for greeting to be initiated by the man, a woman should not initiate shaking hands.
El Salvador: pointing at a person is considered offensive
Romania: even numbers of flowers are given only for funerals. It is also customary to carry flowers with their blossoms down.
the US: How are you? is more a greeting than a question. You'd better reply "and how are you?" than answer literally.
WAYS TO AVOID MISTAKES
read about the local habits
talk to people who understand local customs
Be aware of other people's reactions to your behaviour
watch how others around you behave
NEGATIVE
wrong to others
unexpected
make a cultural mistake
insulting
impolite
offensive
inappropriate
behave awkwardly
rude
POSITIVE polite
customary
appreciating