3. In Kazakhstan there is a funny custom - to serve cups of tea, filled only half. You shouldn't be surprised (and you shouldn't ask for a little more either) ... A full cup means that the owner wants you to go home as soon as possible.
4. Surprising but true: V Nigeria young children are not fried eggs, as it is believed that if they are fed with eggs, they will begin to steal.
5. A On Jamaica babies are not given chicken until the children can speak. It is believed that because of the meat of chickens, the child may not speak.
7. Back in Japan Between snacks, the chopsticks should lie together right in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table. And in no case should you stick chopsticks directly into a bowl of rice, otherwise you risk getting into a very awkward situation ... The fact is that during a funeral in Japan, a bowl of rice of the deceased is placed in front of his coffin, sticking chopsticks directly into rice. Now you understand, right?
8. In China it is not customary to cut long noodles while eating. For the Chinese, noodles are an image of longevity, therefore, by cutting them, you shorten your life.
9. In China never point your chopsticks at anyone while eating - you will be considered rude.
10. IN South India While eating, do not touch the plate with your left hand. This is because the left hand is associated here (to put it delicately) with various functions of our body and is considered dirty. Even when handing over documents, you should not use your left hand.
11. From childhood we were taught to eat to the end, but in the Philippines, North Africa and parts of China a clean plate can offend the owner! Only when the guest leaves some food on the plate, the host realizes that he has eaten.
The ancient Chinese sage Confucius said that all virtues have etiquette as their source. The prehistory of etiquette, the formation of norms of decency in society, manners of behavior in society are contained in the traditions and customs of the ethnic group, the originality of the cultural and historical development of the people. Culture always implies the preservation of previous experience. Therefore, understanding the traditions of etiquette, their study and successive use in the lives of people of the third millennium will help to avoid the spread of nihilism and radicalism in society.
Tradition - it is the transmission for a long time - from generation to generation - of such elements of social and cultural heritage as social attitudes, norms of behavior, values, customs, rites, rituals. Traditions are the mechanism by which society, collectives bring their values and norms into the minds of people. They stabilize society, the life of an individual team. For example, the traditions of both European and Eastern peoples provide for the groom to receive the dowry of the bride. Dowry, we read in the dictionary of V.I. Dahl, - “the wealth of the bride that follows her by inheritance, or as a gift from relatives; wife's property". It was put on public display so that anyone could see the values \u200b\u200bthat the bride and groom received after the wedding. In the Russian language, proverbs have survived to this day: “Believe the dowry after the wedding”, “The dowry is in the chest, and the fool is on the arm.” A train was equipped to transport the dowry, i.e. a row of wagons following one after another. To emphasize the richness of the bride's dowry, more or less heavy things were laid out on several wagons. The train moved along the most crowded streets, stopping at intersections. During the transfer of the dowry, the assembled guests, relatives of the bride and groom, with things in their hands, danced on the street, despite the bad weather. When the music subsided, merry songs were sung. This tradition is still alive today. For example, on the day of the wedding they demand a ransom for the bride (a symbolic payment for issuing the bride's dowry), the marriage cartege noisily passes through busy places.
Violation of established traditions is perceived as sacrilege, blasphemy. Researcher of ancient Russian culture B.A. Ouspensky even introduces a special term "anti-behavior". In our opinion, the events in Moscow at the beginning of the 17th century can serve as an example of it. Representatives of the Polish gentry (nobility) arrived in the capital for the wedding of the Russian Tsar False Dmitry I(1605-1606) and daughter of a Polish magnate Marina Mnishek(died in 1614). The hatred of Muscovites for guests from the Commonwealth was the result of the disrespectful attitude of the Polish side to Russian traditions. In Orthodox churches, they behaved without any respect: they entered there in hats and with weapons, leaned on the tombs with the relics of miracle workers. During the wedding ceremony, the customs that had developed in Rus' were grossly violated. Having eaten and drunk, the gentry began to dance. In Russia, it was considered shameful and indecent for respectable people to jump and make knees. Dancing was the lot of buffoons. The Soviet poetess N. Konchalovskaya in the book “Our Ancient Capital” so vividly expressed this desecration of national traditions:
Polish pans dance to the music,
Russian beauties are ashamed to look.
Never seen such a shame:
The female sex to dance in hops.
It was not even necessary to hear that the Girls, bawling, passed through the Kremlin.
The nobility wanders around the ancient capital,
Mischievous on a clear day -
In the ancient cathedral they sit on the tomb,
Spurs brazenly ringing on the slabs.
Religious etiquette was also violated: only the Orthodox could be the wife of the Russian Tsar, and Marina Mnishek adhered to the rites of the Roman Church. The marriage to a Catholic woman and her coronation were the last straw in the patience of Muscovites: a popular uprising broke out, during which False Dmitry I was killed.
Custom- a stereotypical way of behavior that is reproduced in a particular society or social group and is familiar to its members. To this day, we wave to those who leave. This is the custom of farewell, wishes of a good journey. It is based on the pagan ideas of our ancestors, who worshiped the elements of fire, water, air, etc. In this way, a fair wind was “wound”, helping the departing person to safely reach the house. Another custom has survived to this day: a woman should walk to the right of a man. It is rooted in the distant past, when men carried a sword or saber on the left, and when attacking, it became necessary to quickly pull it out of its scabbard.
Rite - the embodiment of everyday, religious and other customs in various situations. Since ancient times, the traditional Russian wedding ceremony consisted of two parts, to a certain extent opposed to each other: on the one hand, official, legal, church (weddings), on the other, family (fun spree, i.e., the actual wedding). Moreover, the second part, the family, was considered the main, finally fastening the family union, among the people. If for some reason the wedding was postponed (although the wedding had already taken place), the young people were apart until the actual wedding ceremony. Today, just as before, the “wedding part” of a marriage lasts much longer (sometimes several days!) than the “official” part (in the registry office and in the church).
Ritual - a kind of ritual, an ordered system and sequence of actions, speeches, ceremonial. Rituals in different cultures have their own characteristics. For example, in European court circles there was a struggle for the slightest privilege to participate in the ritual, since such participation confirmed aristocratic advantages over other, less noble nobles. Some ladies were allowed to sit near the king, others were forced to stand. There was an etiquette that ordered one to sit in armchairs or on stools, in armchairs with one or another back; some had the advantage of going ahead of foreign princes, others behind. There were also those who were allowed to hold a candle when undressing the king, although the chambers were brightly lit. In Russian culture, the following symbolism of color has historically developed in the attire of Orthodox clergy: golden (yellow) robes or white - worship in honor of Christ
Savior, prophets, apostles, during the performance of the sacraments (requirements) and the funeral service; blue and white - for holidays in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos; red - on the day of remembrance of the martyrs, etc. Even in the days of the USSR, when atheistic propaganda was carried out, in some Russian families one way or another the main Orthodox holiday, Easter, was celebrated. Soviet people, who did not even keep a church fast, rarely went to churches (or did not go there at all), dyed eggs, baked Easter cakes, turned to each other in a close circle on Bright Sunday with the traditional greeting for this day: “Christ is risen! ".
Traditions, customs, rituals, rituals embody the moral essence of society. “Morality is an ideological reflection of the general vital interests of the era,” wrote the German scholar Eduard Fuchs (1870-1940). At the end of XX - beginning of XXI century. more and more often voices were heard about the "decline of morals", "universal immorality", the lack of ideas about the norms of decency among modern people, etc. In this regard, we consider it appropriate to make a short historical digression into the depths of centuries, dwelling in more detail on the picture of the customs of Europe in the Renaissance.
In the XVI-XVII centuries. there was a great revolution in the system of spiritual values. Medieval asceticism was replaced by a desire for the fullness of life, the joy of earthly pleasures. European individualism was formed with a new type of personality. We are talking about self-confident, enterprising, energetic, full of plans and hopes, not devoid of selfishness, even sometimes predation, an imperious, strong-willed person. He is interested exclusively in earthly problems, in a person high efficiency, initiative, the ability to be able to do everything, to know everything, to be able to do everything, to be in time, etc. are valued.
The man of the Renaissance, in contrast to the medieval ascetic, had a radiant health, a strong physique. In the book “Human Physiology” (XVI century, France), the physical data of a man are described as follows: “Men by nature have a large camp, broad faces, slightly curved eyebrows, large eyes, a square chin, thick sinewy necks, strong shoulders and ribs, a wide chest, sunken belly, bony and protruding thighs, strong sinewy thighs and arms, hard knees, strong shins, protruding calves, slender legs, etc. Curvaceous forms were loved in a woman. A lady whose corsage (a part of a woman's dress that covers the bust) which portends a luxurious chest is valued above all else. Such are the women from the sensual canvases of the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens(1570-1640). A contemporary explains why large women are preferable to slender women for men: “It is much more pleasant to drive a tall and beautiful horse, and the latter gives the rider much more pleasure than a small nag.”
Sensuality, turning into voluptuousness, is perceived as a natural manifestation of human nature. “The laws of nature are the most important. Nature did not create anything for nothing and provided us with noble organs not only so that we neglect them, but so that we use them, ”say the heroes of the novel The Decameron by the Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio(1313-1375). "Marriage to a strong and well-built man" is the basis of a woman's physical health.
For the first time in Europe, the norms of etiquette are becoming popular among the general population: the nobility, merchants, city dwellers. Good manners were necessary for a gentleman to charm a lady. From France to European languages, and in the XVIII century. and in Russian, the concepts of "courtuasion" and "elegance" come. courtesy- court etiquette, courtesy, courtesy; elegance - politeness, outward gloss, secularity in the Renaissance. Hence the adjective elegant - beautiful, graceful. In the age of the Renaissance, ideas about court etiquette are formed. They are based on standards and rules of behavior in a given society. The man was perceived by society as the owner of the house, the father of the family. In the living room, his chair was on a raised platform, and the guests were arranged in the order corresponding to their status.
Often we perceive this or that era, its great figures, representing the etiquette features of this society. Here is the beginning of V. Nabokov's poem "Shakespeare":
Among the nobles of the time of Elizabeth, you shone, honored magnificent covenants, and a circle of mesentery, a thigh covered with satin silver, a wedge of a beard - everything was like everyone else ...
Blisters - collar on the chest in the form of frills. It was worn by contemporaries of W. Shakespeare, the philosopher F. Bacon. It is precisely such attire of men of that era that is captured on the canvases of great artists. For example, Rembrandt's "Portrait of a Man in a Bryzha and with a Goatee".
The monarch's meal was extremely lavish. Below is a description by a contemporary of the ritual of lunches and dinners of the English Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). First, two gentlemen bring into the chambers of the monarch the symbols of royal power - the rod and the cover. They kneel three times, spread a tablecloth on the table and leave. Then two other gentlemen bring salt, a dish and bread. On their knees, they also leave. Next, two noble ladies bring a knife for tasting. They squat in a curtsey (a respectful bow with a squat) and remain in the room until the end of the meal. The queen's bodyguards bring in twenty-four dishes in golden dishes, and one of the noble ladies cuts off a piece of food, gives it to the bodyguard to try in order to protect the first person in the state from poisoning. Then Elizabeth I herself starts the meal. The dishes not eaten by her go to the ladies-in-waiting.
Of course, you shouldn't exaggerate. Elegance in the dress of the courtiers was at odds with what we would now call "civilized behavior." At royal receptions in France, there were not enough chamber pots with which footmen ran around (the administration of natural needs in the presence of others until the beginning of the 19th century was not considered indecent in Europe and fit into existing mores). At Versailles, Fontainebleau, the Louvre, the courtiers "irrigate curtains, urinate in fireplaces, on walls, from balconies." Therefore, the court so often changes its place of residence: the royal residences are cleaned and washed after the feces of the guests.
One of the most common gestures is this one.
If in the USA it means “everything is OK”, then in Japan it is money, in France it is zero, and in Portugal it is a completely indecent gesture.
Lightly tapping your nose with your finger means that you are most likely not telling the truth. In England, this will be regarded as a sign that someone is telling you something in secret, in Holland they will indicate that someone is drunk.
An Englishman and a Spaniard, slapping his forehead, will thus express extreme admiration for himself, and a German - extreme indignation at someone.
Trying to show that someone is talking nonsense, we twist a finger at the temple.
The Dutchman, in this way, will report that he heard an incredibly witty phrase. Even laughter is interpreted differently. If we have a smile - it's fun, then in Africa - extreme amazement. There are generally global differences in etiquette between southern and northern countries. The farther from the equator, the more pedantic and punctual people are. In the south, a delay of 15-20 minutes is in the order of things. In addition, in northern countries, all kinds of touching is unacceptable, especially between members of opposite sexes. Exceptions are handshakes. Southerners, on the contrary, will hug, kiss, pat on the back of each guest. But, again, they will be careful with the opposite sex. Going to other countries, it would be nice to find out about the daily routine that is acceptable there. For example, in southern countries there are very long dinners. They last 2-3 hours.
In Italy, it is not customary to carry suitcases on your own. There are specially trained people for this. Moreover, in Italy they don’t even call a taxi on their own. You need to go to any cafe and ask the owner to do it for you. This is done for free or at a nominal cost.
The country where etiquette is most scrupulous is England. The table rules are especially respected there. The ability to properly handle forks and knives is a minimum that will not allow you to appear as a rude ignoramus in the eyes of the British.
In England, it is not customary to give compliments, give gifts, talk about work after the working day is over.
In France, table etiquette matters. Lunch lasts 2-3 hours. Under no circumstances should you leave the table. Moreover, all participants in the dinner should participate in the conversation. Never break into small groups when you are having a conversation.
In addition, in France it is customary to be late for lunch by 15 minutes.
Nationalism is highly developed there. The French are very fond of their language, their culture. It would be nice to know a few words in French and have an idea about the culture of France.
A completely separate story is the etiquette of Muslim countries. Going there, first of all, pay attention to your clothes. It is desirable that the woman's arms, legs and shoulders be covered. A woman in our countries goes forward through the door, in Muslim countries a man goes forward, and after that all women.
You can not contact a woman, you should not clarify any questions with her. All issues in Muslim countries are decided only by men.
In Muslim countries, it is also not customary to sit cross-legged. You will offend the feelings of others if you show them the soles of your shoes or your bare feet. There are many subtleties in behavior in Eastern countries. Egypt has long become almost native. India and Thailand every year attract more and more new fans of their exotic.
In India, it is not customary to touch other people. As a greeting - not a handshake, but two palms folded side by side, and a slight bow.
In India, they eat with their hands, and to show the owner that you are full, it is better to leave some food on the plate.
In addition, when going to India, you need to remember that it is better to have cheap sandals with you, because in almost all temples and museums you will have to take off your shoes and leave your shoes at the entrance. In order not to be upset later when you don’t see your expensive sandals, it’s better not to take very expensive shoes.
And know that Indian men are very fond of coming to the beach on weekends and looking at naked women. If suddenly you are faced with this, it is better not to argue, not to swear. If this bothers you, you can just cover yourself with a bathrobe.
In Thailand, it is not customary to step on the threshold. Local residents believe that good spirits live in it. Also in Thailand you can not sunbathe topless and get involved in nudism, you can not throw chewing gum on the sidewalk. For this you face a fine of 600 dollars. And if you do not have such money, then you can be put in jail.
In Thailand, in no case can not talk about the heat. This is considered the height of indecency. Muslim non-verbal etiquette
In Turkey, it is customary to invite people to the bathhouse as a sign of respect. Turks love to give and receive gifts. In Turkey, coffee will be poured to you almost endlessly. It is very strong, without sugar, usually with cardamom. In order to refuse, you need to move the cup from side to side or even turn it upside down. Going on a trip, it will not be superfluous to take souvenirs with you. But do not be intrusive in trying to hand them over to your new acquaintances.
There are a lot of cultures. Therefore, when going abroad, do not be lazy, get on the Internet and find out a little more about the country where you are going.
What to do if you are invited to dinner in another country? In some countries they are very strange ...
First you need to learn the rules of etiquette in different countries of the world. Otherwise, you can not only get into an awkward situation, but also ruin your relationship with the owner of the house forever.
Why is it that in Kazakhstan they don’t pour a full cup of tea, in China you can’t cut noodles, and in Ethiopia it’s indecent to ask for a separate plate?
France: calmness, only calmness
The very word "etiquette" is of French origin. And this is no coincidence. It is customary to pay special attention to the rules of conduct at the table, as well as the meal itself. It is considered bad taste in France to rush at the table. Even if you are very hungry, eat slowly. By the way, it is useful not only for the image, but also for digestion. In addition, you should not pounce on the bread that is brought before the main course. Eating it bit by bit while waiting for it to be hot is considered bad manners here.
England: social circle
The British pay great attention not only to the rules of eating, but also to communication at the table. For example, it is considered the height of indecency to raise your voice during a conversation, to brag about your achievements, and most importantly, to have a conversation with only one guest. The topic of conversation is common to the entire table, and all those present take part in the conversation. It is also considered indecent to interrupt the interlocutor - especially the guest or the head of the family.
China: size matters
Now we associate long spaghetti primarily with Italy. At the same time, according to one version, noodles appeared in Europe thanks to the traveler Marco Polo. It was he who brought her in 1292 with him from China. In China itself, noodles have been eaten for thousands of years. The first mention of it is contained in documents that are more than 2000 years old. Since then, there has been a real cult of noodles in China. She represents health and longevity. That is why table etiquette prescribes in no case cut the noodles. It is believed that in this way a person shortens his life.
Kazakhstan: the glass is half empty
In Kazakhstan, a full cup of tea is never served to a guest. Do not ask for supplements - this is considered impolite. A cup filled to the brim means that the owner wants to get you out of his house faster. The smaller the portion of tea that is poured to the guest, the more respect. In addition, tea in Kazakhstan is usually drunk from a bowl, and it is simply inconvenient to hold it in your hands if you fill it to the brim.
Thailand: Wash your hands after eating
If in Thailand they set the table with a spoon and fork, this does not mean that you were given a choice of what to eat. Particular attention should be paid to boiled rice dishes. The fork here is only used to put the rice on the spoon. True, some dishes from the northern and northeastern regions of the country should only be eaten with your hands. In them, rice has a sticky texture, and therefore, it is more difficult to take it with a fork. You can relax only if you were served a dish without rice. This food is eaten with a fork. By the way, rice is not eaten with chopsticks in Thailand. This is considered the most malicious violation of etiquette.
Chile: hands off!
In Chile, the opposite is true for hands. At the table, absolutely nothing can be eaten with your hands. Only cutlery. Even french fries. Moreover, it is worth forgetting about the well-known rule “the bird is eaten with your hands”. In Chile, you will be looked upon as a barbarian. Here, by the way, the strictest rules of etiquette among all Latin American countries.
Japan: how much in this sound
Don't be surprised if you see Japanese people munching loudly while eating noodles and soups. In this way they show their respect to the cook. The louder the champ, the better the dish turned out. By the way, the soup can be drunk directly from the bowl without even using a spoon.
Ethiopia: tortilla
In Ethiopia, it is indecent to ask for a separate plate. All guests and hosts eat from one large dish. Such are the traditions of hospitality. Food in Ethiopia is placed on a flat cake, which is called "ingera". In addition, ingers put on the edge of the plate in order to take food with their help. Thus, the cake also acts as a fork. By the way, it is customary to take food in small portions so as not to drop too much on a common plate.
Adygea: stop who is coming
Circassians have great respect for food, so it is considered disrespectful to turn your back to the set table. For the same reason, all those gathered cannot leave the table together. At least one person must remain seated until the rest return. Usually the eldest stays. In addition, in Adygea it is not customary to refuse an invitation to dine. This may be perceived by the owner as an insult.
Nenets Autonomous Okrug: all sang
What Russian feast passes without a song? Usually, after the guests eat and drink, they begin to sing. But not everywhere. For example, among the Nenets it is strictly forbidden to sing and whistle at the table. This is considered the height of indecency. If someone suddenly sings at the table, the Nenets will remember the sign "sing everything, whistle everything."
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FEATURES OF ETIQUETTE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
G The main rule of conduct in a foreign country, which must be strictly followed, is to feel like a guest and behave accordingly, respect the hosts and adequately represent their homeland. According to your behavior, manners, appearance, your country will be judged, so you should be delicate and polite .
At the same time, do not try to judge the inhabitants of another country on the fly and do not rush to conclusions. What seems strange to you may be familiar to this country. And what is accepted and considered normal in your country may be completely unacceptable in another, and, not knowing the traditions and customs, you can inadvertently offend a representative of another country or get into an awkward situation yourself.
In addition to special rules of conduct, each country has its own sign language, non-verbal speech.
In Holland, turning the index finger at the temple means that someone said a witty phrase.
Speaking about himself, a European will show his hand to his chest, and a Japanese - to his nose.
In some African countries, laughter means astonishment or confusion.
The gesture "zero", formed by the thumb and forefinger, in the USA means that everything is going well, in Japan - money, and in Portugal it is considered obscene.
In Russia, raised eyebrows mean surprise, in Germany - admiration, in England - an expression of skepticism.
When a Frenchman or an Italian knocks himself on the head with his finger, it means that they think some idea is stupid.
If a British or Spaniard slaps his forehead with his hand, he will show others that he is pleased with himself. With the same gesture, the German will express his extreme indignation towards someone.
When the Frenchman is delighted with something, he connects the tips of three fingers, brings them to his lips and, raising his chin high, sends a tender kiss into the air. If he rubs the base of his nose with his index finger, this means that he does not trust the person they are talking about.
The Italian expresses disbelief by tapping his nose with his index finger. The same gesture in Holland means that the speaker or the one they are talking about is in a state of intoxication.
In the countries of the Middle East, money or gifts are extended only with the right hand, if they do it with the left, they will thereby insult the interlocutor.
In Algeria or Egypt, the Arabic gesture of calling is similar to our farewell gesture.
When communicating, it is very important to take into account the distance between the interlocutors. A distance of up to one meter is considered intimate. Communication at such a distance is accepted only between close people and friends. A distance of one to two and a half meters is considered official. If it is violated, the person begins to feel uncomfortable. A distance of three meters or more is considered the "distance of indifference". This is the favorite distance of chiefs. At such a distance it is easy to give orders and instructions.
England
Compliance with formalities is the way of life of the English. The British pay attention to details first.
The British are very serious about the rules of conduct at the table. Therefore, read and try to follow the rules adopted in this country.
Never put your hands on the table, keep them on your knees.
Do not address strangers at the table if you are not introduced to them.
Don't kiss a woman's hand and don't shake a man's hand
Don't give public compliments such as, "Your dress is beautiful." This will be regarded as the greatest faux pas.
At the table it is not customary to talk with individuals. Everyone should listen to whoever is speaking, and you, in turn, speak in a way that will be heard by everyone.
Never start talking business until the dishes are ordered, unless, of course, one of your partners starts a conversation on this topic.
If you want to let the waiter know you've finished your meal, place your knife and fork side by side. If you're just taking a break from eating, put your knife and fork crosswise.
In England much is decided over tea. It is served in the afternoon. First of all, tea is offered to the guest.
Tea is drunk black or with milk and one or two pieces of sugar; it is not customary to drink tea with cream
After tea and sandwiches, you may be offered "skon", a special kind of small sweet bread with raisins. It is served with butter and jam, which you should take on your plate. The scone is cut in half and butter or jam is spread only on the part that is about to be bitten off.
Tea drinking can end with a glass of sherry, which marks the acquaintance
France
How do you imagine a typical Frenchman? A kind of hero-lover, in between fights and novels, eating a lot of frogs. We must disappoint you, the French are not quite like that, or rather, not at all like that.
The French are extremely nationalistic. They are sensitive to the use of English or German during business meetings and are reluctant to learn any foreign language themselves.
The French are proud of their national traditions. One of the main advantages is French cuisine, which is a matter of national pride. If, while in France, you begin to praise any dish or drink, this will only be welcome.
Leaving food on the plate is not accepted, and if you want to salt the dish to your liking, you should know that this can be regarded as disrespectful to the hosts.
With regard to alcoholic beverages, it should be noted that good wine is a companion of the meal even when the Frenchman dine alone. The culture of alcohol consumption involves a glass of aperitif before dinner (port wine, anise liqueur or whiskey with soda), during lunch - three to four glasses of wine (white - for fish and seafood, red - for meat and cheese), and after dessert or coffee - fruit vodka, strong liquor or cognac. The main requirement in the use of alcohol is moderation.
The French are friendly, talkative, prudent and thrifty. They easily boil, take offense and never forgive a dismissive attitude, even in small things. A distinctive feature of the French is that, despite the sociability, they prefer to work alone.
The French often like to argue, they are very emotional, their temperament is reflected not only in conversation, but also in facial expressions and gestures. They like to judge others, but at the same time they perceive criticism in their address painfully. If you are in France, then never forget about it.
The common address to men is "monsieur", to unmarried women - "mademoiselle", to married women - "madame". At work, it is customary for all women, without exception, to be addressed as "madam." You can only call by name if you have been given permission to do so. When meeting men, as a rule, they shake hands.
Germany
The Germans, like the French, are prudent and thrifty, more reliable and punctual, but inferior to the French in a sense of humor and cordiality. Such traits of the German character as diligence, diligence and rationality, love for organization and order are well known. They are pedantic and skeptical, distinguished by their seriousness, laconicism and restraint. They have a free way of thinking and great civic courage.
Like the French, the Germans are proud of their country, its national traditions, and respect its history.
The Germans have a habit of painting both business and private life by the day and by the hour. Punctuality and strict regulation affect everywhere. Particular attention in Germany will be paid to your punctuality.
Tipping in a restaurant or cafe can not be given - they are already included in the cost of your lunch or dinner. But if you still want to give them, then round up the tip to the full amount.
A distinctive feature of the Germans to conduct business is a high degree of officiality. The Germans are very reserved and obsessed with uniforms, which is why they often come across as unfriendly. Haste is disapproving of them. All meetings are scheduled in advance. Plans for vacation, for example, they consider for six months - a year. In Germany, you can not touch on the topic of the Second World War.
Italy
Many people think that Italians are similar in temperament to Russians, but business Italians are most often distinguished by a certain restraint and stiffness.
In a business setting, you introduce yourself by saying only your last name and then shaking hands. Even women shake hands. The custom of kissing a woman's hand is held mainly in non-official use; it is rare in business communication.
When you arrive at an Italian airport, don't try to carry your suitcase yourself.
Do not try to stop a free taxi yourself. If you are in a hotel, ask the receptionist to call a taxi - it will arrive in a few minutes
When getting into a taxi, take the back seat. It is not customary to sit next to the driver here. Pay strictly according to the meter or a little more, but not much - Italians do not respect those who litter with money.
Japan
The whole life of the Japanese is full of various ceremonies and is subject to strict protocol. When they meet, they exchange business cards in order to be able to find out their position in society relative to each other. After receiving your card, the first thing the Japanese will look at is what company you work for and what position you hold. He will determine the status of your company in relation to his own and, based on this, choose a course of action.
A business card in Japan is your "face", your "second self", so you need to handle it very carefully. If you give a Japanese man a crumpled, dirty business card (albeit with an apology), then his opinion of you will not be the highest.
When you want to give a Japanese a small gift, give it with both hands as a sign of deep respect. This is especially important when meeting with a person who occupies a high position. If your interlocutor occupies a lower position than you, then it is better to accept his business card with one hand, otherwise you may embarrass him.
Before entering a Japanese house, you must take off your shoes.
Instead of shaking hands, the Japanese bow low.
It is not customary to sit cross-legged here: this is a sign that the thoughts and statements of the interlocutor do not interest you.
When meeting Japanese people, you must give the full name and surname. The word "master" in Japan replaces the prefix "san" at the end of the word, that is, add "san" after the surname, for example, Ivanov-san.
If for any reason you cannot arrive on time for negotiations, be sure to notify your Japanese partners about this. The Japanese are very punctual and do not like being late.
Talking about work after the end of the working day in Japan is not forbidden.
When communicating with the Japanese, never get excited
If the Japanese partner nods his head during negotiations while you are speaking, this should not be regarded as a sign of agreement. This means that he understood you. In general, the Japanese always listen carefully to their partner, do not interrupt him or make comments. Even if you are nervous, try to remain calm outwardly.
Lastly, try to avoid talking about World War II.
When you come to the United States, never forget the so-called "American dream." A man who has worked hard, though not always righteous, who has amassed a multi-million dollar fortune or made an amazing career - this is the ultimate dream of almost all Americans.
The biggest American value that really deserves attention is individual freedom. Americans are simply obsessed, in a good sense of the word, with the inviolability of their personality. They constantly defend their rights in court and will not let anyone offend themselves with impunity.
Muslim countries of the Near and Middle East
Muslim countries are characterized by general rules of etiquette, due to religious beliefs.
Five times a day in Muslim countries, work is interrupted for prayer (prayer). If you are not a Muslim, then you do not have to pray, but you should treat your Muslim partner with respect and not make business meetings during prayer times.
During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, work stops at noon. Thursday and Friday are holidays for Muslims.
Arriving at the house of a Muslim, do not be surprised if he kisses you on both cheeks - this is the national custom. Moreover, you must return the same and also greet him with a kiss.
Remember that Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
In Pakistan and some other Islamic countries, they also eat with their hands, or rather, they use only their right hand. The left one is considered so unclean that even if you accidentally touch food with it, the owner will immediately order the dish of food to be taken away from the table. Note, however, that this does not apply to a vessel with water.
When meeting on the street, Muslims confine themselves to shaking hands.
In the countries of the Middle East, disparaging statements about women are completely unacceptable (the harem is considered an honorable and holy thing, and a woman, as a spouse and mother, is surrounded by special honors, despite the fact that she is not allowed to sit at the same table with guests).
In Muslim countries, it is better not to touch on topics related to politics and religion.
Arab countries
Achieving success with business partners in the Arab countries is also facilitated by respect for local customs and traditions.
In Arab countries, they prefer coffee without sugar, very strong, with a lot of cardamom. If you drink a cup of coffee and give it to the owner, he will immediately pour more into it. And this will continue until you alone drink all the coffee from one coffee pot. If you don't want to drink anymore, then shake the cup from side to side or turn it upside down.
When soft drinks are offered before coffee, this means that the meeting is coming to an end.
During the conversation, Arabs often ask questions about your health and the health of your family. Try to answer them briefly and do not ask partners such questions.
Australia
Arriving in Australia, before going through customs, throw out the canned food, rolls, half-eaten sandwiches and even fruit seeds you brought with you into large trash cans located in front of the customs counters. If you don't follow this advice, you could be fined over $100.
Australians are a sporty nation, so if you start talking about sports, they will happily pick up the conversation. Another favorite topic of conversation is rest.
Like Russians, Australians love alcoholic drinks. Their wines rival the quality of French wines, so don't forget to compliment them when you taste Australian wine.
Going to visit the Australians, grab a small souvenir.
Australians do not attach much importance to clothing and dress simply.
