A Cultural Minefield by William Ecenbarger is an article about how common gestures and customs at home have different meanings in other parts of the world. Ecenbarger has been to six different continents and didn’t realize until years later, that he offended or embarrassed his host during that time. For example Ecenbarger in Australia got into a taxi and jumped into the back seat. The taxi driver spoke to him in voice that made Ecenbarger nervous. In the United States it is a custom that you jump into the back seat whenever asking for a cab.
Majority of Hmong women prefer women doctors or nurses to give them care in these situations, they are known to refuse male doctors or nurses when it comes to anything involving a vaginal examination or birthing. The Hmong believe in no touching of the head because they believe the head is the most sacred because they believe that is where the spirit resides. It is considered inappropriate for opposite genders to sit too close to each other and to avoid misinterpretations it is a male’s responsibility to make sure to keep a distance between himself and the female. Only men shake men’s hands when greeting each other women do not shake hands. Women who are close (close in terms of relationship) will hug each other just like Americans would
During this holiday, family members and friends of the deceased visit their graves and place marigolds on them. Small toys are placed on children’s graves, and bottles of tequila are given to the deceased adults. The relatives then spend the rest of the day at the cemetery. They may have a picnic and enjoy the deceased person’s favorite
Although people may think it is pathos because You might show emotion, it is logical that you greet someone when you meet them. Parents raise their children to not be rude or impolite. One time , i went with my mom to her friends house and I didn't say "hello" so my mom got mad at me. Ever since that they I always remembered to say "hello".
(SP 1 The Haitian People feel very strongly about greetings, Men shake hands on meeting and departing, men and women kiss on the cheek when greeting, women kiss each other on the cheek. An older person might be called “aunt” or “uncle” as sign of respect even if they not related. B. (SP 2) - The tradition of hospitality is clear in how they treat guests or go out of their way to help strangers find an address or something else they need. (Transition: I’ve told you about our customs, now I’ll tell you how cuisine play an important part of customs.)
As an American we believe that continuously staring at someone is rude and can come off as threatening (Changing Minds). In caribbean culture, it is common to have others stare someone without the thought of it being disrespectful. In both Haitian and Montserratian culture staring at someone shows interest in whatever they may be doing (Culture Crossing Guide). Even though each culture has their differences, some share similarities. America and Montserrat have similar social expectations when greeting someone.
Girls are often given gifts that signify that she is about to join the adult word. The gifts usually include jewelry such as a ring with her birthstone, bracelet, or necklace, as well as a Bible and the libro y rosario, a prayer book and rosary. She is no longer given a child-sized rosary, but rather adult objects for worshiping as an adult (Cantú, 2002). During the mass, the priest blesses her new jewelry, and then the quince girl offers a bouquet of flowers to the Virgin Mary symbolizing purity and asking for continued guidance and protection. A girl might also give away a porcelain doll or childhood trinket to a younger sister or female relative to symbolize that she is leaving her childhood (Conger, n.d.).
This is when an old straw broom or sticks were laid at the feet of the bride and groom, and together they jump the broom to show that the two families were joined. The broom ceremony is said to be a tradition that was kept from its original ancestral origins in Africa. This act of nuptials to this day is still in effect in the African American community. Although they had this act they were still did not have any rights to live together or to raise children together like a normal family. It was common for enslaved parents and children to live apart.
Most American people conserve eye contact while communicating, and also they are expertise in showing enthusiasm and compassion. When greeting in social situations women pat each other on the right forearm or on the shoulder, rather than shake hands where as men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to a more traditional hug and back slapping. conversation take place in close physical distance when stepping back may be regarded as unfriendly. generally, people refrain to use first names
That day we eat tamales and atole. It is a Good time with the family. In November 30 or around December 5 we do some thing that it is call Rasca de reyes. It is a bread that Have a little baby Jesus hidden in the bread represents the flight of the Holy Family,fleeing from King Herod. In my culture , if a person get one they are reponsibility of hosting a dinner and providing tamales and atole to the guests.
Commonly when approaching a peer, teacher, or a stranger, the first phrase to be said is often a form of polite speech. Polite speech can be categorized by the use of phrases that show regards for others. With some people backing the sense that what is said is portrayed as literal speech, most of it is said for the sake of sounding welcoming and responsible. Having polite speech implemented into people’s day to day lives serves the function of creating a well developed impression of a person.
Dear diary to day is my first day at my new management position in America and my first day in America. As always I went to work with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt which turned out to be a bad idea. Unlikely Norway, the employees wears suits and skirts, not jeans. I’ve already noticed some of the difference from Norway and I haven’t started at work properly yet.
In Portugal, as a sign of greeting men and women kiss each other on the cheeks. Men shake hands. When the closer friends who are happy to see each other get together, they accompany vigorous handshake greeting by slapping each other on the shoulder or back. When people say goodbye to each other the same ritual is repeated, though a handshake and a pat on the shoulder can be less vigorous. Now we can see the tendency of spreading of these rules and traditions of the family and friendship over business establishment.
Normally a Singaporeans greeting is looking at the person eyes and having a firm handshake. The Japanese greeting is lowering their eyes and bows the person with a firm handshake. Some Japanese they are aware of our handshake, so they will only greet us with a normal handshake but often to be a weak handshake. In Singapore to achieve high position in the company we have to base on our education and hard work but to the Japanese their age is equal to their rank. Both country use same professional title in formal situations, for us Singaporean we use Mr and Mrs, but for Japanese there use the word San as Mr and Mrs. Exchanging of business cards is common in both culture, as we Singapore business men we should prepare our business cards both side is printed in English and Japanese.
A culture, by definition, is a set of shared beliefs within a society; learning how to interact with people from different cultures is important in order to communicate and work with each other. It helps us become understanding of one another and widens our perspective of what the world has to offer. To be able to cross cultural communicate with others, the first step is to be aware that every culture is complex and has its differences. While traveling to new countries and trying to understand each other, there is a large possibility of miscommunication, which can come in the form of misinterpreting messages or body language; therefore, it is crucial to keep an open mind whilst communicating. There are multitudes of factors in various cultures that play a role in decision making, so being aware of the expectations that are influenced by someone’s culture will help you understand their choices.
