Post on 19-Dec-2015
English conversation
Different CulturesSchedule Opposite of
polite
agenda Programme of work to do
interrupt Without words
rude How someone looks
Non verbal Say something is very good
Appearance Speak when another person is speaking
Compliment List of subjects to discuss in a meeting
Listening C2.10
Japan
1 Why shouldn’t people speak loudly or show anger when speaking to Japanese people?
2 Why is it important not to pour your own drink when you are with friends or people you know?
3 Why should westerners stand further away than is normal for them when they are in conversation with Japanese people?
4 Why do you have to take a shower before you go into a Japanese communal bath?
Russia
1 Why is it important not to give an even number of flowers (e.g. 8, 10, 12) as a present?
2 Why shouldn’t you smoke in Red Square Moscow?
3 Why do you have to leave your coat in a cloakroom when you go into a restaurant or theatre?
4 If you visit someone in their home in winter, why should you take a pair of indoor shoes with you?
Different Cultures
It’s important to be serious in a work situation. They don’t mix work and
play so you shouldn’t make jokes like we do in the U.K and USA when you
first meet people. They work in a very organised way and prefer to do one
thing at a time. They don’t like interruptions or sudden changes in the
schedule. Punctuality is very important so you should always arrive on time
for appointments. At meetings it’s important to follow the agenda and not
interrupt another speaker. If you present to your class or seniors you should
focus on facts and provide supporting evidence and technical information.
You should prepare well. You may use family names for friends or
colleagues but you must use surnames for strangers or the first time you
meet someone.Sweden France Germny
Politeness and good manners are very
important especially in formal situations.
Business cards are also important and are
exchanged when you first meet. They always
look at them carefully, so you should do the
same as they might think you’re rude if you
don’t. A lot of communication is non verbal.
They are very good listeners and may ask a lot
of questions to check they understand
everything. In a conversation they wait a longer
than westerners before they answer. It is
important that you do not speak in those long
pauses when waiting for a reply. In their culture
it is rude to say ‘No’ or disagree. When they say
‘Yes’ it may mean ‘I understand’ and when they
smile it might mean that they don’t know what
to say.
People and personal relationships are more
important than time and schedules, which are
flexible. People may be late for an appointment,
although they are more punctual in the north of
the country than in the south. Some people
think that their way of working is disorganized
and inefficient. In meetings they don’t feel they
have to follow an agenda or speak only in turn.
They interrupt each other and often all talk at
the same time. Sometimes it seems like they are
arguing. The often use body language when
they are talking.
Appearance and good manners are important,
so you should dress well and be polite, but you
don’t have to be formal. Food is also a very
important part of life, so remember to
compliment them on their cuisine.
Japan India China France Italy Spain
Crossing CulturesHow do you greet a) Family members?b) Close friends?c) Colleagues?d) Visitors?
How do you address a) Familyb) Friendsc) Colleagues
How punctual are people fora) Meetingsb) Social eventsc) Classd) dates
How separate is work from private life?
What do people take when they are invited to dinner, a meeting or event?
Modal Verbs1. In England you ______________ hold the door
open for someone else.2. In Germany you _________ cut your potatoes
with a knife3. In Saudi Arabia you ___________ burp after
eating food.4. In Japan you ________ reuse chopsticks.5. In Australia you _________ ride Kangaroos.
Different CulturesLinear-active Multi-active Reactive
Do one thing at a timeAre punctualFollow timetables and schedulesRarely interruptFocus first on the job and finishing it on time
Do several things at the same timeAre punctualPrefer flexibility to fixed timetables and schedulesOften interruptThink personal relationships are as important as the job
Follow the timetable of the person they are doing business withDo not express individual opinions or disagreementListen carefully and do not interrupt
Listening 14/15
Linear-active Multi-active Reactive
Habit Habit Type of culturePunctual Unpunctual
Long pauses in conversation
No long pauses in conversation
A lot of eye contact Very little eye contact
Stand close together Stand further away
Use gestures a lot Use gestures a little
ExplainWAISAVING FACEKRAENG JAIWHO PAYS THE
BILLRESPECT TO
ELDERSSHARING
OPINIONS
Your culture
Do’s and Don’ts
1. England / Britain2. Table manners3. Don’t be intrusive4. Be critical5. Be polite6. Showing your
success7. Shake hands8. Pub9. Queue10. Sex / Politics / Size
How much did you pay for your
glasses? Why did you come to Thailand?
Thailand Don’ts
1. Thai Royal Family.
2. Cross your legs
3. Thai woman
4. Affection in public
5. Sunbathe
6. A Thai person’s head
7. Feet
8. Shout or be angry
9. Buddha images
10. Alcohol
Thailand Do’s
1. Buddha images
2. Dress
3. Shoes
4. Monks
5. Keep calm
6. Spoon
7. Lower your body
slightly
8. Smile
9. Enjoy yourself