Intro to Culture & Intercultural Faux Pas World Geography.

Intro to Culture & Intercultural Faux Pas

Intro to Culture & Intercultural Faux Pas

World GeographyWorld Geography

What is culture?What is culture?

What is culture?What is culture?

features of a group of people’s way of life, passed down through generations by teachings, examples and imitation.

features of a group of people’s way of life, passed down through generations by teachings, examples and imitation.

How do cultures develop?How do cultures develop?

Innovation: creation

Innovation: creation

Diffusion: spreading of ideas.

Diffusion: spreading of ideas.

Culture Hearth:

Center of learning and innovation that diffuses to other regions

Cultural Hearths

How does culture spread?How does culture spread?

Migration

When people move, they take their clothing, food, religion, and language with them.

Migration

When people move, they take their clothing, food, religion, and language with them.

-Silk Road

-Columbian Exchange

AssimilationAssimilation

joining or fitting in with a larger culture.

(German descendants in the USA.)

joining or fitting in with a larger culture.

(German descendants in the USA.)

AcculturationAcculturation A culture

accepting an innovation or diffusion from another culture

A culture accepting an innovation or diffusion from another culture

Ethnocentrism: judging other cultures by the rules of your culture.

Xenophobia: fear of outsiders (limits diffusion)

“For more security.”

Elements of CultureElements of Culture

Language Language


ReligionReligion


Institutions

Ex. education, political/economic systems

Institutions

Ex. education, political/economic systems


technologytechnology


Beliefs and CustomsBeliefs and Customs

What is a Faux Pas?What is a Faux Pas?

From the French phrase faux pas, of the same meaning; composed of faux, “false”, and pas, “step”.

Basically, it is a violation of accepted social rules. What could be good manners in one culture could be a faux pas in another.

From the French phrase faux pas, of the same meaning; composed of faux, “false”, and pas, “step”.

Basically, it is a violation of accepted social rules. What could be good manners in one culture could be a faux pas in another.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/faux_pas

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/faux

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/false

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pas

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/step

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/faux_pas

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/faux

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/false

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pas

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/step

Cultural Differences:Eating


Throughout most of the Middle East the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating.

Throughout most of the Middle East the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating.



In Korean and Chinese cultures, the practice of sticking chopsticks or spoons in a bowl of rice during the meal is a no, no. This is done only during memorial services. The action reflects death or bad luck.

In Korean and Chinese cultures, the practice of sticking chopsticks or spoons in a bowl of rice during the meal is a no, no. This is done only during memorial services. The action reflects death or bad luck.

When dining with a group of Chinese associates, they begin to “slurp” their noodles. What does this mean?

Slurping is acceptable. It is the best way to get the noodles into your mouth and shows you are enjoying the meal.



In Norway, Malaysia and Singapore, it's rude to leave anything on your plate, but in Egypt, it's rude not to. If you finish a drink in Indonesia, it implies you'd like another.

In Norway, Malaysia and Singapore, it's rude to leave anything on your plate, but in Egypt, it's rude not to. If you finish a drink in Indonesia, it implies you'd like another.

When cutting food, what do we Americans do that Europeans consider odd?

We hold fork with the left hand, cut with the right, then switch the fork to the right hand. Europeans don’t switch the fork over.



In India, no matter how good your palak paneer is, offering someone a taste off your plate is a no-no. It is seen as unclean. Enjoy your food, rave about it all you want, but keep it to yourself.

In India, no matter how good your palak paneer is, offering someone a taste off your plate is a no-no. It is seen as unclean. Enjoy your food, rave about it all you want, but keep it to yourself.



When you buy a Coke on the street in Romania, you are only buying the liquid; you actually have to stand there while drinking and then promptly return the bottle!

When you buy a Coke on the street in Romania, you are only buying the liquid; you actually have to stand there while drinking and then promptly return the bottle!



In France, many chefs would be appalled if you ruined their culinary masterpieces with condiments like ketchup. So get used to your “prommes frites” without the ketchup.

In France, many chefs would be appalled if you ruined their culinary masterpieces with condiments like ketchup. So get used to your “prommes frites” without the ketchup.

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When casually walking in China, what should you be watching out for?

Although it is against the law, many Chinese spit or blow their nose onto the sidewalk.

MMM

Public restrooms are a little different in East Asia. Are you in the men’s or women’s restroom?

BE AWARE! Public restrooms are “bring your own paper.”

Weird LawsWeird LawsSingapore

It is illegal to chew gum, feed birds,spit, and not flush the toilet.

The gum law was loosened in 2004,when they started to allow Nicorette.

Gambling will be legal in 2009, and you can now legally dance on top ofbars.

Fines will run you ~$100.

Weird Laws from East AsiaWeird Laws from East AsiaThailand

It is illegal to drive a car topless.

Most cops give warning, but ticketscan go up to a few hundred baht! (~$10).

Cultural Differences:Reactions to a Pretty Girl

Who does what?

Cultural Differences:Reactions to a Pretty Girl

Who does what?

A. Lift eyebrowsB. Press forefinger

into cheek and whistle

C. Stroke cheekD. Put an imaginary

telescope to eyeE. Kiss fingertipsF. Grasp beard

A. Lift eyebrowsB. Press forefinger

into cheek and whistle

C. Stroke cheekD. Put an imaginary

telescope to eyeE. Kiss fingertipsF. Grasp beard

1. Italian2. Arab3. Frenchman4. American5. Greek6. Brazilian

1. Italian2. Arab3. Frenchman4. American5. Greek6. Brazilian

South AmericaSouth America

Brazil

Be careful in Brazil, even if you are a married man. Women are very forward and aggressive romantically.

Brazil

Be careful in Brazil, even if you are a married man. Women are very forward and aggressive romantically.

MexicoMexicoYou are invited to a

party in Mexico at 7:00. You arrive fashionably late at 7:15, but no one is there. What happened?

In Mexico, it is common to show up very late for social gatherings.

You are invited to a party in Mexico at 7:00. You arrive fashionably late at 7:15, but no one is there. What happened?

In Mexico, it is common to show up very late for social gatherings.

Cultural Differences:Punctuality

Cultural Differences:Punctuality

Some countries follow a "better never than late" philosophy; others, "better late than punctual." Jamaicans appreciate promptness, as do the Danes. In Denmark, if you are invited for dinner at 6 p.m., be on time because the food may already be on the table. If you're fortunate enough to receive a rare invitation to dine in a Chinese home, you should arrive promptly and leave soon after the end of the meal. In Egypt, a pre-dinner snack is a good idea, because an evening meal there may not begin until 10:30 or later

Some countries follow a "better never than late" philosophy; others, "better late than punctual." Jamaicans appreciate promptness, as do the Danes. In Denmark, if you are invited for dinner at 6 p.m., be on time because the food may already be on the table. If you're fortunate enough to receive a rare invitation to dine in a Chinese home, you should arrive promptly and leave soon after the end of the meal. In Egypt, a pre-dinner snack is a good idea, because an evening meal there may not begin until 10:30 or later

Cultural Differences:Addressing someone by

name

Cultural Differences:Addressing someone by

nameIn China, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, people

relate formally, on a last-name basis. In China, the last name is spoken first, followed

by the "first" name. For instance, Chen Yung Po would be Mr. Chen.

People in Thailand, Fiji and Israel call one another by their first names, as they do in Iceland, where the telephone directory is alphabetized according to first name.

In China, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, people relate formally, on a last-name basis.

In China, the last name is spoken first, followed by the "first" name. For instance, Chen Yung Po would be Mr. Chen.

People in Thailand, Fiji and Israel call one another by their first names, as they do in Iceland, where the telephone directory is alphabetized according to first name.

Cultural Differences:Eye Contact

Cultural Differences:Eye Contact

In American culture, direct eye contact during a conversation shows respect and intensive listening; avoiding it is a sign of nervousness or lying. But for Koreans, avoiding direct eye contact is the only acceptable way to hold a conversation. Koreans may think you’re bold, impolite or even aggressive if you are looking right at them when speaking.

In American culture, direct eye contact during a conversation shows respect and intensive listening; avoiding it is a sign of nervousness or lying. But for Koreans, avoiding direct eye contact is the only acceptable way to hold a conversation. Koreans may think you’re bold, impolite or even aggressive if you are looking right at them when speaking.

Cultural Differences:Touching

Cultural Differences:Touching

In Thailand, no matter how adorable they are, resist the urge to pat a child on the noggin. It is taboo to touch someone on the head, as it is a revered part of the body.

In Thailand, no matter how adorable they are, resist the urge to pat a child on the noggin. It is taboo to touch someone on the head, as it is a revered part of the body.

Cultural Differences:Relaxation/Posture

Cultural Differences:Relaxation/Posture

Whether on desks, coffee tables or just lounging on the couch, the act of putting one’s feet up may be a sign of relaxation in our culture. However, this action, especially showing the sole of the shoe to someone, is considered unclean and one of the greatest of insults in Arabic cultures.

Whether on desks, coffee tables or just lounging on the couch, the act of putting one’s feet up may be a sign of relaxation in our culture. However, this action, especially showing the sole of the shoe to someone, is considered unclean and one of the greatest of insults in Arabic cultures.

Cultural Differences:Gift-giving

Cultural Differences:Gift-giving

Have a friend in Russia who is expecting a baby? Don’t buy them anything before the baby is born. It is seen as bad luck.

Have a friend in Russia who is expecting a baby? Don’t buy them anything before the baby is born. It is seen as bad luck.

Cultural Differences:Facial Gestures


Raising the Eyebrow:In Tonga, it means

“yes” or “I agree.”In Peru, it means

“money” or “pay me.”

Raising the Eyebrow:In Tonga, it means

“yes” or “I agree.”In Peru, it means

“money” or “pay me.”



Flicking your ear:In Italy, this

signifies that a nearby gentleman is effeminate.

Flicking your ear:In Italy, this

signifies that a nearby gentleman is effeminate.



Chin Flick:In Italy, it signifies

“Buzz off” or “not interested.”

In Brazil and Paraguay, it means “I don’t know.”

Chin Flick:In Italy, it signifies

“Buzz off” or “not interested.”

In Brazil and Paraguay, it means “I don’t know.”



Nodding your head :In Greece and

Bulgaria, it signifies “no.”

In most other countries, it means “yes.”

Nodding your head :In Greece and

Bulgaria, it signifies “no.”

In most other countries, it means “yes.”



Licking your lips:No matter how

parched your lips are in the Zimbabwe heat, never lick them while looking at someone of the opposite sex. It is considered an obscene gesture.

Licking your lips:No matter how

parched your lips are in the Zimbabwe heat, never lick them while looking at someone of the opposite sex. It is considered an obscene gesture.

Your Chinese host gives you his business card. What do you do then?

Exchanging cards is a very important tradition. You should offer and accept cards with both hands. Read it and then put it away. Do not write anything on it. It should be in the native language on one side and English on the reverse.

A time honored tradition when greeting is to bow. What do you do when you meet another person?

While bowing is common, it is not expected. Most business people today also shake hands. But be careful not to squeeze too hard. Their handshakes are very light.

Cultural Differences:Hand Gestures


Fingers Circle:Known as the

American “okay,” it is seen in Brazil and Germany as VERY vulgar and obscene.

In Japan, it signifies “money.”

In France, it means “zero” or “worthless.”

Fingers Circle:Known as the

American “okay,” it is seen in Brazil and Germany as VERY vulgar and obscene.

In Japan, it signifies “money.”

In France, it means “zero” or “worthless.”



When in India, don’t call someone over by pointing or wagging your finger. Instead, hold your hand out, palm down, and scoop with your fingers. You’ll have much better results.

When in India, don’t call someone over by pointing or wagging your finger. Instead, hold your hand out, palm down, and scoop with your fingers. You’ll have much better results.

Cultural Differences:Hand gestures

Cultural Differences:Hand gestures

Vertical horns:In Italy, it means

that you are being cuckolded (being cheated on by a significant other).

In Brazil and other parts of Latin America, it is a sign of good luck.

Vertical horns:In Italy, it means

that you are being cuckolded (being cheated on by a significant other).

In Brazil and other parts of Latin America, it is a sign of good luck.



Thumbs up, like the OK symbol, is a positive symbol in American culture, but this same gesture is an offensive Iraqi insult, equivalent to using the middle finger in the Western world. Some media savvy Iraqis may understand the Western meaning of an upturned thumb as well is OK, but other Iraqis may see the gesture in its traditional sense.

Thumbs up, like the OK symbol, is a positive symbol in American culture, but this same gesture is an offensive Iraqi insult, equivalent to using the middle finger in the Western world. Some media savvy Iraqis may understand the Western meaning of an upturned thumb as well is OK, but other Iraqis may see the gesture in its traditional sense.

Gig ‘em!

Intro to Culture & Intercultural Faux Pas World Geography.

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