Lecture 3

Characteristics of overseas visitors

South-east Asian and East Asian CulturesMiddle Eastern CulturesSouthern Asian CulturesWestern Cultures

South-east Asian and East Asian Cultures

Visitors from Singapore, South Korea, China, Japan and so on

Body languageAvoid prolonged eye contact as it may give offenceBe aware of personal space---usually what is

acceptable in Western society is too close for Asian society.

With the exception of a handshakeExhibit a high standard of groomingIt is not appropriate to imitate the bow for AsiansSmile appropriately and genuinely

Do not point as it is impoliteDo not be over-familiarUse non-verbal communication

Share the same or a similar LanguageIndonesia and Malaysia, Hongkong and

SingaporeMost Asian cultures are demonstrative in public.

Middle Eastern CulturesThe language spoken is Arabic except Israel;

French is also commonIn Israel, the religion is Judaism; elsewhere the

religion is JewishBody language

For a Muslim woman in traditional dress, only the eyes can be seen.

Arab culture places considerable importance on eye contact.

When greeting each other, many Arab men embrace and shake hands. It is not appropriate to touch a Muslin woman at all.

Many Arabs do not use dramatic or sudden arm movements

The right hand is used for eating, passing items and so on, as the left and considered unclean.

It is considered rude to slouch, lean against walls or put hands in pockets when communicating with Arabs.

Southern Asian cultureReligion

The main religion in India is HinduismThe main religion in Pakistan is Islam.

Body languageIndians will place their palms together under

their chin and bow as a traditional greetingIndians women do not customarily touch but

shake hands, mainly with other womenIt is impolite to whistle in public in IndiaIndians may beckon a waiter by snapping their

finger or hissing

As for Muslims, the right hand is used for eating.It is not unusual in either country for the men to

eat before the womenCorrect titles are important when addressing

people

Western culturesBody language

Good eye contact is expectedIt is common for both men and women to shake

hands on greeting one another or saying farewell

It is common for some customers to touch our arm or pat us on the back.

The more intimate, the less personal spaceUse open, positive body language