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