Reading and Speaking
Reading and Speaking
Essediya Siragi
Traveling to all corners of the world gets easier and easier. We live in a global village, but this doesnt mean that we all behave the same way. Greetings How should you behave when you meet someone for the first time? An American or Canadian shakes your hand rmly while looking you straight in the eyes. In many parts of Asia, there is no physical contact at all. In Japan, you should bow, and the more respect you want to show, (1) . In Thailand, the greeting is made by pressing both hands together at the chest, as if you are praying, and bowing your head slightly. In both countries, eye contact is avoided as a sign of respect. Food and drink In Italy, Spain, and Latin America, lunch is the biggest meal of the day, and can last two or three hours. For this reason many people eat a light breakfast and a late dinner. In the United States, you might have a business lunch and do businesses as you eat. In Mexico and Japan, (2).. . Lunch is a time to relax and socialize, and the Japanese rarely drink alcohol at lunchtime. In the United States and Britain, its not unusual to have a business meeting over breakfast, and in China its common to have business banquets, but you shouldnt discuss business during the meal. Clothes Many countries have rules about what you should and shouldnt wear. In Asian and Muslim countries, you shouldn't reveal the body, especially women who (3). . In Japan, you should take off your shoes when entering a house or a restaurant. Remember to place them neatly together facing the door you came in. This is also true in China, Korea, and Thailand. Doing business In most countries, an exchange of business cards is essential for all introductions. You should include your company name and your position. If you are going to a
country where your language is not widely spoken, you can get the reverse side of your card printed in the local language. In Japan, you must present your card with both hands, with the writing facing the person you are giving it to. In many countries, business hours are from 9 or 10 A.M. to 5 or 6 P.M. However in some countries, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, (4).. then remain open until the evening. Japanese business people consider it their professional duty to go out after work with colleagues to restaurants, bars, or nightclubs. If you are invited, you shouldnt refuse, even if you dont feel like staying out late.
Here are some extra tips before you travel: o In many Asian cultures, it is acceptable to smack your lips when you eat. It means that the food is good. o ln Thailand, you should never point your foot at anyoneit is considered rude. o In India and the Middle East, you must never use the left hand (5).. . o The Chinese generally do not use their hands when speaking and become distracted by speakers who do. o Most South Americans and Mexicans like to stand very close to the person they're talking to. You shouldn't back away. o In China, if you don't want rells of tea during a meal. You should leave some in your cup. o In Indonesia, it is considered impolite to disagree, so people rarely say no. One way to indicate a no is to suck air in through the teeth. o In the Philippines, social events sometimes end with singing and dancing. You may be asked to sing. o In Bulgaria, a nod means "no," and a shake of the head means "yes."