Cultural Awareness Training - Protocol

Have you ever been shocked by the behavior or manners of someone visiting from another country?  Worse yet, have you ever insulted or offended someone else while visiting their country?  It's amazing how many subtle, yet critical cultural differences exist that can make you appear ignorant, rude or inconsiderate to your foreign hosts.  Here are a few examples:

Arab Countries

Never compliment your host on something he owns.  He will automatically give it to you as a gift, but expect something of equivalent value in return.  Also, showing the soles of your shoes or the bottom of your feet, or pointing them at someone is a grave insult as shoes and feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body.  It is as if you are saying, "You are as dirty as my feet!"

France

The proper way to eat is with your fork in the left hand and your knife in your right hand.  Lay them back on the side of the plate between bites.  It is rude and improper to eat with one hand under the table or with your elbow on the table while using only your right hand to eat.

Greece

Americans often use a hand gesture to signify "Give me five!" or to mean "No, thank you" by showing the palm of their hand to another person.  In Greece, this gesture is extremely insulting.

Australia

Never use the "thumbs-up" gesture.   In Australia it means, "Up yours!"

 

Translingua's cultural awareness training can prepare people traveling abroad who need to avoid making social gaffes in their gestures or verbal expressions.  Tailoring our training to specific cultures, we educate travelers in the nuances of greetings, seating, eating, contract negotiation, etc.

All countries have local customs which are deeply embedded in their respective cultures.  If you want to make friends, establish partnerships and develop client relationships abroad without coming across as "the ignorant American", Translingua can help you to avoid potentially tragic errors in protocol.

We can also help you if establishing your travel arrangements requires the assistance of someone who can speak the native language.  Click here for more information.

To discuss your specific needs, simply call us at (760) 635-5757 or email us at info@access-translingua.com.

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