Cultural Differences

WHen in Rome do as the Romans do" still rings true today as a great piece of advice when you visit another country. Differences in languages, environments, religions and political organizations may seem immediately obvious when you arrive in another country, but differences in culture are often a lot more subtle.

Here are some of the more common areas where you may encounter cultural differences:

Politeness: The level of formality or friendliness between people can differ greatly by country. It is a good rule of thumb when abroad to think of yourself as a guest in that country and act accordingly with courtesy and respect. Brushing up on the appropriate expressions for beginning conversations, making requests and giving thanks can be a good guide and try to avoid local slang until you are truly comfortable with its connotations and appropriate social contexts.

Physical Contact: Physical contact and social space varies between countries. While to some cultures a warm hug is an appropriate form of greeting, others will be uncomfortable with anything more than a reserved handshake or small bow. The same differences can apply to how close or far apart people sit or stand when talking or being introduced.

Small Talk: In the United States it is quite common to engage in small talk about yourself and ask questions about the person you are speaking with. However, in some countries personal questions or talking only about you can seem impolite when meeting someone for the first time.

Bargaining: Shopping abroad to bring home gifts and souvenirs is sure to be in your plans when overseas. However, bartering over prices may not be something you are used to even though it is not only appropriate but also expected in some cultures or you will insult the merchant. You can always test the waters by politely indicating that you like the product very much but that it is a bit more than you had anticipated spending; if the merchant wishes to bargain further, this will give him the opening he needs to offer you the product at a lower price.

Taking Pictures: During your travels you may wish to take photographs of the places you visit and some of the locals that you meet. Keep in mind that those people may not wish to be photographed or viewed as social curiosities and that in some cultures they may even demand payment for their photograph. Consider asking permission before taking someone's picture.

Body Language and Hand Gestures: beckoning, nodding and pointing are just some of the many gestures that differ from culture to culture. Be careful about keeping your own body language neutral until you are comfortable with what is customary in the location you are visiting. If you're unsure of the meaning of a gesture that you see, ask! And always remember the one universal gesture that scientists have discovered has the same meaning in every culture they study-the smile.

Keep an open mind when discovering a new culture by not relying on misleading stereotypes or preconceptions you may have heard back home or seen in the media. If you're unsure, you can always ask politely about local customs and what is socially appropriate when traveling. It may take a while to adjust, but learning about a different culture can be a very rewarding experience and ultimately give you more of an appreciation for what makes your own culture unique as well.

Did you know...?

· While handshakes have generally been adopted around the world, Southeast Asians press the hands together, Japanese bow, and Middle Easterners and many Asians favor a gentle grip.

· Asians, Puerto Ricans, and West Indians can consider direct eye contact to be rude or intimidating.

· North American hand waving for "hello" or "good-bye" means "no" to most Europeans. Europeans raise the arm and flap the hand up and down at the wrist to wave.

· Europeans and Asians raise the arm, palm facing down, and make a scratching motion with fingers to beckon. In Australia and in Indonesia, curling the index finger is only used for beckoning animals.

· The "V" for Victory or peace sign if made with the palm facing inward is obscene in England.

· Be careful where you make the O.K. gesture (a circle with your thumb and index finger). In France it means zero. In Japan it means money or coins. In Brazil, Germany and Russia it is obscene.

· While a thumbs up is used in North America to mean, "everything is good" or to hitch-hike, in Nigeria it is considered rude, in Australia it is obscene and in Germany and Japan it is the symbol for "one."

· Throughout Europe, whistling at public events is a signal of disapproval, even ridicule.

· Nodding your head means "no" and shaking your head means "yes" in Bulgaria, parts of Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran and Bengal.

· When riding alone in a taxi in Australia, it's considered polite to sit in the front seat with the driver.

· At a restaurant in the Dominican Republic, you clap your hands to request the check.

· In many parts of the Middle East and Asia the left hand is considered unclean and therefore it is considered rude to eat, greet and touch others with this hand.

· In Argentina, spinning your finger around your ear doesn't mean "you're crazy" but rather "you have a telephone call."