Week 7: Differences in Manners

Cultural Etiquette 101

Mind Your Manners!

As a child, my parents taught me to “mind my manners”. I learned it was not okay to belch in public and that I should cover my mouth when I coughed or sneezed. I was also expected to write my dear grandmother a thank you note when she sent me money for my birthday. When I became an adult, however, I was exposed to many different cultures. I realized I didn’t know a thing about minding my manners in other countries. Unfortunately in some situations, I offended people and embarrassed myself because I didn’t do my homework.

In order to help others learn from my missteps, I’ve compiled a handy list of Things I Learned the Hard Way. Some of these may be new to you and some may not, but hopefully, you won’t make the same mistakes I did!

Japan

I could write a book on the number of blunders I’ve made in front of Japanese people. Here are just a few:

-Planting your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is considered taboo. Doing so symbolizes death! Place them on the chopstick rest or next to your bowl.

-Remove your shoes upon entering a house or building. Slippers are worn inside. (This is actually a rule in my own house too.)

-When accepting a business card, do so with the utmost respect. Hold it with both hands, read it carefully and tuck it away in a planner or briefcase.

Ethiopia

Ethiopians generally eat without using utensils. The left hand, however, is considered unclean so be sure to always eat with your right hand.

India

Keep your legs covered! You’ll rarely see an Indian woman wearing a skirt above her ankles or a man wearing shorts. I showed up at church on my second day in India wearing a dress that hit a few inches below my knees and got many disapproving stares.

Spain

Spaniards do not switch their forks and knives when eating. The fork remains in the left hand and the knife in the right. While eating at a restaurant in Madrid, a couple sitting near my friend and I looked completely disgusted as we switched our utensils back and forth throughout the meal.

Mongolia

Many years ago, I hosted two darling teenage Mongolian girls in my home for three weeks. When they first arrived, I gave them a tour of my house. I showed them the dishwasher and explained to them what it was used for. I then realized that they lived in urban areas in their country and had dishwashers in their own homes. I felt horrible that I had insulted them by speaking condescendingly even though I didn't mean to.   

Words of Wisdom

If you’re planning to visit another country do your homework! Brush up on cultural etiquette in order to avoid offending the locals or embarrassing yourself.

Sources: 

My own mistakes.