Entertaining | Etiquette Checks

Etiquette Checks - Cultures In Country

Etiquette is dependent on cultures in country ; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette gradually evolves within a Cultural Party.

Etiquette can vary widely between different Cultural Party or region cultures and nations. What is a part of the region cultures in country and etiquette in Asian countries or the East may be unacceptable by Britishers or people in the West.

In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a common plate or bowl without first offering it to others at the table may be seen as a glutton and insulting the generosity of the host.

Similarly, amongst older Australian women, a woman who takes the last item of food is called the old spinster, whilst in most European cultures a guest is expected to eat all of the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking.

In some societies it is considered disgusting to eat with the left hand, because the left hand is reserved for dirty tasks, and left handed individuals are sometimes forced to use their right hand.

Some of the typically noted difference found amongst the countries is:

* In Arabic countries the odors (of condiments, coffee etc.) are often perceived in more differentiated ways than e.g. in northern America.

* In Asian countries the perception of time is rather based on the ancestors, values, where as in Latin American countries, southern European countries, people think of present and are present-oriented, and in western Europe as well as North America rather they are future-oriented, moreover they aim at achieving goals.

Behavior and gestures are an integral part of etiquette. These are interpreted differently in different Cultural Party or region cultures.

For example in Latin America, especially in Brazil showing the thumb held upwards means "everything's ok", while it is understood in Islamic countries as a rude sexual sign.

"Everything ok" is shown in western European countries, especially between pilots and divers, with the sign of the thumb and forefinger forming an "O".