Chapter 15
Crossing the Cultural Divide
In This Chapter
Understanding different cultures
Abiding by status-based conventions
Examining problematic gestures
Playing by the rules to avoid offence
With businesses spanning the globe, students travelling the world and the media bringing foreign lands into peopleâs homes on a daily basis, no group can any longer believe in the infallibility of its own customs and culture. As the singer/songwriter Paul Simon says, âOne manâs ceiling is another manâs floorâ.
In spite of the âshrinkingâ world, or perhaps because of it, cultures are holding onto their customs and traditions with pride and determination. Behaviours as simple as counting on your fingers, walking along the street and shaking hands vary widely across the globe.
But when you know the rules that govern behaviour in cultures other than your own, you can avoid making major mistakes that, in addition to insulting your host, may lead to a diplomatic crisis â or at least an uncomfortable embarrassment.
A huge number of countries, cultures and customs exist in the world ...
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