The Basics of Albanians

Albania is located in the continent of Europe. The major ethnic groups of Albania include Albanian (consisting 95 per cent of the total population), Greek, Gypsy, Serb, Bulgarian and Macedonian.

Let us learn the basics of the country. Handshaking and kissing are two common greeting gestures for Albanian men and women. In terms of their style in communicating, Albanians can be regarded as very straightforward on some cases but may be indirect too in sensitive issues. Say for example, when you appear to be thinner or chubbier from the last time you met, they will tell you explicitly. But when issues are deeper, they will skirt around, instead. Albanians value their families so much that it is normal for them that they project a positive image about their families regardless of their current state. If they have any experience that seems to be bad and shameful, they tend to forget this and never talk about this even to close friends.

Thai Etiquette

Interesting Thai etiquette should be taken into account before you decide to visit the place. This may not be important to you, but all these are perceived by Thais as their forms of respect and pride. So since Thailand is not your territory, better brace yourself.

Thais treat a man's head as the highest part of the body. If you accidentally touch someone's head, you are required to ask for immediate apology. Kissing in public areas like the streets or sidewalks is an act of rudeness. Even if Thais have liberal understanding on sexuality, they maintain a strong sense of decorum. Thais have high regards to their kings. Thus, any show of disrespect to their kings is a major faux pas. Anything that displays the king's image should be treated sacred. These include their currency, magazine covers, postage stamps and newspapers. You should not toss these to the ground nor treat them harshly. Licking the back of postage stamps is a no no. Money dropped by accident should immediately be picked up for brushing. Most importantly, these items should never be trod upon as it is like you are putting your foot above the head of the monarch.

Malays In The Corporate World

If you go to Malaysia for purely business, you should at least be equipped with the corporate etiquette of the country. Here are some things I've learned second-hand from a business associate.

During business affairs, you should ready your business cards as people involve in the meeting usually exchange cards among each other. Because of the their pride as a nation, Westerners should never be late in social and business functions. Give a call if you will be late. Stay relaxed when on your first meeting the Malay gets late or your business affair does not start on time. Remember that you are in Malaysia and no matter what the business and social stratification here, they are still your boss, geographically speaking. In meetings, you should also know that Malays love to engage in lengthy discussions before getting down to business. Decisions are therefore made slowly and patience is required. Malays are not frank people. That is why you must listen attentively to them. You must know how to read between the lines so that proper and immediate judgment be made.

Malays' Body Gestures

Malaysians are warm and friendly people. They are affectionate too but they don't show it in public. If you prepare yourself to go to Malaysia for travel, it is important to be aided first with the Malay culture.

When it comes to body language, you should avoid touching anyone of the opposite sex most especially the top of the head as this is sid to be the home of the soul. They are also particular with the use of either left or right hand. If you eat, touch people, and pass things, you should use your right hand and never your left. Moving objects and picking up things with your feet are insulting to Malays. “Excuse me” is also translated into giving a slight bow when arriving or leaving, entering or passing other people. Be careful when you give a smile or grin in Malaysia. This may mean various interpretations for them. This could mean anger, shock, surprise, happiness, embarrassment or amazement. Furthermore, hands placed inside the pockets signify anger to Malays.

Malay Is A Proud Race

Malaysians, like any other races, are proud of their country, their past, their economic success. As everyone knows, there has always been a rivalry between the Malays and the Chinese in Malaysia. There are policies of the land that the Chinese feel that they are second-class citizens. Unsurprisingly, Malays support this claim because for them it is the only way to overcome traditional dominance. Malays live in rural areas while the Chinese rule in the business environment in the urban areas.

Shaking of hands in Malaysia is necessary for business meetings and social events. This is done before and after the meeting takes place. If you greet a woman or an older person, nodding or rendering a slight bow is a must. If engaged in this scenario, you have to introduce people who have higher ranks or older people first, women before men. Guests and tourists should greet Malay men with a nod and a smile. For the Malay men, this compensates the warm accomodation they give to all visitors.