Albanians' Ways of Negotiating

Albanians dress well in business gatherings. Businessmen dress well with their coats and ties. Shoes are always shined and free of dust. Dress suits are common for women. They also prefer wearing skirts or pants and tops. Women have their hair and make up done. Albanians like to be addressed with their titles like attorneys, doctors, engineers, economists.

In meetings, Albanians are not fond of giving introductions. So if you are a foreigner and found yourself not introduced yet, then it is very much fine that you introduce yourself automatically to the crowd. Also, if, say, a mayor or a CEO, passes you, you must stand because this basically means respect for them and that you acknowledge their power.

In negotiations, decisions are not promptly made. Decision-making may take awhile so patience is needed here. It is best to maintain proper composure all even after the meeting. Showing gestures of frustration or anger are to be avoided.

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.

China's Rice Culture

For a thousand of years, rice has sculpted much of Chinese culture. The Chinese have been industriously nurturing their land. Blood and sweat and tears have been invested by these diligent people in their aim to get good harvests. With their dedication and hard work in agriculture, China has now achieved several accounts for its stable rural essence.

In countless folktales, rice is enjoyed by gods and mortals alike, and it is considered by many to be the only grain that can link the heavens with the earth. Such beliefs have inspired numerous festivals, rituals and traditions. Many of which are nearly requisite occurrences wherever rice crops are planted. The green, terraced patties that cultivate this grain often hold both cultural and spiritual significance, even among those for whom rice is an everyday sight and source of living. And although effectiveness is not scientifically proven, rice is believed by some to have powerful medicinal properties.

When Giving Presents To Afghans

In giving gifts. There are certain guidelines that you have to know if in any case you plan to give a present to your Afghan friend.

Number one thing that you should put in your head when giving gifts to Afghans is to not give alcoholic drinks. However if you have the knowledge that that person whom you are giving gift drinks alcohol, then you can give him given that you will hide it from the public so to avoid shame. Be subtle enough in giving it. You should not give it directly to the person but rather present it discreetly by placing it near the door of the house or leave it to where you are sitting down. Afghans will assume automatically that there is a present for them if they see something that is left behind. So make sure not to leave any “unintended gifts” in their place as they will treat them as presents for them.

Dining In An Afghan House

Dining. For Afghans, dining is an experience. Dining is a form of interaction that bonds people together. Here are some tips if you are invited to eat in an Afghan house:

If you are invited to go to an Afghan house, make sure to remove your shoes and leave it at the door. When eating, do not be shocked if you sit on the floor or in cushions. It is normal for Afghans to eat while they are squatting on the floor. Your food will be served on plastic tablecloths that are spread on the floor. The owner of the house usually tells you where you will sit. If you can sit with two legs crossed, then do so. If you cannot then sit as comfortably as you can but never sit with your legs stretched and your feet facing the people. Food is served in communal and everyone will share out of what is served. If house owners do not serve spoon and fork, then it is already understood that you should eat with your bare hands. Also, you should not eat with your left hand. When you are full and done eating, leave a small portion of food in your plate, otherwise food will be served to you continually.

Mixing Between Afghan Men And Women

Like most cultures, the gesture of handshaking is the most common form of greeting for Afghans. However, women and men do not shake their hands. They only speak directly to one another. Another form of respect is the putting of their hands over their hearts and nodding slightly to the person they're talking. Afghans usually have lengthy conversations. In a meeting, people involved ask each other about family, health, education or business.

Between Genders. Mixing between genders is a sensitive thing for Afghans. Free mixing between genders is only happening within families. In the workplace, men and women could be colleagues but are still particular in maintaining each other's honor and pride. Men cannot directly talk to women in the streets as this will mean dishonor to women. Women should not look straight to men's eyes. Women should keep their eyes lowered when walking in the streets to maintain their dignity. Women should also dress appropriately to avoid uninvited attention. They should make sure that pants worn are loose fitting so that women's thighs shouldn't be visible.

Afghan Families Are Sacred

Afghanistan is a big country. It's population has reached to thirty million by July 2005. The country's population is not limited to Afghans only. It has opened to tourists and guests all over the world. As a result of this, there is a wide variety of races and tribes that are living in the country.

For people in Afghanistan, the family is the most important unit. Men and women are particular with social responsibility as they are enclosed to practice the traditional setup. Women take care of the household responsibilities. Men, on the other hand, are breadwinners. Families still practice arranged marriages based on status, connection, tribe, wealth and social displacement. Families live in kala. Kala is a walled compound where families live. Even after marriage, sons are required to live with his wife in a particular room under the same roof. For Afghans, families are sacred thus should be given utmost premium by everyone – even foreigners.

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.

Language Games Of Thais

Thais are courteous people. This is what my friend has been telling me because he has basically traveled to Thailand from time to time. I have proven true when I went there last week for a visit. Not only they are warm in welcoming you, they are also very polite and tact in treating you. These are both expressed in their verbal and non-verbal languages.

Thais are very particular with their social identity as deemed by age or wealth. They initiate a gesture called wai. This is done by gracefully bringing together the hands to the chest or beneath the nose to show great respect and submission. Thais call their older siblings as pii. Thai words are added to the end of every sentence especially when talking to strangers, elders, or colleagues. Kha is added to sentences when you're talking to a female. You add the word khrup when talking to a male.

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.

Singaporeans And How They Value Their Belief Systems

Singaporeans celebrate the major festivities that are associated with their respective religions. These religions are direct reflection of the diversity of racse living there. The Chinese follow Buddhism, Shenism, Taoism, Christianity and Catholicism. There are those who classify themselves as free-thinkers because they do not belong to any religion. Malays are Muslims. Indians are Hindus.

Religion is important in Singapore. Religions of people often cross racial boundaries and there are some who mix particular ways among religions. They tend to combine a little of the mysteries and beliefs with the signs and times of today. The Singaporean's value for religion is manifested in religious buildings that are seen everywhere be it old temples, exotic mosques and modern churches. Here in these places of worship, you can see believers from various races and ethnicities. A deeper understanding of their religions and their places of worship play a vital part in the appreciation of their art.

Brazilian Ethics

Olá amigos en amigas! Today, we will explore the Brazilian race once more!

Let us be reminded that Brazilians are very emotional. They are very much attached with their families and friends. Before these Brazilians make conversations to people, it is necessary for them to give a kiss on their cheeks or a handshake.

These people are also very into coffee. They serve them really strong. These strong coffees are being served usually during business transactions. Speaking of business dealings, they are very particular with time so that when one makes appointments with them, one should make it at least two weeks in advance. One should never attempt to make impromptu appointments at work or in government offices. During meetings, take note that they are always on time. Gift giving is also significant in Brazil. The host will be the one who gives gift to his or her visitor, though.

These coffees are now served mostly during business transactions. When it comes to business dealings on the other hand, Brazilians are very particular with time so that when you make appointments with them, make it at least two weeks in advance. Never try to make impromptu calls at business or government offices. During meetings, Brazilians start on time (a very reflecting part for the Filipinos). Gift giving in doing business meetings is also usual in Brazil so that the host will have to give a present to her colleagues or if not he must buy lunch or dinner instead during or after the transaction.

An interesting fact about its people is that they have this unique gesture that they do every time they express appreciation to someone; that is, Brazilians pinch their earlobes in front of the person they admire using their thumbs and forefingers.

Another thing, to invoke good luck, make a “fig”; that is, place your thumb between your index and middle fingers while making a fist.

If somebody asks you a question and you do not know what the answer is, just flick your fingertips underneath your chin. It indicates that you do not know the answer to the question. Imagine it and try doing it. Its fun and amazing realizing that we only see this in cartoons shows.

With the mentioned information above, what can we say about these people? How do they differ from us? Do we have “strange” qualities too that are exceptional in our culture? What are these? Or do we, like most of us, forget our customs and traditions our ancestors passed on to us?

Adeus!

Tomato Fight in Spain

Every clique – be it a cult, tribe, country or race – has its own customs and traditions that are created out of habit, necessity or even by serendipity. Just like that of the Tomatina Festival celebrated every August in the Valencia region of Spain.

Every year around 40, 000 people all over Spain celebrate the Tomato Festival wherein they throw more than 240, 000 pounds of tomatoes at each other. The festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August and is a town-wide tomato fight. The tradition, they say, began in 1945 when a fight was created between two young members of the carnival crowd. The said fight took place near a vegetable stall in the town square and everyone started picking and throwing tomatoes at each other. One year later, on the same occasion, the same people met at the square bringing their own tomatoes with them. The fight was being stopped by the police. In the following years, this practice was banned by the government but because it has already gained its popularity, it has been given its official recognition in 1959.

People are now excited to to celebrate the Tomatina Festival come August 2009. This will mark its 50 years of celebration.

Learning The ABCs of Brazil

If given a chance to meet people from other culture, I would love to meet the Brazilians and interact with them. It would always be my source of fulfillment if upon meeting them I would be able to apply to them the things that I have learned about a particulare culture – in this case, the Brazilian.

Take for example their meeting etiquette. When Brazilian men greet, they shake hands while maintaining eye contact while women kiss each other on their cheeks. Also, backslapping and hugging are common greetings among Brazilian pals. Lastly, if a woman intends to shake hands and make friend to a man, she should approach the man first and extend her hand to the man to signify politeness.

Another is the gift giving etiquette. If you are invited to a Brazilian's house, you should bring the flowers or a small gift to the host. Orchids are actually considered a very nice gift but never the purple ones. Something purple or black are mourning colors to them. Sane is true with handkerchiefs as they are also associated with funerals. In general, Brazilians open the gifts as soon as they receive it.