Did he really belch at the table?
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
We've all heard this saying, but have you ever considered how it applies to your travels? It's not just a cute phrase—it's also good advice regarding understanding cultural differences.
When traveling abroad or working in a multicultural environment, it's essential to understand how to manage these differences. It's important to know how you should act in a given situation, not just because it might make you feel like a jerk if you don't—but also because some things are considered rude in one place but polite in another. When you travel abroad or work in a multicultural environment, knowing how to manage these differences can be crucial.
For example, in China, belching is considered a compliment to the host—it means the food was so good that you couldn't help yourself from showing your appreciation! However, leaving any food on your plate after eating an entire meal is a sign that the host didn't provide enough food for you. But, could you imagine the reaction if you belched at the table while meeting your future in-laws in America?
How many times have you clinked beers with friends? Countless, right? In Hungary, clinking beer glasses together as in a toast is considered offensive- it's thought that Austrians celebrated Hungary's defeat in 1848 by clinking their glasses together. 🍻
In America, parmesan cheese is often offered with your pizza, but in Italy, it's considered sinful! 🙀
Do you remember the scene in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" when the bride walks down the aisle, and the Greek side spits on her? That's really a thing. We Greeks pretend to spit on you to protect you from evil spirits.
In Bulgaria, nodding up and down means no, and nodding side to side means yes! So, if you're trying to tell someone in Bulgaria that you love their new haircut, make sure you do it by shaking your head sideways!
Eating with your left hand in the Middle East is a no-no. You use the left hand for self-cleaning and wiping in the bathroom; therefore, it's considered dirty. You should only use your right hand to eat in the Middle East.
In Korea, writing someone's name in red is considered unlucky and potentially life-threatening. Why? Because Koreans write the name of the deceased in red.
Hand gestures are not universally accepted. Having lived in England, I learned that making a "V for victory" or peace sign with your palm facing inward is the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger. ✌️Meanwhile, flashing the "V" with your palm facing outward in Australia is an insult. In some countries, the gesture for "OK"--a circle made with your thumb and index finger--can have a different meaning than the one you intend. In Greece, Spain, or Brazil, it is considered an insult to suggest that someone is an a**hole; in Turkey, some people use this gesture to insult gay people.
I hope this article has inspired you to learn more about all the great cultures that exist in the world!
It's essential to learn about the cultures you're visiting so that you succeed in your business dealings or travel. You can learn more about this topic in my online course, Open Doors Masterclass. ⬅️⬅️
If you found this article helpful and want to learn more about cultures, please leave a comment below!
