Page 112 - Sociology and You

Cultural Etiquette
England, Scotland, Appointments are essential. You may be ten minutes and Wales late but not ten minutes early.
Libya If you are invited to a Libyan home for dinner, only men will be present. Take a gift for the host but not for
his wife.
Zambia
Avoid direct eye contact with members of the opposite sex—it may suggest romantic overtures.
Oman If an Arab businessman takes your hand and holds it as you walk, do not be
alarmed. He means it only as a sign of friendship.
Japan
If you are offered a gift, thank the person and wait for one or two more offers before accepting it. Receive the gift with both hands.
Source: Roger E. Axtell, Do’s and Taboos Around the World, 3rd ed. (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1993).
82 Unit 2 Culture and Social Structures Figure 3.2
It might prevent some embarrassing moments if you were aware of norms and customs before traveling to foreign places.
Country
Greece
Senegal
Saudi Arabia
China
South Korea
Custom
Be careful not to praise a specific object too enthusi- astically or the host may insist on giving it to you.
Never eat food with the left hand, as this is considered offensive.
It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face your host with the soles of your shoes show- ing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chair.
A visit to a Chinese home is rare—unless the government has given prior approval.
Men go through doors first. Women help men with their coats.