Etiquette in different countries: rules of conduct

Unwritten rules of conduct existed in the days of cavemen, but the official concept of "etiquette" came to us much later - at the end of the 17th century. Since then, the requirements for the rules of conduct in various situations have changed, and today, given the fact that many of us have to deal with the rules of conduct abroad, it is impossible to behave decently in a particular country without knowing the elementary rules of behavior of different peoples.

Modern international etiquette takes into account the traditions and customs of the peoples of the world. Each country brings its own characteristics to the treasury of generally accepted rules of conduct. For example, the custom of hospitality and hospitality came to us from the ancient Romans.

In the Scandinavian countries, respected guests were seated only in places of honor back in ancient times, and the peoples of the Caucasus have been famous for their respectful attitude towards older people since ancient times.

Knowing the requirements of etiquette in European countries will allow us not to get into an awkward situation with colleagues or partners from Europe. After all, sometimes what is accepted in Russia may be misunderstood abroad.

The UK is one of the world's economic centers.The British pay great attention to folk traditions, they are very pedantic.

Etiquette at the table for the inhabitants of royal England is very important. You need to know how to use a fork and knife, but complimenting or talking about work after the end of the working day is a sign of bad taste. For an official conversation, one should not appear in worn jeans, and one should not come to a dinner party in a tracksuit.

France is a country of educated and stylish people. At any meeting with the fair sex, they should be presented with bouquets of flowers. Appearance at a meeting is thought out to the smallest detail.

The French appoint business meetings precisely at the time of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Business cards are required. If you do not speak French, you need to learn at least a couple of phrases in order to ask a colleague to speak English.

The French consider it impolite to talk about income, but they can talk about the culture of their country for hours.

The people of Germany are very thrifty and punctual. During business meetings, they always keep their distance, do not recognize lateness. They prefer to conduct affairs with an arrangement, slowly. Respectable burghers enter all incomes and expenses in a special notebook - they will not overpay under any circumstances. You should not be puzzled if your German colleague brings a personal breakfast to the office and does not treat anyone: personal space for the Germans is above all.

The Spaniards are energetic and emotional, in business relationships they value sincerity and dedication. Even at the first meeting, you should definitely shake hands and business cards. Then a kiss on the cheek follows. Appeal: "senor" or "señora".

You should not brag about your income and achievements, and the business question in Spain is coming to an end of the meal. Long communication is an obligatory part of Spanish etiquette.

Despite the fact that Italians are considered emotional and talkative, they are very formal in negotiations. Even with women, handshakes are required.

At cafe meetings, the conversation begins with small talk. Italians discuss sports, family, travel, and only then - a business issue. It is acceptable if your Italian business partner may be a little late for a meeting.

Italians speak very fast, and in order for you to understand them correctly, pay attention to gestures and facial expressions. Non-verbal communication will give you more information than knowing the language.

Behavior in the East differs significantly from the manners of Europeans. The etiquette of the Eastern countries has retained elements of ritual and conventions. Most of the Eastern states were formed on the basis of the ancient religions of the East. For the mentality of the inhabitants, the main thing is the interests of society, family, state, and not the personal interests of a person.

The nomadic life of the Bedouins left its mark on the rules of behavior of Muslims in society. First of all, prayer is performed five times a day, wherever the followers of the Koran are: on the road, in the store or at work.

Older people are always held in high esteem, it is to them that strangers are presented first of all. Then - a handshake, the men touch each other with both cheeks in turn, patting the interlocutor on the back. This categorically does not apply to women, they can just nod their heads.

At the beginning of the conversation, a question about your affairs and health will definitely be asked, but you should not answer it in detail - this is a question out of politeness. Conversations can drag on for a long time, because it is common for Arabs to make numerous pauses in speech.

For many Europeans, Japanese etiquette may seem strange, but it is worthy of respect.

Japan is a country of workaholics, where everything is put in favor of the interests of society and the organization in which they work.

In conversations with elders or superiors, the Japanese humbly lowers his eyes as a sign of reverence and respect. In communication, the Japanese almost do not use gestures, they never touch the interlocutor, a sign of goodwill - just a bow.

In China, respect for elders is also a mandatory part of etiquette.Friendly Chinese greet guests with a nod of the head, “you” refers to adults or unfamiliar people.

You can’t stay too long at a party, and only the hosts are the first to start eating at the table, they are the first to make a toast. Business meetings do not involve "rest" - saunas and restaurants.

Turkey is a hospitable country where close acquaintances shake hands and hug each other when they meet, and the elders are addressed with the respectful suffix “bey” or “khanim”. If you deserve respect, you will definitely be invited to the bathhouse and given gifts. Locals also love to receive gifts.

A positive nod of the head with a click of the tongue means rejection among the Turks, and if you want to thank them, just put your hand on your chest. Mosques should not be approached in open clothing.

India is a country with a diverse world of cultures, religions and traditions. The official language is English, society is strictly divided into castes. When meeting Indians, as a sign of humility, they squeeze their own hands instead of the usual handshakes, expressing respect for the guest.

Women must cover their legs and shoulders. When entering a house or museum, be sure to take off your shoes. In Indian culture, it is not customary to eat with a fork or knife - only with your hands. The exception is the soup spoon.

When communicating, you can talk in detail about yourself - in India it is customary. White flowers are only brought to funerals. All gifts are wrapped in red or yellow paper.

The address to "you" in Korea is replaced by the word "master". During the meeting, a bow is obligatory.Men almost never reach out to women. Koreans communicate while sitting on the floor, using special pillows.

When attending a business meeting, try not to get too close to the Korean partner, they really appreciate personal space.

In America, it is customary to smile in all situations. According to etiquette, only those closest to you can complain about failures.

If you call a stranger on the phone just to chat, you will be considered rude. Call if you have an urgent matter.

Gifts in business circles are unacceptable, but a free posture during a business conversation (leg to foot, on a nearby chair) is acceptable.

For 10 table etiquette rules from different countries that should not be ignored, see the following video.