Introduction
Cultural norms and other more specific manners are important in today’s culturally diverse societies in order to create relationships of mutual respect and peaceful cooperation. It is thus high time we explore some of the interesting customs and traditions from various parts of the world that make the world a More colourful place.
Culture protocols on the other hand deal with the norms that define the acceptable conduct by people of a certain society. These norms are culturally sensitive and can range from the use of handshakes, when eating and even the use of space.
Japanese Culture: Bowing and Respect
Bowing, that is, bending at the waist is a simple sign of respect in Japan. The depth of the bow made and the length of the performance usually defines the level of subordination or the ceremony level. Sayonara is also important as one needs to bow in a right manner at the right level according to the hierarchy in the society.
Indian Customs: Namaste and Hospitality
In India, people when greeting, they use ‘Namaste’ usually done with a small bend and the two palms clapped together with the thumb touching the forehead. Hospitality also plays a central part, according to Greek customs, the guests are considered to be divine and granted food and drinks.
Middle Eastern Traditions: Tea and Generosity
In Middle Eastern cultures there is the tradition that it is appropriate to offer tea or coffee to the guests. Such foods should be received with a lot of enthusiasm because denial is viewed as a rejection of the host’s hospitality.
European Dining Etiquette: Table Manners and Politeness
Punctuality to meals, presentation of utensils such as which side of the plate to place the knife and fork, displaying manners when eating, polite conversation during meals are aspects of the Europeans that affects their dining manners. Closely related to the eater, food is generally regarded as a social activity during which communication and consumption of the food itself are also valued.
Cultural Sensitivity in Communication
Communication, being capable of manifesting in a wide variety of patterns, radically differs across cultures. In some cultures especially the Asian ones, people are encouraged to avoid confrontation and so the communication style that is used is very indirect as compared to the American way of communication. However, in the Western people’s culture, such aspects as effective verbal communication and directness are considered to be particularly significant.
The Bottom Line
All in all, cultural manners and norms are vital sources of understanding the beliefs of people all over the world. In this way, we recognize that we should honor such norms to convey cultural sensitiveness and become the builders of the culture bridges.
Please use the Write for Us Culture section to provide your valuable input about the cultural protocol and practices across the globe. Your insights could help broaden the organization’s views and support diversity in a multicultural environment. Interactions are key to accepting and embracing the different people we all are, let us embrace colorful conversation.
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