CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD As more and more people travel all over the world, It is important to know what to expect in different countries and how to react to cultural differences so that you don't upset your foreign contacts. In our 'Customs around the world' series, we look at three different cultures every month to help you prepare for that important trip. This month's locations are Brazil, Japan and India. BRAZIL Brazillans are very friendly people and are generally informal, so it is important to say hello and goodbye to everyone. Women kiss men and each other on the cheek but men usually just shake hands. Brazilians stand very close to each other and touch each other's arms, elbows and back regularly while speaking. You should not move away if this happens. If you go to a business meeting, you are not expected to take a gift. In fact, an expensive gift can be seen as suspicious. On the other hand, if you're invited to someone's house. you should take a gift-for example, flowers or chocolates. However, stay clear of anything purple or black, as these colours are related to death. If you are invited to dinner, arrive at least 30 minutes late, but always dress well because appearances are very important to Brazilians. JAPAN The Japanese are quite different from the Brazilians. They can be quite formal, so don't stand too close. Kissing or touching other people in public is not common. When you meet someone, they may shake your hand, although bowing is the more traditional greeting. In a business meeting, Japanese people often like to know what your position is in your company before they talk to you. You should hand over a business card using both hands and when you receive a business card, you should immediately read it carefully. It is important to be punctual in Japan. It is recommended that you arrive early and dress formally. Gifts are often exchanged, but it is common to refuse before you accept them. When you present your gift, you should say that it is just a token of your appreciation. Most visitors are entertained in a restaurant, so it is a great honour to be invited to a Japanese person's house. INDIA Hierarchy is impertandin India, is important to greet the oldest or the most senior person first. Men may shake hands with men, and women often also shake hands with women, but men and women tend not to shake hands. When leaving, you should say goodbye to everyone individually. Personal relationships are important in business in India and you should not be surprised if the first meeting is spent getting to know everyone. In addition, it is important to know that many Indians do not like to say 'no' so it may be difficult to know what they are really thinking. Appointments are necessary and punctuality is important. Business dress is formal, so men and women should wear dark suits. If you are invited to an Indian's home, arrive on time. You do not have to bring a gift but gifts are not refused. However, do not bring white flowers, because these are used in funerals. READING 1 PREPARING TO READ 1 Scan the magazine article opposite for the words and phrases in the box and underline them each time they appear. kiss shake hands touch gift dress 2 Answer the questions below, according to the information in the article. Use the text around the words you have underlined to help you. 1 In which countries should you not kiss your business partner? 2 In which countries do men shake hands when they meet each other? 3 In which country do people touch each other when they are talking? 4 In which country is it common to give a present at a business meeting? 5 In which country is it unlucky to give white flowers? WHILE READING 3 Read the article on page 37 opposite. Which of the customs (a-g) below are not mentioned? a greetings b personal space c giving gifts d business meetings e table manners f giving business cards g being punctual Match the sentence halves. Then read the article again and check your answers. 1 In Brazil, women kiss men and each other on the cheek, but men 2 Taking a gift to a business meeting 3 If you are going to a Brazilian's house for dinner, you 4 Bowing is a common way to 5 In Japan it is very impolite to 6 Spend time getting to know everyone when you 7 In India and Japan punctuality is very Important, so you should a is not a good idea in Brazil b arrive on time. c put away a business card without studying it first. d do not kiss each other e meet Indian business partners. f greet Japanese people. g can arrive late. Reading for detail Reading for detall is an important part of academic reading and it is a skill which is tested in many language examinations. Look for key words in the text and pay attention to words like not, however and but which show contrasting views or information. READING BETWEEN THE LINES 5 Work with a partner. Try to answer the questions below. 1 In Brazil, why would people be suspicious of an expensive gift? 2 Why shouldn't you move away if Brazilians touch you during conversation? 3 Why is it important for Japanese business people to know your position in a company? 4 Why do Indians not like to say 'no'? 5 Why is it important to know about other people's customs? DISCUSSION 6 Work with a partner. Discuss the questions below. 1 Have you ever been abroad? Where? 2 Which country would you like to visit? Why? 3 What advice about customs in your country would you give a visitor?