Backpacker Room

Language in Mexico

Spanish control of Mexico led to the dominance of Spanish, the official language. As many as 100 Native American languages are still spoken in Mexico, but no single alternative language prevails. Eighty percent of those Mexicans who speak an indigenous language also speak Spanish. The most important of the Native American languages is Nahuatl. It is the primary language of more than a million Mexicans and is spoken by nearly one-fourth of all Native Americans in the country. This is followed by Maya, used by 14 percent of Native Americans, and Mixteco and Zapoteco, each spoken by about seven percent of Native Americans. No other indigenous language is spoken by more than five percent of Mexico's Native Americans.

Mexican Society & Culture

Mexican Family Values

The family is at the centre of the social structure.
. Outside of the major cosmopolitan cities, families are still generally large.
. The extended family is as important as the nuclear family since it provides a sense of stability.
. Mexicans consider it their duty and responsibility to help family members. For example, the will help find employment or finance a house or other large purchase.
. Most Mexican families are extremely traditional, with the father as the head, the authority figure and the decision-maker.
. Mothers are greatly revered, but their role may be seen as secondary to that of their husband. Hierarchical Society

. Mexican society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured.
. Mexicans emphasize hierarchical relationships.
. People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making.
. Rank is important, and those above you in rank must always be treated with respect.
. This makes it important to know which person is in charge, and leads to an authoritarian approach to decision-making and problem- solving.
. Mexicans are very aware of how each individual fits into each hierarchy--be it family, friends or business.
. It would be disrespectful to break the chain of hierarchy.

 'Machismo'

. Machismo literally means 'masculinity'.
. There are different outward behaviours to display machismo.
. For example, making remarks to women is a stereotypical sign of machismo and should not be seen as harassment.
. Mexican males generally believe that nothing must be allowed to tarnish their image as a man.

Etiquette & Customs in Mexico Meeting Etiquette

. When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands
. Men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to the more traditional hug and back slapping. 
. Wait until invited before using a Mexican's first name

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Mexican's house, bring a gift such as flowers or sweets.
. Gift wrapping does not follow any particular protocol.
. Do not give marigolds as they symbolize death.
. Do not give red flowers as they have a negative connotation.
. White flowers are a good gift as they are considered uplifting.
. Gifts are opened immediately.
. If you receive a gift, open it and react enthusiastically.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Mexican's home:
. Arrive 30 minutes late in most places (check with colleagues to see if you should arrive later than that).
. Arriving on time or early is considered inappropriate.
. At a large party you may introduce yourself.
. At a smaller gathering the host usually handles the introductions.

Watch your table manners!

. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
. Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
. Only men give toasts.
. It is polite to leave some food on your plate after a meal.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Mexico Relationships & Communication

. The right connections facilitate business success.
. You will be judged by the person who introduces you and changing this first impression is nearly impossible.
. Since the initial meeting is generally with someone of high stature, it is important that your delegation include an upper-level executive.
. After the initial getting-to-know-you meeting, the senior executive may not attend meetings or be visible.
. This indicates you are now getting down to business and they are no longer needed to smooth the introduction.
. Demonstrating trustworthiness, sincerity, and integrity are crucial to building relationships.
. Expect to answer questions about your personal background, family and life interests.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. Reconfirm the appointment one week before the meeting.
. Reconfirm the meeting again once you arrive in Mexico and make sure that the secretary of the person you will be meeting knows how to contact you.
. It is important that you arrive on time for meetings, although your Mexican business associates may be up to 30 minutes late.
. Do not appear irritated if this occurs as people often run behind schedule.
. Meetings may be postponed with little advance warning.
. Initial meetings are formal.
. Have all written material available in both English and Spanish.
. Agendas are not common. If they are given, they are not always followed.

Business Negotiation

. Since Mexicans are status conscious, you should always have someone on your negotiating team who is an executive.
. If you do not speak Spanish, hire an interpreter.
. It will take several meetings to come to an agreement.
. Face-to-face meetings are preferred over telephone, letters or email.
. Negotiations and decisions take a long time. You must be patient.
. Deadlines are seen as flexible and fluid, much like time itself.
. Negotiations will include a fair amount of haggling. Do not give your best offer first.
. Do not include an attorney on your negotiating team.

Business Dress

. Dress as you would in Europe.
. Men should wear conservative, dark coloured suits.
. Women should wear business suits or conservative dresses.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.
. It is advisable to have one side of your business card in Spanish.
. Business cards should contain both your professional and educational qualifications.
. Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient. 

Language in Brazil

Language is one of the strongest elements of Brazil's national unity. Portuguese is spoken by nearly 100 percent of the population. The only exceptions are some members of Amerindian groups and pockets of immigrants, primarily from Japan and South Korea, who have not yet learned Portuguese. The principal families of Indian languages are Tupí, Arawak, Carib, and Gê.

 There is about as much difference between the Portuguese spoken in Brazil and that spoken in Portugal as between the English spoken in the United States and that spoken in the United Kingdom. Within Brazil, there are no dialects of Portuguese, but only moderate regional variation in accent, vocabulary, and use of personal nouns, pronouns, and verb conjugations. Variations tend to diminish as a result of mass media, especially national television networks that are viewed by the majority of Brazilians.

Brazilian Society & Culture

Brazilian Diversity

Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.
. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called 'mestizos'.
. 'Mulattoes' are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves.
. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines.
. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry. Brazilian Family Values

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

 The Brazilian Class System

. Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil.
. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence.
. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged.
. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc.
. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour.
. There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--among the different classes
. Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing.
. The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.

Etiquette and Customs in Brazil Meeting Etiquette

. Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact.
. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.
. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift.
. Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.
. Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours.
. Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Brazilian's house:
. Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner.
. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering.
. Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.
. If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Brazil

Relationships & Communication

Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.
. Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know the person with whom they are doing business.
. The individual they deal with is more important than the company.
. Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian.
.  Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face with the others in the meeting.
. The person making the criticism also loses face, as they have disobeyed the unwritten rule.
. Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion.
. It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking.
. Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. At the same time, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts. Business Negotiation

. Expect questions about your company since Brazilians are more comfortable doing business with people and companies they know.
. Wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. Never rush the relationship- building time.
. Brazilians take time when negotiating. Do not rush them or appear impatient.
. Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details.
. Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority.
. It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent.
. Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations. Brazilians resent an outside legal presence.
. Brazilian business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
. Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be cancelled or changed at the last minute.
. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time for meetings. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late for a meeting.
. Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something outside their control and the demands of relationships takes precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.
. Meetings are generally rather informal.
. Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation.
. Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Dress Etiquette

. Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well.
. Men should wear conservative, dark coloured business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive.
. Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.
. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese.
. Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient.

The culture of China is one filled with mystery and complexity. There are many unique customs and traditions practiced in the country that have been around for many centuries. Today the world has been exposed to this unique culture and is bent on exploring the various intriguing aspects of the oriental culture.

Historically we find that the country of China has been inhabited by many different ethnic groups. The Han Chinese group has however been the predominant ethnic group throughout the history of China. This is one group that has managed to survive whereas many others have disappeared without leaving behind any traces.

Even within the Chinese Hans there existed great regional and linguistic diversity in the culture and traditions that were practiced around the nation which occupies a large space of land in East Asia. The large area is further divided into regions that have their own sub-cultures.

The social structure

Traditionally we find that throughout much of the country’s history some sort of monarchic rule has prevailed over the masses. The emperor sat at the top of the pyramid with absolute power over the affairs of the state. The society was characterized by a hierarchic system that divided the public into socio-economic classes. The Song dynasty that lasted from 960 to 1279 brought the melt down of the ancient social structure and gave birth to a new one where education was given primary importance especially for those individuals looking to become part of the bureaucracy.

Men and women both were encouraged to seek knowledge and gain mastery over a discipline. Special teachers and lessons were prepared for the women in order to teach them the virtues that were considered to be essential.

The various influences on the culture and traditions of China

Mythology and spirituality are prominent features of the Chinese culture. In this connection it may be said that religion perhaps had the most profound influence on the culture and traditions of China. Confucianism was the philosophy that influenced the early Chinese civilization up until the advent of Taoism. Taoist sexual practices and marriage rituals became a prominent part of the Chinese society. There is a constant debate between the scholars of history as to which philosophy had the most influence in shaping the Chinese society.

With the advent of Buddhism from India the cultural practices of China underwent another transition. Many of the traditional practices that took birth under the Buddhist influence and those that were practiced before still are a prominent feature of the Chinese society.

The zodiac calendar and the festivals that revolve around it, the various religious rituals that are practiced in the country, dance performances, martial arts, opera art and other various practices outline the Chinese culture.

One cannot talk about the Chinese culture without making mention of the Chinese language and the unique writing system that they developed. The writing system developed by the Chinese is the oldest known writing system to be in continuous use. It was a system that made use of symbols which were painted using brush and ink. This practice gave birth to the art of Chinese calligraphy which is also one of the many amazing features of the Chinese culture