The Importance of Friendship

Its impossible to know all of the different cultural differences in body language that you can run into. And filter turn outing to abide by all of them is pull down tougher. If I did, Id be discharge around not looking at anyone with my hands in my pockets. Of course, consequently I would be attainending both Turkish people (hands in my pockets) and all of my friends in the States. This is article is a compilation of my research. I excuse if I omit anything or make a mistake in that respects so much information in regards to this subject, and its fractious to capture it all.Drop me a line or comment if you see an phantasm or want to add approximatelything. 1. Eye Contact In the joined States and Canada, INTERMITTENT shopping centre contact is extremely important in transport interest and attention. In many Middle Eastern cultures, INTENSE eye contact between the same genders is often a symbol of confide and sincerity however, between opposite genders, especially in Mus lim cultures, anything more(prenominal) than BRIEF eye contact is considered inappropriate. Additionally, in Asian, African, and Latin American cultures, all-inclusive eye contact is considered a challenge.The Japanese tend to consider even brief eye contact uncomfortable. And, in or so cultures, a womanhood should look down when talking to a man (thanks to thank Denise Gerdes, a former Peace Corps volunteer from Minnesota for that information). 2. Hand makes In my milkshake article Networking 101 You Better Get A Grip and take in This, I talked ab let on the handshake in Western cultures. Between cultures, however, there argon differences that could throw you off For example, in parts of Northern europium a quick firm one-pump handshake is the norm.In parts of Southern Europe, profound and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer meaning the left-hand(a) hand usually touches the clasped hands, the elbow, or even the lapel of the shakee. Beware that in Turkey, a f irm handshake is considered rude and aggressive. In reliable African countries, a limp handshake is the standard. Men in Islamic countries never shake the hands of women outside the family. 3. Greetings In America, we have the standard greeting Hello, my fig is.. with a handshake.At a networking event, chances are persons from a different culture impart probably assimilate into everyone elses style, however, there are an opposite(prenominal) greetings out there of which you should be aware. In Japan, people bow. In Italy, people osculate cheeks. There is a very interesting list over at Bruce Van Patters website. 4. Personal Space I range freaked out when someone gets too close to me and I immediately try to end the conversation. However, in some cultures it is normal to be in the bubble.In China, if someone is doing business, it is widely accepted to have NO personal pose at all. Strangers regularly touch when standing near each other. On the other hand, some cultures requi re much more space than in America. Keep in mind, that personal space will differ for everyone establish on their upbringing. The advice that I would give, is that if you are unsure, start with your comfort zone, and let the other person move to where they are comfortable. 5. TouchingThis is a big no-no. It may look okay, but you could be fooled.For example, did you know that in some sects of Judaism, the solely woman that a man will touch in his living is the woman he is married to? In Japan, Scandinavia, and England, touching is less frequent. In Latino cultures, touching is encouraged. This may not have a clothe in this article, but still interesting NEVER touch a persons head. This can be religiously offensive. Really, when you are out networking, just DONT touch except to shake hands. If you are comfortable, let the other person guide what is appropriate to them. 6. Small tittle-tattle Its tough to make small talk.And to make it even tougher, sometimes it is different in c ultures outside of America. There was not much research on this, however, some of my loyal readers were able to help me out. Susanne Ebling of Washington, D. C suggests that in other cultures, just because you are asked How are you? , it doesnt mean that the other person is asking for a full health report. Keep in mind that this is not always a cultural thing. If someone you outweart know asks you how you are, you should never say anything but, excellent, or fine, or some derivative.Also, James Yoakum from New York reminded me that in America, often it is appropriate to ask what a person does for a living in a conversation. In fact, thats how most people make small talk and, in certain situations, its completely wrong, which I will discuss in other article. However, what you need to know now is that for many cultures it is inappropriate to ask this altogether. I say, learn how to network without making this part of your small-talk routine. 7. Personal Dress and hygiene I strike t know of any culture where it is pleasant to not brush your teeth.I could be wrong. However, everything else can vary Some cultures dont shave their mens faces (or womens legs or underarms). Some cultures never wear deodorant and others dont bathe as frequently. You must be particular(prenominal) to make sure you do not offend anyone. And yes, sometimes odors that are quite odd to you might be very acceptable in another culture. 8. GesturesThey mean different things everywhere. Seriously, keep your gestures to yourself. If you want to flip off the business card warrior, it might not have any set at all if he/she is from a different culture.In fact, in some cultures, its used as a pointer. The thumbs-up has all different meanings too. At the peril of destroying my reputation, I am not even going to keep about them. Also be careful with the American A-Ok sign and set your hands on your hips. Conclusions The two most important ideas to take outdoor(a) from this article is that you know these differences exist and that you treat others how you would want to be treated. one time again, the best policy is to let the other person lead the fundamental interaction if you are unsure. That way, you can never be wrong