What are polite / rude behaviors in different cultures?

Question

I am a EFL (English as a foreign language) textbook writer and currently working on a unit on politeness and etiquette. While I have found some material, I'd always love to hear more about what is considered polite or rude in different cultures. For example: questions or subjects that are considered taboo, how close or far people stand from each other, etc. I'm especially interested in answers from English-speaking countries other than the U.S.

Thanks so much!

What are polite / rude behaviors in different cultures?
I am an EFL (English as a foreign language) textbook writer and currently working on a unit on politeness and etiquette. While I have found some material, I'd always love to hear more about what is considered polite or rude in different cultures. For example: questions or subjects that are considered taboo, how close or far people stand from each other, etc. I'm especially interested in answers from English-speaking countries other than the U.S.

Answer 1

No thumbs up in middle east countrys.

Answer 2

Politeness In Different Cultures

Answer 3

A big one in many European countries (that Americans are totally guilty for) is pointing or gesturing with a finger. That is a big no-no and they get offended when someone uses it. Another one, I think this one is used in many cultures around the globe is one we should all know but if you look around, not many people actually practice it - eating with your mouth close, and not talking while the food is still in your mouth. I was astounded the other night while my husband and I were out for dinner. The restaurant was very busy and I would say of the ten tables around us, at least eight of those tables were breaking that rule. Another one that I feel is starting to become controversial is the cell phone usuage. Answering a cell phone on the table, not cool. Or simply talking on the cell phone in public, however, not quietly and to where people have to hear your whole conversation from up to 50ft. away. Very rude. Another etiquette is most other countries that should be practiced, is when you are a guest in someone's home and they make you a meal - you eat most or all of it, whether you like or not. Do not comment on why you didn't like it. Don't even state it. That is very rude. I was travelling abroad with some friends and we were in a restaurant and I was very embarassed because one of my friends was stating how she didn't like this particular dish that she tried. They heard her! Not very happy. Some people need to learn that discretion needs to be practiced (this was in the Caribbean, they may be laid back, but they are sensitive to their food). If you really don't like a dish, eat as much as you can and when they come to pick up your plate and ask you why you didn't eat it all (they really do ask, but you really shouldn't answer), simply state that you are stuffed, but it was good. It's a more polite way to state it. My friend said, "I didn't care for it at all." I was mortified. The waiter was very upset. What was the point?! Okay, those are a few things, I could go on all day.

Answer 4

I'm glad that these subjects are being addressed in newer EFL books. I worked at an ESL school (and my whole family are ESLearners) and "basic" things in the US are not known when people come over. Certain cultural differences that have come up are:

Eating with your mouth open (chewing loudly and smacking your lips) is a sign that you love the food and are complimenting the chef (ie. in some Asian cultures)

The middle finger is the pointer finger in many cultures

In the US, if you are pulled over, the police expect you to stay in the car, but in other countries, you're supposed to get out

Some cultures expect you to take off your shoes before you enter the house and others are offended if you do

In some cultures (especially Asian), it is impolite to look people in the eyes, but in others (mostly Western) it is considered rude not to look them in the eyes

Body space/touching is different (ie. shaking hands, hugging, kissing strangers)

Answer 5

Because they are different is always a wrong reason for disliking something or being irritated by it. Until you can grok whatever it is that is irritating you, you don't have the right to let it get to you. People dress and behave the way they do because they want to belong, want to rebel or just think the imitated thing is better than what they are. The scowl could be because it is considered the 'look du jour' or because they have never had enough happiness in their life to have developed a smile as natural. Mea culpa on the latter. Try to accept that they are different as is everybody, and find out their personality. You may like them based on personality, but at worst, you will know why they irritate you. By the way I don't think narcissist was the word you wanted but I don't think you meant the other one either.

Answer 6

India
Sorry to point this one out, but since you are writing a textbook on English, you ought to check your grammar first. In the question it should read " I am AN EFL...."Anyways, in India while you are visiting any place of worship like temples, it is customary to remove your shoes outside the temple. Also most people dont approve wearing shorts inside. Another thing is that you do not address people elder to you by their names only, you should use a title like Mr, sir, bhai,etc.

Answer 7

In this world you got two types of people - the working class that are down to earth / carefree and the uppity snobbish people that consider just about anything a foreigner does to be impolite. While in Vietnam for 6 months I broke bread and drank many the beer with the working class and there was nothing I could have done to insult them.

Answer 8

I am Nigerian-American. I was born in Nigeria and the most common rude thing for a person of any age to do (especially) children is to walk into a room without greeting everyone. Everybody starts saying that that person has no manners is rude etc... It has happened to me once where I met someone (a lady) I new in my childhood. Being the shy person that I am, I didn't go up to her unsure about whether she would remeber me. She actually thougt I was being prissy!! All grown-up & too good to say hi! Can you believe that!!

Answer 9

In China pushing and shoving in public places ,in queues even getting in to the elevator is acceptable.Also they spit all over the place and they spit into the plate htey just had the meal on..even in restaurants.
They also get their little kids to pee in public places (girls and boys) such as the pavement ..sometimes inside the shops of big malls(I have seen this with my own eyes).
But inspite of all this they are really really nice people.

Answer 10

Trinidad West Indies
It is rude to walk slowly across the road when a driver stops for you to cross. Trust me when I say if you do that YOU WILL BE greeted with 3 unique words in our culture..
"what d f***"!?

Answer 11

In the Middle East it is insulting to gesture to someone to "come here" using only your first finger. You should use all four fingers.

It is inappropriate to shake hands with someone of the opposite sex, and very polite to shake hands and kiss the right cheek then the left cheek with someone of the same sex (both men and women).

It is common to see men holding hands in public. This is a sign of friendship, not sexual orientation.

It is rude to decline someone's offer of food, coffee, tea, etc when visiting their home.

It is rude to comment on someone's wife or daughter, such as how pretty they are. Best not to mention it at all.

That's all I can think of for now...