He who does not know foreign languages does not know anything about his own. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Kunst and Alterthum

среда, 21 декабря 2011 г.

DOs and DON'TS (Taboos) in England

Study this list of DOs and DON'TS in England and make a similar list about either Russia or the USA, France, or Germany.
DOs and DON'TS (Taboos) in England
Do stand in line: In England we like to form orderly queues (standing in line) and wait patiently for our turn e.g. boarding a bus. It is usual to queue when required, and expected that you will take your correct turn and not push in front. 'Queue jumping' is frowned upon.
Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only) It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors especially in churches. Nowadays, it is becoming more common to see men wearing hats indoors. However, this is still seen as being impolite, especially to the older generations. text taken from and copyright of projcetbritain.com
Do say "Excuse Me": If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move, say excuse me and they will move out of your way.
Do Pay as you Go: Pay for drinks as you order them in pubs and other types of bars.
Do say "Please" and "Thank you": It is very good manners to say "please" and "thank you". It is considered rude if you don't. You will notice in England that we say 'thank you' a lot. text taken from and copyright of projcetbritain.com
Do cover your Mouth: When yawning or coughing always cover your mouth with your hand.
Do Shake Hands: When you are first introduced to someone, shake their right hand with your own right hand.
Do say sorry:If you accidentally bump into someone, say 'sorry'. They probably will too, even if it was your fault! This is a habit and can be seen as very amusing by an 'outsider'.
Do Smile: A smiling face is a welcoming face.
Do Drive on the left side of the road
Do open doors for other people Men and women both hold open the door for each other. It depends on who goes through the door first.
Do not greet people with a kiss:
We only kiss people who are close friends and relatives.
Avoid talking loudly in public
It is impolite to stare at anyone in public.
Privacy is highly regarded.
text taken from and copyright of projcetbritain.com
Do not ask a lady her age
It is considered impolite to ask a lady her age
Do not pick your nose in public:
We are disgusted by this. If your nostrils need de-bugging, use a handkerchief.
Avoid doing gestures such as backslapping and hugging
This is only done among close friends.
Do not spit.
Spitting in the street is considered to be very bad mannered.
Do not burp in public
You may feel better by burping loudly after eating or drinking, but other people will not! If you can not stop a burp from bursting out, then cover your mouth with your hand and say 'excuse me' afterwards.
Do not ask personal or intimate questions
We like our privacy. Please do not ask questions such as "How much money do you earn?" "How much do you weigh?" or "Why aren't you married?".

12 комментариев:

  1. America Donts

    * Do not call black people “Negro”. They will feel contempt for his indemnity, as Negro mainly refers to Africa black slaves sold to the United States.
    * Do not ask personal income, assets etc private information. Do not ask women marital status, age, and price of clothe etc private matter.
    * Do not give white lilies as gifts. Do not give presents with the company logo, as it’s obliged for advertising.
    * Do not casually take off your shoes or bare feet in front of others, which give people the impression of barbaric debauchery, as only in the bedroom, or between lover to take off their shoes. So do not take off your shoes when visit an American house.
    * Do not pull garters or socks in front of others, which are considered impolite. If laces loose, find a quiet place to tie up.
    * Do not stick out the tongue to others, which is considered as rude, vulgar, obscene behavior.
    * Do not smoke in front of the others without consent.
    * Do not use or ask for toothpicks at a restaurant or at a guest home. Americans love their pretty teeth, they usually use dental floss, but rarely use the toothpick.
    * Do not be gaudy or do make up in public, which is thought to be bad nurture.
    * Do not start to eat until the hostess starts or ask to start a meal. Do not make chewing sound when dinning. Do not take food for others. Do not smoke at the dinning table. Do not persuade others to drink. Do not strip at the dinner table.
    * Do not hitch. Hitchhiking and being snatched money are common in the United States. Do not take the subway at night, where gathers drug addicts, gangsters and drug dealers.
    * Do not forget to greet children. Americans treat children equal to adults.
    * Do not drink alone if you are a woman, which may cause harassment of volunteered” man.

    America Dos

    * Do say “Hi” or “Hello” when first meet, it’s not necessary for handshake, but do respond appropriately if they shake hands, nodding, or hugging first.
    * Do make a tight grip when shaking hands, and have eye contact. Americans consider it as rude and arrogant when shaking hands without looking at each.
    * Do make an appointment before visit someone, and do prepare a small gift when visit a friend.
    * Do drink modestly and maintain gentle manner at the banquet. Drunk in the American banquet will fall into contempt.
    * Do avoid number ‘13’, ‘3’, ‘Friday’ and use the bat for the design of goods, and packaging materials, as they are associated with the bad luck.
    * Do mind the conversation topic. Try to avoid some taboo topics, such as polygamy, abortion, pedophilia, incest, race, religion, and suicide.
    * Do take off hat, coat and sunglasses indoor
    * Do say hello to strangers. Turn your eyes away or pretend not see others is considered disdaining others.
    * Do wait in front of the restaurant door for the waiter to lead you to the table.

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  2. DOs and DON'TS (Taboos) in Russia
    Do not stand in line: In Russia we don’t like to form orderly queues (standing in line) and wait patiently for our turn . 'Queue jumping' is not frowned upon. This advice may also be used in traffic jams ( buy EKX car number and your road will be always free).
    Do take your hat off when you go indoors (men only) It is impolite for men to wear hats indoors especially in churches, but if you are EMO or 50 cent fan, you can do it. Nowadays, it is becoming more common to see men wearing hats indoors.
    Do not say "Excuse Me": If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move, say get out of my way and never excuse .
    Do not Pay as you Go: Do not Pay for drinks as you order them in pubs and other types of bars, find a friend and let him pay your bill by leaving him in ‘English style’.
    Do say "Please" and "Thank you": Try to say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’ with wide-opened eyes and rude voice, so next time the person won’t ask you for help.
    Do not cover your Mouth: When yawning or coughing do not cover your mouth with your hand in this case all around would understand that it is better to stay with you in a distance. No paper handkerchief with you.
    Do Shake Hands: When you are first introduced to someone, shake their right hand with your own right hand as strong as possible. It will make your partner understand how strong and cool you are. Better do it as long as possible.
    Do NOT say sorry :If you accidentally bump into someone, say 'Hey! What’s up?'. They probably will too, say the same! This is a habit and can be seen as very amusing by an 'outsider'. Before doing it, estimate your opponent’s size. In case he is twice smaller, be angry and shot at him, in case not, mumble smth he won’t hear.
    Do Smile: People will think you are crazy and give you some money.
    Do Drive on the left side of the road (only with EKX, AMP and 777 car numbers + if you are a drunk road warden)
    Do open doors for other people and wait till the moment when the door can strike next person after you (especially effective in Metro)
    Do read your neighbor article, book, sms
    Do greet people with a kiss: Remember Mr. Brezhnev
    Especially welcome after smoking or alcohol

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  3. Do not avoid talking loudly in public. We live in democratic society, so shout as loud as possible, especially after 12 p.m. People must know that you respect you friend Leha.
    It is impolite not to stare at anyone in public.
    It is in vogue to look like Lady Gaga. The more unnecessary and stupid things you put on, the better. Men should wear ‘kolgotki’ jeans. Women ( no matter age and you figure) are to wear very close clothes for everybody to see your figure.
    Do not ask a lady her age
    She wont answer you fairly. Remember, plastic surgery is very developed in Russia.
    Do not pick your nose in public:
    Better do it in your toned car. Only in toned one! ( either you’ll find yourself in YouTube videos)
    Avoid doing gestures such as backslapping and hugging
    This is only done among close friends and in Metro during rush hour
    Do not burp in public
    You may feel better by burping loudly after eating or drinking, but other people will not! Be selfish! Do not ruin your health. Many people think it is appropriate in some Scandinavian countries and always say this fact after burping.
    Do ask personal or intimate questions
    "How much money do you earn?" "How much do you weigh?" "Why aren't you married?"
    Always tell about your illnesses, problems and relatives. No matter if your listener doesn’t want to know this all. It is because you haven’t told him about last “Pust’ Govoryat” serial and do not forget to tell him about corruption and your neighbor Raisa Ivanovna.
    Do not be punctual
    Always say you are stuck in traffic jam, although you are still in bed.
    Be busy
    Always say to your friends that you are busy and you have no time.
    Do not like Apple production
    Do wish it inside, but say that only stupid people overpay for brand
    Be artistic
    When you sit in Metro or in bus, and see an old person, try to show you don’t see her or close your eyes as though you are sleeping
    Litter
    Always throw paper litter and say that in the USA or in Europe it is very clean at the streets.
    No help
    Never help old grannies and all people who lie in the ground are drunk. There is no possibility they have a heart attack.

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  4. In Germany, avoid discussing sports as it’s considered an uneducated thing to do.

    In Russia, drinking vodka is a big part of life, and not drinking is considered offensive.

    Picking your teeth with a toothpick in Japan is absolutely acceptable.

    Do not blow your nose in public in Japan, China, Saudi Arabia or France.

    In Brazil, the sign that is used in North America to mean “okay” means “you’re an a— hole.”

    In Nepal, major Hindu temples are usually off-limits to foreigners. Don’t enter them or take pictures unless given permission.

    In many Asian countries, such as China, pointing with the forefinger in public is considered quite rude.

    In Albania, the locals shake their head to indicate “yes” and nod to indicate “no”.

    In the UK, when giving the peace sign make sure your palm is facing away otherwise; palm facing towards body = f*#$ off.

    In Indonesia, both hands are kept on the table while eating at all times.


    http://www.frihost.com/forums/vt-24429.html

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  5. From Lena Filimonova:

    America Donts

    Do not call black people “Negro”. They will feel contempt for his indemnity, as Negro mainly refers to Africa black slaves sold to the United States.
    Do not ask personal income, assets etc private information. Do not ask women marital status, age, and price of clothe etc private matter.
    Do not give white lilies as gifts. Do not give presents with the company logo, as it’s obliged for advertising.
    Do not casually take off your shoes or bare feet in front of others, which give people the impression of barbaric debauchery, as only in the bedroom, or between lover to take off their shoes. So do not take off your shoes when visit an American house.
    Do not pull garters or socks in front of others, which are considered impolite. If laces loose, find a quiet place to tie up.
    Do not stick out the tongue to others, which is considered as rude, vulgar, obscene behavior.
    Do not smoke in front of the others without consent.
    Do not use or ask for toothpicks at a restaurant or at a guest home. Americans love their pretty teeth, they usually use dental floss, but rarely use the toothpick.
    Do not be gaudy or do make up in public, which is thought to be bad nurture.
    Do not start to eat until the hostess starts or ask to start a meal. Do not make chewing sound when dinning. Do not take food for others. Do not smoke at the dinning table. Do not persuade others to drink. Do not strip at the dinner table.
    Do not hitch. Hitchhiking and being snatched money are common in the United States. Do not take the subway at night, where gathers drug addicts, gangsters and drug dealers.
    Do not forget to greet children. Americans treat children equal to adults.
    Do not drink alone if you are a woman, which may cause harassment of volunteered” man.

    America Dos

    Do say “Hi” or “Hello” when first meet, it’s not necessary for handshake, but do respond appropriately if they shake hands, nodding, or hugging first.
    Do make a tight grip when shaking hands, and have eye contact. Americans consider it as rude and arrogant when shaking hands without looking at each.
    Do make an appointment before visit someone, and do prepare a small gift when visit a friend.
    Do drink modestly and maintain gentle manner at the banquet. Drunk in the American banquet will fall into contempt.
    Do avoid number ‘13’, ‘3’, ‘Friday’ and use the bat for the design of goods, and packaging materials, as they are associated with the bad luck.
    Do mind the conversation topic. Try to avoid some taboo topics, such as polygamy, abortion, pedophilia, incest, race, religion, and suicide.
    Do take off hat, coat and sunglasses indoor
    Do say hello to strangers. Turn your eyes away or pretend not see others is considered disdaining others.
    Do wait in front of the restaurant door for the waiter to lead you to the table.

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  6. Dos and Donts in Germany.
    Do

    * shake hands when you’re introduced to someone – it’s impolite not to

    * say Prost! (cheers!) before you sip your beer – and look your drinking buddy in the eye when you say it

    * feel free to have serious discussions in social settings – Germans like talking politics and philosophy. They don’t relish idle chit-chat or small talk.

    * say your name at the beginning of a phone call, even if it’s followed by ‘do you speak English?’

    * address people with the formal ‘you’ (Sie). If the familiar ‘you’ (Du) is cool, they’ll let you know.

    * hit the ATM – cash rules in Germany and many restaurants don’t take credit cards

    Don’t

    * be late – everyone else will be on time

    * send a German friend lilies – they’re for funerals. Carnations symbolize mourning, too.

    * dig into that Sauerkraut before your host says ‘Guten Appetit’ (good appetite)

    * stroll in the bike lane. You’ll get bruised or yelled at (or both). It’s marked red for a reason.

    * jaywalk. Nobody else does, and you might get fined.

    * drink yourself into a stumbling fool. We know the beer goes down easy, but public drunkenness is frowned upon.

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  7. Austria: Dos and Don'ts

    Do
    Be careful of pickpockets active in the area of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Vienna) and on crowded streetcars (trams) and subways (U-bahn) Some work in pairs or sometimes in threes. Some organized bands have been known to use children, too, in their work.
    Stand to the right on an escalator in the U-bahn or elsewhere. Let those in a hurry go on the left.
    Let those getting off public transport depart before trying to get on.
    Observe seating in public transport designated for the blind, old, sick, pregnant etc. A decal next to these seats, which are usually next to the door, will identify them.
    Observe "Keep off the Grass" where signs request it. Keep the place green for the next visitor.
    Buy a ticket for public transport. While it is an honor system, inspections do occur. Inspectors have heard every excuse known to man and will still give you a high fine.
    Use facilities to check coats at events.
    Get smartly dressed for the concerts and operas or clubs and fine dining restaurants.
    Expect to pay a small sum (50 cents) to use some restroom facilities.
    Expect to pay cash for services in small restaurants and hotels.
    Watch where you walk. Vienna has many dogs; they leave their greetings in many places.
    Let old Viennese ladies move in front of you everywhere -- if not, they will probably push their way in front anyway -- a tradition.
    Tip the waiters/waitress after your meals; not necessarily 10% of the total but you can round up to the nearest Euro.
    Expect to be chased out of the shops 5 minutes before closing time.


    Don't
    Expect Austrians (and Europeans in general, except the British) to respect the custom of waiting your turn in line. People will sometimes try to push past you, but a stern look right in the eyes is enough for them to retreat and needs no translation.
    Expect everyone to speak English.
    Expect every place to have air-conditioning.
    Expect ice water
    Expect English -anguage menus in all places. Your waiter can usually explain everythin.
    Expect to find diet drinks and non-smoking areas everywhere.
    Expect waiters to bring your bill after eating. They will present it only when you ask. Many here will sit for some minutes talking after finishing a meal.
    Expect stores to be open late evenings or Sundays; on weekdays, most stores close at 6:00 pm (except in the 1st District) and on Sundays, all stores are closed.
    Make noise after 10 pm (except on New Year's Eve!).

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  8. European general etiquette rules:
    Do:
    - take off gloves while shaking hands. If your are a lady and gloves are a part of your dress, take them off only while having a meal;
    - take off your shoes when you enter somebody's home, especially when they are wet and dirty;
    - do take off your hat when you enter any building (if you are a man), cover your hair if you enter Catholic or Orthodox church (if your are a lady);
    - put on your best clothes if you visit a theatre, concert, etc.;


    Don't:
    - give yellow flowers for weddings in Russia and Ukraine;
    - don't shout and laugh loudly in public places;
    - don't cut in line or to ask to go ahead of someone in queue;
    - no bare shoulders, no showing underwear above the waistband/trouser band in religious places;
    - don't wear coats and boots in one's house;
    - don't speak loudly in museums, in cinemas and hospitals;
    - don't eat anything during the theatre play;

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  9. Dos and Donts in France.

    Do
    Take your regular lunch and coffee breaks, even if you're busy and working on something important.
    Learn Some French Phrases- Most Parisians in the tourists areas speak some English. However, when in France, learn some polite French phrases to "break the ice." You only need to learn five key phrases, and you'll be surprised by the effect that they'll have.
    Shop in Paris, Don't Forget to Say "Bonjour Madame" and "Au Revoir"
    Order in Cafés, Don't Complain About How Long it Takes to Receive Your Order. In Paris, part of the pleasure in drinking a warm, caffeinated beverage is the relaxing experience of savoring the drink, talking to friends, and "people watching".
    Express Your Opinion, Don't be Surprised When the "Customer Isn't Always Right".
    Ride the Metro, Don't Throw Out Your Ticket - Hold onto your purple ticket until you exit the station. The Metro Police occasionally stand at the exits, and using hand-held scanners, inspect every exiting ticket.
    Shop Early at the Department Stores, Don't Go in the Afternoon - In the afternoons, tours that spend the mornings sightseeing at museums, disgorge their customers in the Grand Magasins district.
    Explore the City, Don't Take a Cab - Walk or take the métro. Paris is a compact city, about 6 miles across, and no building in Paris is more than a few hundred yards from a Metro stop.
    Don't sit with legs spread apart as it is considered impolite in France.
    The people of France maintain certain table manners. Start your eating in France only when the hostess says 'bon appetit'.
    The French are very fashionable people, so try to dress well.
    Avoid being loud. It is considered very rude to be loud in a crowded place, such as a subway car or restaurant.
    Avoid sensitive topics for conversation.

    Don't
    Don't begin a conversation with a Frenchman in English, no matter how rusty your French is. It's the best way to assure that he'll make no attempt to reply in English, even if he knows some.
    Don't shake hands if you should have exchanged la bise, the kiss on the cheek, instead.
    Don't address anyone using tu if you should have used vous.
    Don't communicate across hierarchy lines at work unless you're certain that it's accepted.
    Don't try to impress others with how much wealth you have. It would be seen as bad taste, and it's not an accepted measure for social status.
    Don't be frightened by all the rules. The French will help you along to adapt, so long as you show a minimum of tact and respect, but they may be too polite to tell you directly if you goofed.

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  10. Germany Dos and Dont

    When going on a vacation to Germany, there are certain do's and don'ts that one should take note of. By being aware of the Germany do's and don't, you will be able to move around the country and interact with the people easily.
    The Germans are known for their culture and etiquette, and hence it is extremely important that one is completely aware of the numerous do's and don'ts in Germany. The following information will be useful when on a holiday to this country.

    The Do's in Germany are as follows:

    - Germans are extremely punctual. Hence if you are visiting some body's house, it is better that you reach there in time.

    - When you meet someone, make sure you greet him by shaking hands. You should look into the person's eyes while greeting him or her. A bow is also considered as a good way of greeting the people.

    - One should remember to use the formal pronoun "du" when talking to elderly people.

    - You should wear formal clothing when going for business meetings. Formal clothing is preferred by the Germans.

    - If you are visiting someone's house, then you can take some small gifts for them.

    - It is better that you know a little bit of German when you come here.

    - Proper visa and passport is required to enter the country. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents with you.

    - Make sure you have proper medical insurance when visiting this country.

    The Don'ts in Germany include:

    - If you are going to a German restaurant, then do not wait to be seated. It is common to share tables with a stranger and hence you can do the same. However, do not strike up a conversation with them.

    - If you are visiting a bar, then make sure you do not get drunk. It forms an important part of the Germany do's and don'ts. Public drunkenness is not appreciated over here, especially in Bavaria.

    - When talking to someone, do not chew gum as it is considered as bad manners in Germany.

    - When eating, do not put your elbows on the table. Only your hands should be on the table.

    - Do not litter the streets with paper wrappers. There are dustbins everywhere and you should throw the litter in these bins.

    By learning the Germany do's and don't you will learn a great deal about the etiquette and culture of the people of the country.

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  11. So many rules,hmmm...... I'd like to say a few words concerning do's and dont's in Venezuela. First of all if you go there it is better for you to know Spanish, 'cause they got problems with English language. Next - there is a problem with crimes, consequently don't wear any jewellery, any other valuable stuff and don't pull out money in public. There are an average of 10,000 murders in Venezuela each year, and in the wrong places you can get killed for the shoes on your feet. Logically, don't travel alone (at least try not to). Don't speak about politics in Venezuela, unless you agree with the motto "yankee go home" and "leave Iraq and Libya alone".
    Now the positive sides: 1. enjoy the nature of Venezuela, its divine forests and lakes and rivers, 2. medical assistance is better than, for example, in the US while it costs lower, 3. with an exception of criminal activity the citizens are quite kind people, so you won't find a person who wouldn't have received help in Venezuela.

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