Cultural Etiquette
When I was in Japan, I experienced a “perfect storm” of cultural mores that almost got me killed! In the U.S. it is considered polite to empty your glass, particularly when your host serves a fine wine or an expensive single malt scotch. In Japan, it is considered impolite to leave a fellow diner’s glass half-empty, since a community dinner is all about friendship and good times, etc. When you’re “full of drink” in Japan, the polite and correct thing to do is to leave your glass full to tell the others that “you’ve had such a great time, you couldn’t consume another drop.” Thus, my dilemma. I kept trying to finish my glass of beer (and later, tequila), and they kept on topping it right back up. There was trouble on the horizon, to be sure!
Different parts of the world hold all sorts of cultural surprises. In Russia, if someone serves you vodka, you’d best be prepared to down it in one gulp, lest you offend your host. In France, you may only refill your wine glass if you’re prepared to fill the rest of the glasses at the table, first. In Korea, only a woman is allowed to refill a man’s drinks, and only after the man has drained his glass. If you’re a woman in Korea, you must fill your own glass, don’t expect a man or anyone else to do it for you. Never blow your nose at the table in France or in most Asian countries. Excuse yourself and do it privately.
Shoes cause all sorts of problems. In Asia (and Hawaii), it is best to remove your shoes before entering a dinner party as a guest. In London, you couldn’t offend your host more by taking off your shoes. It’s best to leave them on. I’ve noticed in the United States that this practice varies from state to state or host to host. It’s best to ask, or to look for an obvious pile of shoes by the door.
Should you be pulled over for speeding in Russia, you’re expected to pay the officer an immediate “fine” (bribe) or you’ll risk prison time. Honking your horn in Hawaii is considered “especially” rude and is just not done.
Personal space rules vary all over the globe. In Texas, a friendly slap on the back is considered a sign of acceptance. If you were to do that to a New Yorker, you might find yourself in the human resources office, explaining your faux pas. This is very true around the world also: it’s best to give a wide berth until you’ve observed enough of the local culture to know what’s accepted.
Fortunately, my host in Japan was ready for me, and he offered a vial of vitamin B12 (available over the counter in Japan, apparently) before I got so drunk that I would’ve hit the floor. I’m thinking that most people aren’t that lucky, though, so learn the rules before you get into trouble!
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