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Cross-Cultural Communication: Grin and Jump In!

Multiculturalism is a reality in North male client kisses you on the cheek, you
America and for those of us who do know you've made the short list.
business globally. The US has more legal Immigrant men from the Middle East often
immigrants yearly than all the other shake hands with a slight nod or bow and
countries in the world combined. Also then exchange kisses on both cheeks. Men
there are vast cultural differences among from the Middle East usually don't shake
"native" North Americans living in the US hands with women, nor do they introduce
and Canada for several generations, as the woman with them. Do not attempt to
you know if you've done business with a shake hands with a Middle Eastern woman
New Yorker (better be quick!) or with a unless -- and here's where the EQ comes
Texan (better stand at a 90degree angle in -- she extends her hand to you. Men in
to your male companion).Culture is not Eastern Europe, Portugal, Spain and Italy
ethnic or racial. It is learned and of will often kiss male friends on the
course each culture is different. Treat cheek.7. Pakistanis (largely Muslims)
everyone like a unique individual, as you greet with salaam, which is the
would like to be treated, don't get hung equivalent of our "hello."The salaam is
up on stereotypes. Develop your emotional done by bowing with the palm of the right
intelligence so you can be more intuitive hand on the forehead. Salaam means
about how to communicate with, negotiate "peace" or "Peace be with you."8.
with, and provide services and products Postures also have meaning.Ready to
for people from cultural backgrounds settle in with your Middle Eastern
other than your own. I offer some tips client? You may be most comfortable
below, and yet they are not universal in sitting back in your chair and crossing
these cultures.1. I repeat, do not your legs. Well, don't! In the Middle
expect everyone in a culture to be the East, one of the most insulting things
same!2. In South Texas, if you're talking you can do is sit with your legs crossed
to a male, they will often stand at a 90 so the bottoms of the feet are pointed in
degree angle to you.If you move to the other person's direction. The foot is
reorient, a "dance" will begin. This is a the dirtiest part of the body and the
markedly non-intimate position, and often sole of the shoe is the dirtiest of the
the eyes are cast down to the floor or low. To show someone the bottom of your
out across the floor. South Texans foot or shoe means you're looking for a
generally say "Pleased to know you," fight!9. Even handshaking cultures do it
while Mid Westerners say, "Pleased to differently.Many Britian's prefer a brief
meet you" or "Pleased to make your but firm handshake. The French prefer a
acquaintance." In social settings in light grip while sharing a single gentle
South Texas, it is not customary to shake shake that's quickly withdrawn. Germans
hands with women. Other San Antonio will give a very firm handshake -- just
cultural customs -- in San Antonio one "pump" then quick withdrawal. More
society, we have the haute hug - two than one shake with Germans or French is
women will parody a hug, not touching any considered aggressive. Italians will
part of their bodies, and just patting shake hands and then hug friends or kiss
one another lightly on the back. As a them on both cheeks.10. Bear in mind the
sign of affection, when you shake hands, other person may be trying to accommodate
sometimes you cover the other person's your culture, so don't assume they will
hand with your left hand and pat or use their traditional greeting.For
squeeze with warm eye contact. This is example, if you start first, for instance
particularly done with respected older bowing, and then see a hand extended for
people.3. Be aware that most of the world a shake, and switch to that, the other
does not greet by shaking hands.4. People person will then have switched to a bow
from Asian cultures bow in greeting, but and this becomes awkward. For many
the bows are different.People from cultures such "awkwardness" will kill the
Cambodia and Laos bow with both hands relationship early on, which means the
together in front of the chest, as if deal is off.11. Greetings are critical
praying. In Japan, the depth of the bow first moves in relationships.Begin with a
signifies the level of respect for the polite word or two, such as "Mr. and Mrs.
other party. Many Koreans prefer bowing Takida, it's so nice to meet you at
and if they shake hands, the right hand last," and then hesitate for a moment to
is supported at the wrist by the left see what they want to do and are
hand to show respect. Thais bow with comfortable with. Then mirror their
palms together about chest-high with gesture, be it bow, hand shake, abrazo
their fingers outstretched. And, there (hug) or nothing! Use your intuition!
are exceptions. The Taiwanese usually nod When in doubt, err on the side of
the head in recognition rather than conservatism.I look forward to the day
bow.5. Some cultures naturally greet by when we abandon our collective need for
hugging.Native Hawaiians hug each other, safety through homogeneity and reclaim
exchanging breaths. The custom is called our natural curiosity about what is not
"ha." Ancient Hawaiians, incidentally, like us. We then will no longer need to
actually bumped heads together. Mexicans "manage" diversity, and will have no need
use the abrazo. Greeks and Italians often other than to engage it and open
hug with or without shaking hands ourselves to receive its gifts.
first.6. Some cultures kiss!If your Cuban




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