14
The Eastern Rules of Etiquette and Why You Should Know Them
When I think about traveling to the Middle East, I immediately imagine colorful bazaars, fragrant spices and smiling faces. But there are more interesting features of Eastern culture. Like etiquette rules.
Before a trip to the countries of the East, it would be a good idea to study this issue and get acquainted with the rules of good manners. And even if you're not going to travel, you can just push cultural boundaries. Editorial "Site" It tells us the fundamental difference between our and the Eastern rules of etiquette.
A little further in the article we will talk about the peculiarities of Eastern culture, and in particular about how to greet Eastern friends. In the meantime, I would like to tell a story. It proves once again how important it is to know the rules of good manners when you go to another country.
I told you earlier that I had a chance to learn more about Oriental etiquette. I managed to live in Turkey for several months. One day, the family I lived in decided to go to the east of Turkey to see my grandfather. He was quite old and, as it turned out, very important. He was referred to as "aha," which means a lot in Turkey.
According to local customs, everyone was supposed to kiss his grandfather’s hand. But somehow I didn't guess, and no one warned me about it. It seemed to me that since I am a foreigner, I should not observe customs. My grandfather came up to me and extended his hand. Without thinking twice, I shook her and continued talking to my friend.
There was an awkward pause for a minute, everyone was silent. That's when I realized I did something wrong. It is good that my father from my “adopted” family was not confused. He laughed and said that I was a foreigner, saying that I do not know customs. It seemed to smooth out the awkwardness, but Grandpa never spoke to me that evening.
Therefore, I believe that the rules of etiquette are important and should be respected. Even if you are a foreigner, it is not a reason to offend someone with your ignorance. So we smoothly approached what rules should be taken into account when visiting Eastern countries.
In the Middle East countries are very serious about the observance of traditions. And the appearance does not occupy the last place. Of course, foreigners are not required to wear national clothes. But the rules of decency are still worth it. Eastern people prefer modest outfits. The same is demanded of others.
It is good if the appearance is as modest as possible. Men are advised to wear long trousers and a shirt. A t-shirt and short shorts can be perceived as an insult. Women should dress up in a long skirt and blouse. It is important to ensure that your arms and shoulders are covered. This is the appearance acceptable to the inhabitants of the East.
In many countries of the East, especially tourist destinations such as Turkey, have long been accustomed to European greetings. However, do not say hello to everyone, they are not accepted. It is forbidden to shake hands with women. In some cases, during dating or meeting, they turn the cheek for a kiss and offer hugs.
Such an initiative should not be taken, because you can not guess whether the situation is suitable. But you can follow the example of the locals, so you learn faster.
Residents of the East have special respect for religion and sacred places. Therefore, it is important to follow all the rules when visiting a mosque. When entering a mosque, women must cover their heads. Men are also not recommended to visit some places without a headgear.
Entering the temple, you need to take off your shoes. And the main thing is to behave respectfully, not break the silence and not attract attention to yourself. Other people’s traditions must be respected.
Another important feature of the inhabitants of the East is extraordinary hospitality. They are generous and friendly. If you are invited to visit, you will be able to fully understand what courtesy is. When you go by invitation, do not forget to take care of the guests. Our cultures are exactly the same. Entering the house with empty hands is not acceptable.
There is another feature to remember. Do not admire the interior items in the house. The fact is that the owners will consider themselves obliged to give something that you like. It'll be awkward.
Showing your feelings there is also not accepted. The manifestation of feelings for the inhabitants of the East is something intimate and that should remain between spouses. Hugs and kisses in public can elicit judgmental looks.
Oriental culture, of course, does not end there. But most importantly, now you know. It is always interesting to expand cultural boundaries and learn something new. What interesting traditions of other countries do you know?
Before a trip to the countries of the East, it would be a good idea to study this issue and get acquainted with the rules of good manners. And even if you're not going to travel, you can just push cultural boundaries. Editorial "Site" It tells us the fundamental difference between our and the Eastern rules of etiquette.
A little further in the article we will talk about the peculiarities of Eastern culture, and in particular about how to greet Eastern friends. In the meantime, I would like to tell a story. It proves once again how important it is to know the rules of good manners when you go to another country.
I told you earlier that I had a chance to learn more about Oriental etiquette. I managed to live in Turkey for several months. One day, the family I lived in decided to go to the east of Turkey to see my grandfather. He was quite old and, as it turned out, very important. He was referred to as "aha," which means a lot in Turkey.
According to local customs, everyone was supposed to kiss his grandfather’s hand. But somehow I didn't guess, and no one warned me about it. It seemed to me that since I am a foreigner, I should not observe customs. My grandfather came up to me and extended his hand. Without thinking twice, I shook her and continued talking to my friend.
There was an awkward pause for a minute, everyone was silent. That's when I realized I did something wrong. It is good that my father from my “adopted” family was not confused. He laughed and said that I was a foreigner, saying that I do not know customs. It seemed to smooth out the awkwardness, but Grandpa never spoke to me that evening.
Therefore, I believe that the rules of etiquette are important and should be respected. Even if you are a foreigner, it is not a reason to offend someone with your ignorance. So we smoothly approached what rules should be taken into account when visiting Eastern countries.
In the Middle East countries are very serious about the observance of traditions. And the appearance does not occupy the last place. Of course, foreigners are not required to wear national clothes. But the rules of decency are still worth it. Eastern people prefer modest outfits. The same is demanded of others.
It is good if the appearance is as modest as possible. Men are advised to wear long trousers and a shirt. A t-shirt and short shorts can be perceived as an insult. Women should dress up in a long skirt and blouse. It is important to ensure that your arms and shoulders are covered. This is the appearance acceptable to the inhabitants of the East.
In many countries of the East, especially tourist destinations such as Turkey, have long been accustomed to European greetings. However, do not say hello to everyone, they are not accepted. It is forbidden to shake hands with women. In some cases, during dating or meeting, they turn the cheek for a kiss and offer hugs.
Such an initiative should not be taken, because you can not guess whether the situation is suitable. But you can follow the example of the locals, so you learn faster.
Residents of the East have special respect for religion and sacred places. Therefore, it is important to follow all the rules when visiting a mosque. When entering a mosque, women must cover their heads. Men are also not recommended to visit some places without a headgear.
Entering the temple, you need to take off your shoes. And the main thing is to behave respectfully, not break the silence and not attract attention to yourself. Other people’s traditions must be respected.
Another important feature of the inhabitants of the East is extraordinary hospitality. They are generous and friendly. If you are invited to visit, you will be able to fully understand what courtesy is. When you go by invitation, do not forget to take care of the guests. Our cultures are exactly the same. Entering the house with empty hands is not acceptable.
There is another feature to remember. Do not admire the interior items in the house. The fact is that the owners will consider themselves obliged to give something that you like. It'll be awkward.
Showing your feelings there is also not accepted. The manifestation of feelings for the inhabitants of the East is something intimate and that should remain between spouses. Hugs and kisses in public can elicit judgmental looks.
Oriental culture, of course, does not end there. But most importantly, now you know. It is always interesting to expand cultural boundaries and learn something new. What interesting traditions of other countries do you know?
