Benimm Check Kulturen | Galileo Lunch Break

Summary

The video script explores cultural faux pas in Germany, where over 7 million foreigners live with diverse customs and etiquette. It features Jan Schaumann, a style trainer and etiquette expert, who advises on avoiding embarrassing situations in various cultures, especially when interacting with others. The narrative includes humorous examples of missteps, such as using the wrong hand gesture in Greece, misunderstanding table manners in France, and navigating the complexities of drinking vodka with Russians. It emphasizes the importance of being aware of cultural differences to ensure smooth international relations.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings, especially when interacting with over 7 million foreigners in Germany from various nations with different customs and manners.
• 🤝 In Germany, certain gestures that are acceptable in one culture can be offensive in another, such as not offering a handshake to Brits or using a knife to cut French baguette.
• 👋 Be cautious with hand gestures, as an open palm raised towards the face is considered a severe insult in Greece, and the 'muza' gesture is the most offensive in the country.
• 👀 Direct eye contact is considered impolite and aggressive in Asia, whereas in the West, it is often seen as a sign of confidence and sincerity.
• 🤧 Sneezing and blowing one's nose in public is considered extremely rude in many Asian cultures, and it's advised to leave the area or turn away if one must do so.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 When sitting, showing the soles of one's feet to others is a grave insult in many Asian countries, as the soles are considered the lowest and dirtiest part.
• 🍽️ In Turkey, it's important to clearly express when you are full to avoid being served more food, as not doing so can be seen as an insult to the cook.
• 🎁 Receiving a gift in Turkish culture can lead to misunderstandings if not handled properly; it's best to graciously accept and discreetly leave it behind when leaving the house.
• 🥂 Drinking etiquette varies greatly; for example, in Russia, once vodka is poured, it's expected to be consumed, or it can be seen as an insult.
• 🥖 In France, bread is typically broken rather than cut with a knife, which is a part of French table etiquette that is deeply respected.
• 🤝 Greetings differ by culture; the French prefer kisses on the cheeks, while the British prefer handshakes, and direct physical contact is less common in the UK.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the cultural differences and potential misunderstandings that can arise when interacting with people from different countries and cultures, especially in Germany where there are over 7 million foreigners.

Who is Jan Schaumann and what is his expertise?

Jan Schaumann is a style trainer and etiquette expert who knows about cultural pitfalls and advises on how to behave to ensure smooth intercultural communication, both in Germany and abroad.

Why should one be careful with hand gestures in Greece?

In Greece, an open palm gesture at face height is considered a severe insult, so one should be careful with hand gestures to avoid unintentional offense.

What is considered a positive sign in Brazil and Canada but a vulgar insult in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran?

The 'stink finger' or the middle finger gesture is considered a positive sign in Brazil and Canada, representing good luck, but it is a vulgar insult in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

Why should Daniel avoid direct eye contact while shopping in an Asian store according to the script?

Direct eye contact is considered impolite and aggressive in many Asian cultures, so Daniel should avoid it during his shopping trip in an Asian store.

What is considered extremely rude in many Asian countries when someone needs to sneeze or blow their nose?

Sneezing or blowing one's nose directly in public is considered extremely rude in many Asian countries; it's advised to leave the room or at least turn away.

What is the proper way to sit in many Asian cultures to avoid causing offense?

In many Asian cultures, it is offensive to sit with legs crossed or stretched out with the soles of the feet pointing towards others. The proper way is to sit with legs not crossed and feet parallel with the soles facing down.

Why did Daniel's Turkish friend, Mehmet, feel offended when Daniel complimented the food?

In Turkish culture, it is customary to offer more food when someone compliments it. Daniel's compliment led to his plate being continuously filled, which he did not want as he planned to cook later.

What is the proper way to refuse a gift in Turkish culture according to the script?

In Turkish culture, it is difficult to refuse a gift directly. The best way is to thank the giver sincerely and then secretly leave the gift behind when leaving the house, without mentioning it again.

How should one behave when drinking vodka with Russians according to the script?

When drinking vodka with Russians, one should be prepared to drink along with them. If one does not want to drink, it's important to provide a good excuse upfront to avoid causing offense.

What is the correct way to cut a baguette in French culture as per the script?

In French culture, a baguette should not be cut with a knife but should be broken, as it is considered a side dish, not the main course, and French table etiquette is very important.