Benimm Check Kulturen | Galileo Lunch Break

Galileo

25 Dec 201509:40

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Cultural Missteps and Etiquette

This paragraph discusses the potential for cultural misunderstandings in Germany, where over 7 million foreigners from various nations reside. It highlights the importance of being aware of different customs and practices to avoid embarrassing situations. The video introduces Jan Schaumann, a style trainer and etiquette expert, who shares insights on how to navigate cultural pitfalls, especially in a diverse environment. The narrative includes examples of common gestures that may be misinterpreted, such as the open palm, which is considered an insult in Greece, and the use of chopsticks in Asian cultures. It emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity and awareness to ensure smooth interactions both domestically and abroad.

05:03

🍽️ Dining Etiquette and Social Customs

The second paragraph delves into the nuances of social interactions and dining etiquette across different cultures. It describes Daniel's experience with preparing an international meal and the cultural faux pas he encounters. The summary covers the importance of expressing satisfaction clearly to avoid being served more food than desired, a common practice in Turkish culture. It also touches on the significance of gift-giving and the polite way to decline an unwanted gift. The paragraph further explores the varying customs of greeting, such as the difference between the French and British preferences for physical contact during introductions. It concludes with a discussion on the Russian tradition of vodka drinking and the social implications of participating in such customs, offering advice on how to navigate these situations gracefully.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cultural Misunderstandings

Cultural misunderstandings refer to the misinterpretations or incorrect assumptions made about the customs, behaviors, or gestures of another culture. In the video, this concept is central as it explores various scenarios where individuals might inadvertently offend or misunderstand others due to cultural differences. For example, the video mentions not offering a handshake to Brits and not cutting French baguettes with a knife, which are specific cultural norms that, if ignored, could lead to awkward situations.

💡Etiquette

Etiquette encompasses the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. The video discusses the importance of being aware of etiquette when interacting with different cultures to avoid faux pas. It provides examples such as the proper way to handle a baguette in France and the significance of table manners, which are part of the cultural etiquette that one must respect to ensure smooth social interactions.

💡Gestures

Gestures are movements of the body, especially the hands, to communicate non-verbally. The video highlights how certain gestures can have different meanings across cultures. For instance, an open palm, which might be a sign of approval in one culture, is considered an insult in Greece. The video uses this to illustrate the potential for miscommunication and the importance of understanding non-verbal cues in different cultural contexts.

💡Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is the ability to understand and respect the customs, beliefs, and practices of different cultures. The script emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds to foster better understanding and avoid offense. It suggests that being aware of and adapting to cultural norms is key to successful cross-cultural communication.

💡Table Manners

Table manners refer to the socially acceptable ways of eating and drinking during meals. The video script discusses the importance of table manners in different cultures, such as the French tradition of breaking baguettes instead of cutting them. It shows that ignorance of these manners can lead to embarrassment or misunderstandings, thus emphasizing the need to be informed about the dining etiquette of the culture one is engaging with.

💡Direct Eye Contact

Direct eye contact is the act of looking directly into someone's eyes during a conversation. In the script, it is mentioned that in some Asian cultures, direct eye contact is considered impolite and aggressive. This highlights the cultural variations in communication styles and the importance of adjusting one's behavior to align with local customs.

💡Sitting Position

Sitting position refers to the way one sits, which can vary greatly across cultures and can be laden with cultural significance. The video points out that in many Asian countries, sitting with legs crossed or extended with the soles of the feet facing others is considered disrespectful. It illustrates how seemingly minor aspects of behavior can carry deep cultural meanings.

💡Greeting Customs

Greeting customs are the traditional ways in which people acknowledge each other's presence or express goodwill. The script contrasts the greeting styles of different cultures, such as the French custom of kissing on the cheek versus the British preference for handshakes. Understanding these customs is crucial for navigating social interactions in a culturally appropriate manner.

💡Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption practices vary widely among cultures. The video mentions the Russian culture of drinking vodka as a sign of hospitality and strength, where not participating can be seen as an insult. It underscores the importance of being aware of and respecting cultural attitudes towards alcohol to avoid social faux pas.

💡Gift Giving

Gift giving is a social custom that involves the exchange of presents to express goodwill or celebrate an occasion. The script describes a situation where a character ends up accepting a watch as a gift without intending to, which can be awkward in cultures where gift refusal is not common. It highlights the complexities of gift giving and the potential for misunderstandings in cross-cultural exchanges.

💡Cultural Norms

Cultural norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior in a society. The video emphasizes the importance of being aware of and adhering to cultural norms when interacting with people from different backgrounds to ensure respectful and harmonious interactions. It provides various examples from the script where ignorance of cultural norms could lead to embarrassment or offense.

Highlights

Over 7 million foreigners with diverse cultures, nations, customs, and habits live in Germany, which can lead to cultural misunderstandings.

Cultural trainer and etiquette expert Jan Schaumann explains how to avoid awkward situations when interacting with different cultures.

In Germany, certain gestures that are polite can be offensive in other countries, such as the open palm, which is considered an insult in Greece.

The 'moutza' gesture, an open palm towards someone's face, is the most offensive insult in Greece.

In Asia, direct eye contact is considered impolite and aggressive, unlike in Western cultures.

Sneezing and blowing one's nose in public is considered rude in many Asian countries.

In many Asian cultures, showing the soles of one's feet is a sign of extreme disrespect.

The transcript describes how to properly sit in Asian cultures to avoid offense, such as keeping legs parallel and soles down.

Accepting a compliment in Turkish culture may lead to more food being served, which can be misunderstood as dissatisfaction.

In Turkish culture, it's customary to accept gifts graciously and then discreetly return them later if not desired.

Different countries have unique ways of greeting, such as kissing in France and handshakes in the UK.

Russians are known for their firm handshakes, which can be perceived as a sign of character strength.

Drinking vodka with Russians can be challenging as it's considered an insult to refuse, and once started, it's difficult to stop.

In France, bread is typically broken rather than cut with a knife, reflecting cultural differences in dining etiquette.

The importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences to facilitate smooth international interactions is emphasized.

The video suggests that sometimes less is more when it comes to compliments and gestures to avoid misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication.

The transcript concludes by encouraging viewers to explore more on the topic by visiting galileo.tv.