Cultural Edict

7/29/2019 Cultural Edict

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Ashley GarciaPeriod 6

2/12/13

Cultural

State Russia German France


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Flag

The

peopl

e

Older Russians aregenerally quitepessimistic and don'thave much faith in abetter life in thefuture. Youngerurban Russians have

adopted a moreWestern outlook onlife .

Germans valueorder, privacyandpunctuality.They arethrifty, hardworking and

industrious.Germansrespectperfectionismin all areas ofbusiness andprivate life. InGermany,there is a

sense ofcommunity andsocialconscience andstrong desirefor belonging.To admitinadequacy --even in jest --

isincomprehensible.

The Frenchadhere to astrong andhomogeneous setof values. Theycherish theirculture, history,

language andcuisine, which isconsidered anart. The Frenchhave been andare today worldleaders infashion, food,wine, art and

architecture.They embracenovelty, newideas andmanners withenthusiasm aslong as they areelegant.


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Meeting

and

greeti

ng

In Russia it is

considered gallant to

kiss women three

times whilealternating cheeks,

and to kiss hands.

Germans valuedirect eyecontact,

particularly

during face-to-face

conversations,seeing it as a

sign of honestyand interest inthe discussion.A person whodoes not look

you in the eye isregarded as

untrustworthyand of weakcharacter.

Smiles are usedwith discretion,

typically beingreserved for

close friendsand family only.

At a business orsocial meeting,shake hands witheveryone present

when arrivingand leaving. Ahandshake maybe quick with alight grip.Men may initiatehandshakes withwomen.When family and

close friendsgreet oneanother, theyoften kiss bothcheeks

Body

language

Russians are a verydemonstrativepeople, and publicphysical contact iscommon. Hugs,backslapping, kisseson the cheeks and

other expansivegestures arecommon amongfriends oracquaintances andbetween members of

. Germans valuedirect eyecontact,

particularlyduring face-to-

faceconversations,

seeing it as asign of honestyand interest inthe discussion.A person whodoes not look

Do not sit withlegs spreadapart. Sit upstraight with legscrossed at kneeor kneestogether. Feet

should neverplaced on tablesor chairs.Toothpicks, nailclippers, andcombs are not


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the same sexRussians stand closewhen talking.Putting your thumb

through your indexand middle fingersor making the "OK"sign are consideredvery rude gestures

in Russia

you in the eye isregarded as

untrustworthyand of weak

character.Smiles are used

with discretion,typically being

reserved forclose friends

and family only.

used in public.Keep your handsout of yourpockets.

Do not yawn orscratch in public.Sneeze or blowyour nose asquietly aspossible using ahandkerchief ortissue. Ifpossible, leave

the room.Do not slap your

open palm over a

closed fist (this is

considered a

vulgar gesture).

Cooperat

e culture

Russians appreciate

punctuality. Businessmeetings generallybegin on time. UnderCommunism therewere no incentivesfor bureaucrats toperform well or toeven be pleasanttoward clients; this

meant that the usualanswer to anyquestion was "No."This practice is stillfound in Russiansociety today. But"No" is usually the

Germany is

one of themajor exportnations of theworld and abusinesspowerhouse.Germancompanies

likeVolkswagenand Boschenjoyinternationalreputations.

Professionalism is

highly valued inbusiness and isthe key toacceptance ofoutsiders.France enjoys askilled, well-educated laborforce. Hard work

is admired, butworkaholic is not.Be on time. TheFrench appreciatepunctuality.Give businesscards to the


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final word on anissue.

receptionist orsecretary uponarrival to anoffice and to each

person you meetsubsequently.Print cards inEnglish orFrench. Includeacademic degreeand/or title.Many Frenchspeak and

understandEnglish, butprefer not to useit. An interpreterwill probably notbe necessary, butcheck ahead oftime. Use Frenchonly for

greetings, toastsand occasionalphrases unlessyour French isperfect.


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Helpful

hints

Russians are veryproud of theirculture and enjoyopportunities to talk

about their music,art, literature anddance. Knowledgeabout art, music andsome Russianhistory isappreciated.Learn Russian!Learning the

language is ofincalculable value,and is the best wayto win friends foryourself, yourcompany and yourcountry

Germans aremore formaland punctualthan most of

the world. Theyhaveprescribedroles andseldom stepout of line.A man oryounger personshould always

walk to the leftside of a lady.Traditionalgood mannerscall for theman to walk infront of awoman whenwalking into a

public place.

Lower your voicea little andbehavegraciously and

you will enjoy awarm responsefrom the French.The French valuetheir privacy.Dont askpersonalquestions relatedto occupation,

salary, age,family or childrenunless you havea well-establishedfriendship. Try todemonstratesome knowledgeof history, politicsand French

culture.

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