¡VIVA ¡VIVA MEXICO!MEXICO!

OLMECAS SPANISH COLONY

Mexican culture goes back to the Olmecas, Mayas and Aztecas Indians. These empires where destroyed by the Spanish, by the year 1521, and as consequence we became a Spanish colony.

INDEPENDENCE REVOLUTION

1810: Mexican Independence

1823 Mexican Republic was

declared.

1864 Archduke Maximilian of

Austria became emperor of Mexico

and ruled for 3 years.

1910-1920: Mexican Revolution

MEXICO 1953 -1994•1953: Mexican women granted

right to vote in all elections.•1968: Tlatelolco student

murder.•1985: 8.1(Ritcher Scale)

earthquake in Mexico City.•1994: NAFTA (North American

Free Trade Agreement) was signed. (TLCAN).

• Population: 108,700,891

• Territory: 1’964,375 Km.²

• Type of Government: Federal Democratic with 31 states and a federal district.

STATISTICS

• Religion: predominantly 90% are Roman Catholics

• Currency: Peso (€1 = $16 pesos)

• Language: the official language is Spanish, but more than a hundred Indian languages are spoken

VALUES & NAMES

• Family is very important and comes before everything else.

• Mexicans place great value on personal relations and relationships.

• Most Mexican men have a macho attitude.

• To show respect use Don and Doña

• Another form to address in Mexico is Señor, Señora and Señorita.

• Mexicans have two family names.

CULTURAL ORIENTATION• One must know the person before

doing business with him/her, the only way to know a person in Mexico is to know the family.

• It is extremely important to cultivate personal relations with the right people in the right places.

• There are extreme contrast between rich and poor, but Mexico has the largest upper middle class in all Latino American countries.

BUSINESS PRACTICE• Punctuality is expected from

foreigners, but usually meeting or appointments would not start until 30 minutes after.

• It is always better to confirm assistance one week prior to the meeting.

• Business cards are usually exchange after initial introductions.

• Make sure you know who has the power to make decisions.

PROTOCOL• Men will shake hands in greeting.

Women will often pat each other on the right forehand or shoulder.

• If they are close they may hug or kiss each other on the cheek.

• Be prepared for a hug on the second or third meeting.

• At a party, Mexicans give a slight nod to everyone as they enter the room.

• Conversations take place at a much closer physical distance. Pulling away from your counterpart may be regarded as unfriendly.

“DO’S”• Be careful when using the words

America or American• Try to speak at least a little bit of

Spanish.• Show acknowledge and

appreciation of Mexican culture.• Personal relationships are very

important and most be established before negotiations.

• Personalized everything.• Morning appointments are best. • Always greet people otherwise

they may be offended.

• If you are a guy, always open doors to women and push the chair when seating on a table.

• Give tip when being at a restaurant (about 15%), to the bellboy, taxi, etc.

• Look into the others eyes when talking to them.

• Always respect the elderly.• Take in consideration that traffic yams

are common in big Mexican cities, so take your time or be prepared for delays.

• When paying for something, always place the money in the receiver’s hand.

“DON’TS”• Do not call Mexican by their first

name until invited to do so.• Never show up on time for a

social engagement.• Do not neglect the little things.

(like no saying goodbye) • Never say anything negative

about Indians or their cultures. • Avoid asking direct questions or

expressing strong disagreement.• Never drink water from the

faucet unless there is a filter.

• By any chance confuse Spanish culture with Mexican (they are two different cultures)

• Do not ask if they speak Mexican, it is Spanish.

• Do not confuse Mexican taco with the hard shell taco (texmex).

• Never eat in the street you might get sick.

• Do not stand with the hands on your hips or in your pockets because it means anger and is consider rude.

USEFUL WORDS• Hola = Hello• Gracias = Thank you• Me llamo …. = My

name is…• ¿Cual es su nombre?

= What’s your name?

• ¿Cómo esta usted? = How are you?

• Lo siento = I’m sorry • Perdóneme = Excuse

me• Si = yes• No = no • Adios = Good bye• Salud = Cheers

• Por favor = Please• Denada = Your

welcome • ¿Cuanto cuesta? =

How much is it? • Saludos cordiales =

Best regards• Buenas noches =

Good night• Buenos dias = Good

Morning • Que onda = What’s

u• Padre = Great• Orale = Ok or Wow

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Morrison, Terri (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. Massachusets: Adams Media.

• Murray Bosrock, Mary (1995). Put Your Best Foot Forward. United States of America: International Education Systems.

• Mexican People