Taboo

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It's the end of the sesmester and I feel like I should have learned something. Well here is what I have learned:

- Displaying the palm of your hand in the US is a form of greeting, such as a handshake or a wave. BUT doing the same in Greece is an insult. (Perhaps Tiamat can fill us in on the details )

- Crossed legs when seated is done for comfort in the US, BUT showing the soles of your feet is an insult in Arab countries.

- Withholding eye contact is a sign of shyness or deception in the US. In Japan it is done in deference to authority. In Libya, it is a compliment to a woman. (Write that down guys. )

- Standing close to someone while talking is an intrusion in the US, BUT in Latin America and southern Europe it is the normal spatial distance for conversations.

- And last but not least, joining the index finger and thumb to make an "O" stands for "OK" in the US. BUT it is an obscene gesture in Latin America. It means "money" in Japan, and means "zero" or "the pits" in Mediterranean countries. And my most favorite of all >>> it means "I'll kill you" in Tunisia. (Side Note: Now Tunisia is where George Lucas shoots for Tatooine, the desert planet in his Star Wars movies. I can picture him making this symbol after a good shot and seeing Tunisian extras running around the set for cover .)

So if you know of anymore actions that are normal in your country and taboo in another (or vice versa) than please share.

 

Just one popping up cause of my italian friend. Eating pasta with a knife is considered childish even rude in Italy. (like eating meat with your fingers.) Yes culture is wonderfull.

By the way BigB what do you study? except women... and SW..

Edit; ok I couldn't help it. There is a vast amount of info on the net but linking it would kill the conversation.. so I'll just post this one about differences in americans, Aussies, Canadians and Brits. The last phrase reminds me of Kit.. go look here: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Factory/2681/joke308.htm

[This message has been edited by ArchAngel (edited December 12, 2001).]

 

What about burping after a meal? Your a pig in the USA but compliments to the chef in Japan!

 

I think that tapping tour nose in the UK means it's a secret, but in... Greece? Cant't remember, it's a friendly warning.

Ara
(Scratching her nose... it itches... damn dry air...)

 

*BUUUURP*
I should move to Japan.

 

In Slavic countries the host will continously try to offer you food during a meal while in western Europe it is considered bad manners.

 

bad manners is reviving an old topic.

 

And since he isn't a cleric in the "more than alignment test" he shouldn't go around ressurrecting things, right?

Well it is alright to resurrect threads if there is something new and usefull to say. I am sure BTA will stop CL when there is a real reason to do so.

 

See goddy? Its only bad manners in other less cultured places. But at SP it's OK. LONG LIVE SP HURRRAH!!!

 

In China, it is polite to refuse gifts, whereas in the US, it is considered rude.

 

Very funny Nobleman

Um but do i really prattle on how some great Americans used to be Canadian??