Think
Spanish! Monthly Extras
Cultural
Tips - Spanish Speaking Countries
There
are an estimated 392 million Spanish heritage speakers in the
world. While the largest concentration is in Spain and
Latin America, Spanish is, of course, spoken in the United States,
although it is an official language in only one state (New Mexico).
Well over 20 million U.S. residents have Spanish as a
primary language, although most are bilingual. Miami
has the largest number of Spanish speakers in the western hemisphere
outside Latin America. Next on the list is Equatorial
Guinea, the one place in Africa where Spanish remains an official
language as a result of Spanish colonialism (the country was
formerly known as Spanish Guinea). Most people there speak indigenous
languages rather than Spanish, however. There's also Andorra,
a tiny country that borders Spain and France. Last
on the list of countries with a significant number of Spanish
speakers is the Philippines. Spanish was once an official language,
although today there are only a few thousand who use it as their
primary language. The national language, Filipino, has adopted
quite a few Spanish words into its vocabulary, and much of its
phonetics follow the Spanish pattern.
Although
Spanish is widely spoken throughout the world, the cultural
differences are varied. Enjoy learning more about the
differences in the short descriptions below!
Argentina
When negotiating with business associates in Argentina, remember
to be punctual for meetings, but expect most local businessmen
to arrive five to 10 minutes late. The most popular topic of
discussion is sports, particularly soccer. The national language
is Spanish, but English is spoken and widely understood. A few
words in Spanish is appreciated, but do not attempt it at a
business meeting unless you are fluent.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, scheduled events begin late since arriving on time
is not expected. Bolivians maintain little personal space and
tend to stand close during conversations. Bolivians often use
their hands and facial expressions to communicate. Eye contact
is considered essential and avoiding another's eyes show lack
of trust, suspicion, or shyness. In restaurants, the tip is
usually included but leaving a little extra (up to 5%) is considered
polite.
Chile
When meeting someone for the first time in Chile, a firm handshake
with direct eye contact is an appropriate greeting. However,
close friends and relatives greet each other with an "abrazo"(ah-brat-zo),
a combination hand shake and hug, often supplemented with a
kiss for women.
Costa
Rica
In Costa Rica, socializing is an important part of a business
relationship. While lunch is a time to discuss business, dinner
is usually reserved for entertaining guests.
Colombia
During conversations, Colombians tend to be expressive with
their hands and face. Good manners while eating is important
to Colombians. In a group, it is considered impolite to take
anything to eat without offering it to others first. Eating
on the streets is considered improper.
Dominican
Republic
To hail a taxi, one wags a finger or fingers (depending on the
number of passengers) in the directions one is going. At a restaurant,
one will clap to request the check. To Dominicans, privacy is
unimportant. Hosts offer visitors something to drink and invite
them to eat if mealtime is near. It is not considered impolite
to refuse such an offer.
Ecuador
When negotiating in Ecuador, professional courtesy is extremely
important. It is unwise to appear overly familiar with Ecuadorians.
A handshake is acceptable when meeting for the first time. Women
who are close friends may kiss each other in greeting, while
men will embrace. Many visitors have trouble breathing when
they first arrive in Ecuador due to the high altitude, therefore
it is advisable to relax on your first day and acclimate yourself.
El
Salvador
Summer clothing is suitable all year round because of the warm
climate. Business people often wear suits. A brief, firm handshake
is the usual formal greeting. It is considered impolite to point
directly at people. However, pointing to animals or objects
is acceptable. To hail a taxi, one points at an angle to the
street.
Guatemala
In Guatemala it is considered polite to speak softly, and the
use of titles is very important. Don't call out someone's name
in public. Instead, make a short hissing sound to get someone's
attention.
Honduras
In Honduras, individual needs are considered more important
than schedules, so being late for appointments or social events
is common. A handshake is an appropriate greeting for men and
urban women. Hand and body language are important forms of communication.
Visiting is common and often people visit unannounced. Hosts
almost always offer guests refreshments; refusing is considered
impolite.
Mexico
In Mexico, remember that the main meal of the day is served
between 1 and 4 p.m. If you are bringing flowers to your host,
avoid the color purple as it is commonly seen at funerals. When
making purchases, bargaining is natural and expected.
Nicaragua
Because of the warm climate, Nicaraguans offer guests a cool
drink. Refusing a drink is considered a discourtesy. Hosts expect
their guests to eat what is served. Guests are expected to praise
the quality of the meal. Baseball is the national sport.
Panama
Most citizens are well-informed on topics relating to national
and international political issues. Spanish is the official
language, but many speak English as well. Panamanians enjoy
visiting with others in their home. When invited to dinner,
the guest is not expected to bring a gift. Politeness is important
and chivalry is common. Eye contact is important during conversations.
Paraguay
Paraguayans enjoy visiting one another. Guests are not expected
to be punctual. It is common for guests to bring a gift of beer
or wine. Not finishing one's meal is considered impolite to
the host. In restaurants, service is included in the bill and
a tip is not expected. Paraguayans are soft-spoken people; they
do not shout to get another's attention. Soccer is a popular
spectator sport and volleyball is the most common participation
sport.
Peru
Peruvians are strong willed and nationalistic. Men and women
shake hands when meeting and parting. While punctuality is not
very important for Peruvians, international visitors are expected
to be on time. Guests are not expected to bring gifts however
dinner guest often bring fruit or wine for the host. It is polite
to show concern for the health of the host's family. The average
Peruvian workweek is 48 hours, one of the longest in the world.
Puerto Rico
Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico.
Dinner guests are not expected to bring a gift however a host
may appreciate a gift of flowers, fruit or candy. Baseball is
the most popular sport.
Spain
When dealing with business associates in Spain, try to make
business appointments between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Most business
people take care of appointments in the morning and do paperwork
in the afternoon. Remember that everything from businesses to
schools closes from 1 to 4 p.m. for the siesta. Never try to
discuss business at the first meeting. Spaniards regard the
impersonal efficiency often associated with Americans as very
unpleasant. They place great value on knowing people as individuals,
so be prepared to receive questions about your background, education
and interests.
Uruguay
When in Uruguay, it is customary to greet strangers when passing
on city streets. However, rural residents tend to be quite friendly
to strangers. When invited to an associate's home for dinner,
be sure to send chocolate or flowers beforehand, and avoid bringing
up the subject of politics with your host.
Venezuela
A firm handshake is a common greeting among acquaintances and
strangers. Venezuelans use their hands to communicate or emphasize
a point. It is polite to maintain eye contact throughout a conversation.
When a visitor arrives at a home or business, a small cup of
strong thick coffee is usually offered. Banking hours are usually
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Bottled water is safest
to drink.
More
sources about international culture
http://www.getcustoms.com/col/col_tip.htm
http://www.executiveplanet.com/
http://www.truesunshine.org/CulturalFilipinos.htm
http://www.barcelona-tips.com/
