Cultural experience

BRITISH

CULTURE:
Privacy is extremely important in the British society. The British are very reserved private people. They expect others to respect their privacy. They do not like being asked private questions even by their close friends
Friendship with the British takes longer time to build.
The style of dress depends on personal preferences. One may be surprised to find tutors wearing shorts or jeans at the university.
BRITISH

CULTURE:
The British are more contained in their body language while speaking.
The British are reserved and more distant than the other Europeans.
The British are generally not very open. The British maintains a few feet distance from the person they are speaking to.
BRITISH

CULTURE:
The commonest form of greeting is handshake.
The upper class society of British maintains class distinctions and traditions.
The British values punctuality. One has to be on time while meeting at a restaurant whereas one can be a bit late while attending a party at home.
BRITISH

CULTURE:
During a party, the table manners are Continental. The fork is held on the left hand and the knife on the right hand.
It is preferable to take a bottle of wine or flowers or a box of chocolates when invited to home. The gifts are opened when received.
The British rely on facts rather than emotions to make a decision.
BRITISH

CULTURE:
The British generally tend not to use superlative degrees while communicating.
The British generally ask their friends “Are you alright” meaning “Hello, how are you”. One has to always use polite words such as ‘thank you’, ‘excuse me’, ‘sorry’, etc
every time
The British strictly adhere to protocol.
BRITISH

CULTURE:
The British culture has a high context. One has to understand not only the words, but the expression, body language, tone and the context to interpret the meaning of the message.
Most British are fans of football – either Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United Club.
BRITISH

AMERICAN

CULTURE:
The Americans are friendly people and generally greet saying ‘Hello’ or ‘How are you’. If an American behave in a friendly manner, it does not mean that he/she has developed close relationship with you. Smiling is a goodwill gesture
The Americans tend to use superlative degrees in their communication since United States is the world for most Americans and they see United States as a large
country
AMERICAN

CULTURE:
It is generally easy for a foreigner to adjust to American society and its people.
Americans value privacy a lot. If an American says “ come over to home at any time”, it does not mean that you can visit to their home at any time. It is inappropriate to just show up at someone’s house. If an American invites a person home, they would call and specify the date and time.
AMERICAN

CULTURE:
The American way of life is fast. They always think about making money. They do not waste time on anything, including making food. The reason that America is the largest consumer of ‘fast food’
Most people dress casually. They do not wear gold ornaments. No one really cares about what others are wearing.
AMERICAN

CULTURE:
Relationships are sometimes confusing. People get married and divorced several times.
Most Americans are punctual or arrive well before time of an appointment.
At public places, it is important to open and show door for others to pass through. More important to do so for women.
AMERICAN

INDIAN

CULTURE:
The traditional Indian welcome is saying ‘Namaste’ with both palms folded together in front of the chest with fingers pointing upwards.
Indian culture forbids any form of personal contacts between man and woman. In cities, semi-urban and rural areas in the southern India, there are separate seats reserved for women in the buses and separate ladies compartment in l in trains.
INDIAN

CULTURE:
The Indian cuisine is spicy with full of herbs. Chillies, turmeric, garlic and pepper are an integral part of the Indian cuisine.
Majority of Indians living in cities, towns and rural areas are conservative in their outlook. Short revealing clothes, especially for women is a taboo.
One has to take off one’s shoes while visiting a home or temple in India.
INDIAN

CULTURE:
The elders are seen as the driving force and are respected. Due importance is given to the advice of the elders in the family. It is a custom to touch the feet of the elders in the family as a mark of respect
It is disrespectful to address the elders by their name. It is advisable to address the elders as ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ with respect. One could address the youngsters by their names.
INDIAN

CULTURE:
Majority of Indians live with their parents and children in joint families .
Praying to God is an important part of Indian life. The tulsi plant (Basil plant or Ocimum tenuiflorum) is considered to be holy by the Hindus and can be found in the most household. Pictures of Gods and Goddesses are found in almost every Indian household
Any form of kissing in the public place is not advisable.
INDIAN

RUSSIAN

CULTURE:
The Russian women have more responsibility towards the family and are breadwinners of the family. Most Russian families are small generally with one child in a family.
The Russians are patriotic and proud of their country.
Russians are fond of travelling to warm countries and travel whenever they get an opportunity.
RUSSIAN

CULTURE:
The Russians believe in networking with people and developing contacts so as to get things done.
Russians are communicative and transactional people. There is no need to develop long standing personal relationship in order to do business. Russian businessmen do not like to rush in order to do business.
It is polite for Russian men to help women wear their winter jacket.
RUSSIAN

CULTURE:
The Russian food is bland and without spices.
Most Russian people would like to learn English and study in European countries.
Friends and relatives are allowed to hug and kiss at the public places.
RUSSIAN