MANNERS AROUND THE WORLD

Commisceo has this guide to dining, food and doing business with people you may encounter from different cultures, writes Yolisa Mkele

Brazilians

• Being late is not frowned upon. Try to get there not more than half an hour late though. • Brazilians dress with flair and judge others on their appearance.

• When giving gifts avoid handkerchiefs or things that are purple and black as these are associated with funerals.

• When invited to a Brazilian’s house bring a small gift or flowers.

Kenyans

• When greeting, it’s the norm to shake hands and then ask about the person’s health, family, business and general life. Skipping this bit is considered very poor manners. People are generally addressed by their academic, professional or honorific title.

• When invited to a Kenyan home, do not bring alcohol as a gift unless you know the host drinks. • Do not begin eating until the eldest male has been served and has started eating.

Nigerians

• Rushing greetings is considered very rude, so spend time inquiring about the other person’s general wellbeing. Wait to use a person’s first name until you’re invited to do so if they are not a close friend or a child.

• Gifts from a man to a woman should be said to come from a female relative of the man rather than the man himself.

• Gifts should be given with the right hand or both but never the left hand alone.

• Make a point of studying any business card you receive before lobbing it into your pocket.

Chinese

• Chinese non-verbal communication is important. Facial expression, tone of voice and posture all convey meaning and can be misconstrued if you are not paying attention. For example, frowning while someone is speaking can be interpreted as disagreement, so many Chinese people will maintain an impassive expression when speaking.

• Staring into the eyes is disrespectful.

• Do not gift scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as these signify a severing of the relationship. Also steer clear of clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals and flowers as these are associated with death. Pay attention to the number four, considered unlucky. Eight is a lucky number so feel free to bring gifts in eights. Do not wrap gifts in blue, white or black. • Being invited into a Chinese person’s home is a great honour. If you decline, explain why.

South Africans

• You’re surrounded by them. Just look around and find someone to ask.

For more in-depth reports, visit commisceo-global.com Students attend an etiquette class at Changping Vocational School on January 9, 2008 in Beijing, China. Picture: Andrew Wong & Keith Beaty /Getty Images