Patricia Ann D. Ambata Dr.

Liza Costa

BSE ENGLISH 4-2 Social Dimension

Customs and traditions of different countries:

 In Canada, failing to hold a door open for another person is seen as very

impolite, especially when doing so would require no special effort.

 .In Quebec only, for both sexes, shaking hands with a woman in a casual context

introduces distance. Embracing (holding each other loosely in the arms while

lightly kissing each other's cheeks, once for each side) is usually expected.

 In Canada, when visiting someone's home, the serving of coffee at the end of an

evening is a signal that it is time for visitors to prepare to leave.

 The common American custom of responding to a thank-you with "uh-huh" is

very disconcerting for Canadians

 In America, in an initial introduction, it is considered awkward to ask someone if

they are married or have a boyfriend or girlfriend.

 It is considered impolite to ask a woman how old she is or inquire about her

weight.

 In America, it is considered a rude violation of personal space to stand within an

arm's length of another person, unless you are very close friends.

 In America, sexual topics are considered off limits except to close friends.

Americans have a cultural history of conservative behavior, and jokes about

these subjects are uncomfortable and rude.

 In Ghana, asking a person to a social event (e.g. a bar or restaurant) implies that

the person offering the invite will be paying for everything. Inviting a person out

and then expecting them to pay for their own drinks, etc is considered extremely

rude.

 In Iraq, the "Thumbs Up" gesture is considered an offensive insult.

 In some Arab cultures, it is considered disrespectful to not stand when speaking

to elders or when they enter a room. Similarly it is expected that elders will be the

first to be greeted and served in social gatherings.

 In some Middle Eastern countries it is considered rude for an individual to step

away when another individual is stepping closer.

 In most Arab countries, it is considered polite and a sign of friendship to hold

hands when walking.

 In Bangladesh, while it is acceptable for men to shake hands in greetings,

women are only permitted to nod.

 In Japan, gift giving is important to an occasion. Coming to a party empty handed

is considered rude.

 In different countries, same sex marriage s actually legal, but here in the

Philippines it is not.