Culture Smart!
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Sri Lanka - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Emma Boyle
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, this resource-rich, lovely island just off the southern tip of India is full of contrast and diversity. Despite the lingering tension between the different religious and ethnic groups in the wake of a bloody civil war, and the glaring inequality between the wealthy elite and rural villagers, all Sri Lankans share a great respect for family, home, and friendship, and pride in their beautiful country. In return, politeness, respect, and a genuine attempt to understand their culture, and acceptance of their relaxed pace of life, are key to gaining their acceptance. Whether visiting for business or for pleasure, Culture Smart! Sri Lanka is the ideal travel companion. By offering insights into Sri Lankan daily life, at home and in the workplace, and describing what Sri Lankans enjoy and how they interact socially, this volume will greatly enrich any experience among this resilient, welcoming people.
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Colombia - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Kate Cathey
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Colombia has a spectacular and variant landscape, embracing tropical beaches, highland plateaus, the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, arid deserts, and dense Amazonian jungle. Colombian society is equally diverse. Stylish, cosmopolitan cities coexist with poverty in the beautiful countryside. As a result of the 16th-century Spanish conquest, modern Colombia's multiethnic society is a synthesis of Spanish, indigenous, and African traditions-evident in the music, in the food, and in Barranquilla's famous Carnival. The Colombian people are emerging from decades of crushing civil war and lawlessness with their spirits unbroken. Animated, lighthearted, and ever ready to enjoy the moment, they are looking to the future with hope and are eager to share their rich and beautiful country with the outside world. This pocket-sized book reveals Colombia's key customs and traditions, examines life at home and at work, and introduces some distinct and delicious culinary quirks. There is also advice on safe travel, vital information on how business is done, and how to communicate effectively across the cultural divide.
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Denmark - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Mark Salmon
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Mention Denmark and some people will think of marauding Vikings with horned helmets or one of Denmark's more famous exports-Carlsberg beer-or the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. But of the Danes themselves they may know very little. The Danes tend to be more relaxed and less formal than their fellow Scandinavians-and more independently minded. In fact, Denmark used to be referred to by its puritanical northern neighbors as "the loose woman to the south." This book gives an insider's perspective on Danish home, work, and social life, and on the Jantelov-the principles underpinning the traditional Scandinavian virtues of modesty, equality, and social cohesion, but which also warn against the dangers of individualism. This book offers many practical tips on travelers should conduct themselves in Denmark and what to expect in social situations. Readers will discover that, beneath their quiet northern reserve, the Danish people are friendly, fair-minded, civilized, and warm.
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Philippines - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Various Authors
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
The Philippines may appear to be one of the most Westernized countries in Asia. However, the realities of Filipino life are complex; the faÇade of the English language does not run deep.
Culture Smart! Philippines gives you the inside story of this unique and attractive country and unpacks the daily lives of its inhabitants. An explanation of the values, attitudes, and customs of the Filipinos today opens the way to a more meaningful experience, while an abundance of practical information on socializing, working, shopping, and communicating will help to make it a more enjoyable experience, too.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
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New Zealand - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Lyn McNamee
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
New Zealand, or Aotearoa (the "Land of the Long, White Cloud") as it is known by the Maori population, is a land of myth and reality, contrast and contradiction, rolling hills and glacial mountains, native bush and gentle farmland. Its people are friendly and welcoming and will often go the extra mile to help you without expecting anything in return.
Maori heritage and culture are an integral part of Aotearoa today, and wherever you go, its influence is palpable. As a nation of immigrants, New Zealanders are used to newcomers, yet those who take the time to learn about the country's traditions and the values that people hold dear will be rewarded with a more meaningful and enriching experience of this beautiful land.
Culture smart! New Zealand helps you get to the heart of this diverse and multicultural nation. It examines the impact of history, religion, and politics, while tips and vital insights into Kiwi attitudes, customs, and social life will help deepen your experience of this country and its fair-minded people.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
(1)
Finland - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Various Authors
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. They are survivors: if you were stranded on a desert island, your ideal companion would be a Finn. Before you knew it, the sauna would be ready, fishhooks positioned, a fire burning, and any edible berries picked and prepared for eating. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor. Their music is often in the minor key, but they love to dance, sing, and perform. They cherish their traditions, from name days to near-pagan rituals, yet they are great innovators.
Culture Smart! Finland describes the historical, geographical, and cultural influences that have shaped the Finnish psyche, and guides you through the working and social lives of the Finns today, offering you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
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Mauritius
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Tom Cleary
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Mauritius is a conundrum. A small, exotic, multiethnic island nation in the Indian Ocean, to some it is a multicultural "rainbow," a haven of peace, love, and understanding. Others see it as ethnically divided, cultivating only "sugarcane and prejudice." Opinions differ as to whether it is a Creole island, a Hindu-dominated Little India, or a neo-colonial outpost of the French-speaking world. Optimists see it as the biggest social and economic miracle of the post-colonial world, whereas pessimists believe it to be a social accident waiting to happen. For many visitors Mauritius appears to be a carefree tropical paradise, but its complexity will baffle any foreigner who dares to leave the comfort of the luxury beach resort. Daily life is far from idyllic for the majority of the population struggling to reconcile traditional culture and old ethno-religious antagonisms with the demands of the modern world. Mauritius is a very new nation, formed over the past three centuries. Although the South and East Asian influence is very strong, its most defining characteristic is its very multiculturalism. Its traditions reflect the diversity of the people, and Mauritian language, food, and religion form an intoxicating medley. Other customs have been created locally and are shared by all, such as the lively and popular musical tradition of sega. Modernization and global economics mean many younger Mauritians now share a common culture and outlook on life, where the sense of being Mauritian outweighs ancestral ties and divisive communalism. Culture Smart! Mauritius will help you make sense of the modern and the traditional, of shared and ancestral culture, and enable you to navigate your way through the contradictions at the heart of modern Mauritius. Show the expected courtesy and respect and you will meet many extraordinary, warm-hearted, patient, and friendly people who are keen to welcome outsiders from any part of the world.
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Nepal - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture
by Culture Smart!
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of contrasts and incongruities not least in the variety of its cultural, ethnic, and religious weave. The Nepalese attitude to life is essentially religious. Hindu and Buddhist values predominate and help to maintain social harmony despite the divisions between rich and poor, urban and rural, highlands and lowlands.
Culture Smart! Nepal sets out to explain the complexities of Nepalese life, from home to business, to the marketplace. It tells you what to expect, and provides insights that will help you to go beyond friendly smiles and turn your visit into an enlightening and rewarding experience.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
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Japan - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture
by Culture Smart!
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The exquisite art forms, elegant culture, military prowess, and technological precision of the Japanese have long been the envy of friend and foe alike. Even as Japan adapts to a rapidly changing world, its traditional culture and consensus-based philosophy have proved resilient. Culture Smart! Japan will broaden your perception and understanding of this complex, rich, and dynamic society.
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Poland - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Gregory Allen
Part of the Culture Smart! series
“Culture Smart!” guides provide travelers with vital information about the values and attitudes of the people they will meet, and practical advice on how to make the most of their time abroad. Travelers to Poland in particular, a country in transition from its Communist past, need to be open-minded and well-informed.
Today's Poland is very much a mix of the old and the new, and the two are not always in harmony. Background knowledge of the land, people, and history is crucial to understanding who the Poles are today: the Polish sense of identity has been forged by history, and the reader is introduced to the main events of Poland's turbulent past. A chapter on values and attitudes provides essential insights into this relationship-based society and will help visitors understand why things are done the way they are. Further chapters describe important festivals and rites of passage, as well as how Poles go about their daily social and work lives. Valuable advice is also offered on how to get along with them.
The Polish people are warm and generous and place great value on personal relationships. Show an interest in their history and an awareness of their culture, and your welcome will be warmer still.
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France
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Barry Tomalin
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The French are "different." You'll often hear this in conversations among the "Anglo-Saxons," as the French like to call English-speakers. "Different" means charming, challenging, questioning, stylish, and doing things in their own way and to their own advantage. So what qualities make them so distinctive? And how do you get through to them? By looking at the attitudes and values of the French, and explaining how French life and business works, Culture Smart! France shows you how to fit in as a foreigner.
It gives practical advice on how to avoid faux pas and how to behave in different contexts. It takes you through French history, festivals, and traditions, and describes the French at home, on the road, in the restaurant, and at work.
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Thailand
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by J. Rotheray
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights, get to know the people.
Never conquered by foreigners, this proud and ancient land has been, shaped by Buddhism, the monarchy, and the military. Today it is a manufacturing powerhouse and a tourist paradise that welcomes more than 30-million visitors a year. Yet, despite the veneer of Western modernity, the country and its people remain an enigma for many visitors.
Culture Smart! Thailand describes how the Thai people view the world and themselves. It examines the impact of religious beliefs and history on their lives, as well as recent social and political developments. With a wealth of tips on communicating, on socializing, and on navigating the unfamiliar situations that you are likely to encounter, this guide will help you to get the very best out of your time in the Land of Smiles.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better, understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
(3)
Hong Kong
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Vickie Chan
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Visitors marvel at Hong Kong's breathtaking location, its amazing architecture, its exciting shopping, and its fine dining. And yet it is a land of opposites-of order juxtaposed with chaos, of ancient etiquette and seemingly abrupt manners, a place where rich and poor live in close proximity. Culturally, Hong Kong is rooted in the traditions of China, but there is more than a patina of Westernization. And despite stiff competition, it remains the principal international financial center in China. Hong Kong has more holidays than anywhere in the world, and most are celebrated in the streets or parks. Culture Smart! Hong Kong introduces the reader to this vibrant, multifaceted society. It provides helpful advice and cultural insights on business practice and social etiquette.
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Russia - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture
by Culture Smart!
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
Discovering the Russian soul is like opening a matryoshka, a Russian doll, revealing the many layers. The Russian orthodox religion is unique; Russian history is tragic; and the people are unpredictable. Russia s military and political power, as well as the rich contribution of its art and culture, is the result of an inner dynamic not always understood by outsiders.
Culture Smart! Russia sets out to help you to become a more perceptive traveler, and to make your trip more personally fulfilling. It explores the connections between Russia s turbulent past and its paradoxical present; it describes present-day values and attitudes, and offers practical advice on what to expect and how to behave in different social circumstances.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
(4)
Ghana
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Ian Utley
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Ghana is among the friendliest and safest countries in Africa. Visitors are warmly welcomed but are expected to be sympathetic to local customs and beliefs, and to follow certain codes of conduct. Culture Smart! Ghana describes the complexities and nuances of Ghanaian society with clarity and humor, and offers the reader an opportunity to get to know Ghanaians on their own terms, and to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
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Armenia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Susan Solomon
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken.
Ebook
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Cambodia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Kate Reavill
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
Say "Cambodia," and two associations often come to mind: the lost glories of Angkor, and the horrors of the Khmer Rouge. Any understanding of Cambodia today, however, must embrace these opposites, as well as the changing attitudes within the country caused by something of a demographic revolution-today, close to seventy percent of Cambodians are under thirty.
In the past, Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire. For six hundred years it ruled much of what is now Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand from its capital at Angkor. The ruins of the Khmer palaces, temples, and cities testify to its power, wealth, high culture, and engineering prowess, while their subsequent abandonment and long obscurity provide a sobering example of civilization's fragility. Today, Cambodia is negotiating its rich and complex past with the challenges of modernity in a globalized world.
Culture Smart! Cambodia is for all those who want to do more than just scratch the surface of this fascinating country. Thoroughly updated, this new edition will enrich your understanding of the land and its people. It explains the key values, attitudes, customs, and traditions that you need to be aware of and provides practical tips and vital information on how to make the most of your time in Cambodia.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
(1)
Guatemala - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide To Customs & Culture
by Russell Maddicks
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The largest and most populous Central American country, Guatemala is a land of contrasts and contradictions. It offers great physical beauty alongside ancient Mayan ruins and a conglomeration of diverse peoples and cultures. It is also unique in Central America in that more than half its population is of Mayan Indian origin. Today the country reflects a combination of ancient Mayan heritage, Spanish colonialism, and modern Western influences, mainly from the United States.Culture Smart! Guatemala introduces you to the complexities of Guatemalan society and shows how history has shaped the values and attitudes you will encounter. It describes different aspects of Guatemalan life, from festivals and cuisine to socializing and doing business. This new and updated edition provides key insights into the minds and hearts of Guatemalans today and offers practical advice on how to make the most of your time while being a savvy and considerate guest.
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Ukraine
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Anna Shevchenko
Part of the Culture Smart! series
This revised and updated edition of Culture Smart! Ukraine reveals a country in the throes of change. The euphoria of the famous Orange Revolution has vanished. The momentum for reform has been checked and the forces of authoritarianism have returned. Even so, modernization continues apace and people are eager to be seen as European. The recent political instability highlights the contradictions of Ukrainian society. Ukrainians are proud of their roots, and reticent about the traumas of their past; the country participates in international space programs and produces the world's largest aircraft, but still lives in a world of superstitions. The Ukrainian way of life is intertwined with ancient customs, the old Soviet legacy, and the search for a new European identity. What strikes visitors to this fascinating and important country is the heady mix of ancient history and youthful energy, the resilience of the people, and their generosity of spirit. For the twentieth anniversary of its independence, Ukraine received quite a present-hosting the key matches of Euro 2012. Now it has a game of its own: to show the world that it is a serious player. This new edition of Culture Smart! Ukraine will enable you to visit the country with open eyes. It describes the history that has shaped the Ukrainian psyche, explains present-day values and attitudes, and offers practical advice on what to expect and how to behave. It aims to make you feel at ease, whether you are shopping in a market, dining out, or attending a business meeting.
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Peru
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by John Forrest
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Peru's distinctive Spanish and indigenous cultures that first encountered each other five hundred years ago have progressively integrated. However, the ongoing process of mixing raises questions about the nature of Peruvian identity, and Peruvian society remains economically and culturally divided. Culture Smart! Peru introduces you to the changing realities of modern Peru. It describes contemporary values and attitudes, key customs and traditions, and reveals what people are like at home, in business, and in their social lives. Peruvians are outgoing, sociable, and laid-back; get to know them, and they will respond with warmth and generosity.
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Oman - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Nicole Brewer
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The Sultanate of Oman, long regarded as one of the more mysterious countries of the Arabian Peninsula, is finally getting more of the attention it so deserves. An ancient land with a rich history and dramatic landscapes, Oman was largely cut off from the modern world until the accession to the throne of Sultan Qaboos in 1970. Since then, this peaceful country has developed slowly but deliberately, placing a strong emphasis on retaining its cultural heritage while moving into the hi-tech era.
“Culture Smart! Oman” opens the door to this fascinating and complex country, where traditional values coexist cheerfully with all the trappings of modern life. Here, the gentle pace of life contrasts greatly with life in the West and those that take the time to get to know the people of this land, their values, and their way of life, will find that they are greatly enriched.
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Bhutan
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Karma Choden
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Often called the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan was secluded for much of its history, its towering mountains and lush green valley’s virtually unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values, customs, and age-old traditions. It highlights changes in people's attitudes and behavior as the country modernizes, and provides practical guidance on how to get to know the Bhutanese on their own terms, paving the way for a more meaningful experience of this fascinating and beautiful country.
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Mongolia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Alan Sanders
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Mongolia is landlocked between its neighbors China and Russia in the heart of Asia. For centuries after the disintegration of Genghis Khan's empire it was ruled by one or the other, but in 1990 the Mongols embraced democracy. Now, after two centuries of Manchu stagnation and seventy years of Soviet communism, they are rebuilding their national heritage. Rarely in the news but making progress toward a market economy, this resource-rich but infrastructure-poor country is a land of pioneers, and its greatest asset is the Mongol people, who are friendly, cooperative, ambitious, and well educated. English is now the first foreign language and the country's leaders are forging new partnerships with international investors. Travelers from across the world are drawn to the "land of blue sky" by its picturesque mountains and lakes, flower-carpeted steppes and stony deserts, home to the snow leopard, the wild horse and camel, and the Gobi bear. The broad pasturelands, with herds of grazing livestock, and the traditional lifestyle of the nomads contrast with the busy streets of the capital Ulan Bator, a bustling metropolis of over one million people, modern hotels, apartments, and shops, interspersed with Buddhist monasteries and temples, surrounded by crowded suburbs of traditional felt tents. Mongolia's many attractions range from dinosaur skeletons and the remains of ancient civilizations to relics and reenactments of the Genghis Khan era, and the traditional sports of wrestling, archery, and horse-racing. Culture Smart! Mongolia provides rare insights into contemporary Mongolian society, and offers practical tips on what to expect and how to conduct yourself in order to get the most out of your visit. Despite the undeniable challenges posed by modernity, these warm, tough, adaptable, and hospitable people welcome visitors and are open to the world.
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Brazil - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Sandra Branco
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.
For many people Brazil conjures up images of football, Carnaval, and fine coffee, but it's much more than beaches and bossa nova. If we could choose only one word to describe Brazil, it would be diversity. The variety of lifestyles, ethnic groups, landscapes, and climates is simply enormous.
Jeitinho is how Brazilians deal creatively with life's everyday complications. Literally translated as a "little way," in practice it means that regardless of the rules or systems in place, where there is a will there is also usually a solution to be found. The jeitinho is so ingrained in daily life that you can see examples everywhere; managing to get a seat when all the places are booked up, traveling with more luggage than is allowed, or successfully ordering something that isn't even on the menu.
Culture Smart! Brazil is your guide to understanding the Brazilian people, their values, and the complexities of their national identity. Familiarize yourself with their traditions, culture, and way of life and your experience in this beautiful and life-affirming country will be greatly enriched.
Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
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Venezuela
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Russell Maddicks
Part of the Culture Smart! series
An influential oil producer with a colorful and charismatic president at its helm since 1999, Venezuela is a vast, sometimes frustrating, but never dull country. It is one of the most complex countries in Latin America and one of the least understood. An ambitious attempt to benefit the poor and redistribute oil wealth by President Hugo Chavez has seen a major political transformation in recent years that has put a severe strain on its traditional ties with the USA. He has made steadfast attempts to confront his powerful northern neighbor and reduce Venezuela's economic dependence on the United States. However, Miami remains the top holiday destination for Venezuelans traveling abroad, baseball beats soccer as the preferred sport, and teenage girls still cover their bedroom walls with American idols like Justin Bieber. Venezuelans are known for being friendly, gregarious, and outgoing. They value family over everything and love to criticize the status quo, but they are also fiercely proud and protective of their homeland and react poorly to criticism of their country from outsiders. Culture Smart! Venezuela takes you beyond the stereotypical descriptions of a tropical petro-state, famous for its beauty queens and its populist president, to provide you with an insider's understanding of the country and its people. Practical tips, valuable insights, and vital statistics will help you get to the heart of this vibrant, sometimes contradictory, and increasingly important country.
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Bolivia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Keith Richards
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * dos, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken.
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Australia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Barry Penney
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Australia is different - a vast island-continent with distances so great that the capital of Western Australia is closer to Singapore than it is to Sydney. The landscape embraces magnificent tropical rainforests and deserts the size of several European states; temperate areas that sustain a flourishing wine industry, making Australia the world's fourth largest wine exporter; a sixteen-thousand-mile coastline of breathtaking beaches; and its unique fauna is testament to the country's 'down-underness.' Indigenous Australians have inhabited the continent for more than fifty thousand years, yet European settlement is just over two hundred years old. Since the end of the Second World War, the country has opened its doors to a hugely diverse immigrant population and slowly shaken off the mantle of British influence, transforming what was perhaps one of the dullest nations into one of the most stimulating. The Australians' old settler mentality - regarding themselves as 'battlers,' and embarrassed by their lack of sophistication - has given way to a new national confidence. The achievements of Australia's artists, sportspeople, entertainers, scientists, and businesspeople put them on the global stage. Despite the diversity of ethnicities there is a pervasive homogeneity among Australians: a generosity of spirit and a forthrightness, sometimes disarming for the visitor. A sense of fairness and equality is valued, as is the ability not to take oneself too seriously. Culture Smart! Australia introduces you to a young nation with one of the world's highest standards of living, 'where people work to live' in order to enjoy a lifestyle that many across the globe covet, and in which Australians take great pride (and don't mind telling you about).
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Syria
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Sarah Standish
Part of the Culture Smart! series
After years of diplomatic isolation, Syria is emerging from the cold. Its government is a key Middle Eastern player, and will be a major element of any possible comprehensive Middle Eastern peace deal. To visit Syria is to become acquainted with one of the most rewarding destinations in the Middle East. Its historic attractions are stunning, and the Syrians are proud and gracious hosts; you can expect to be treated like a person and not just a tourist. Of course, there are always thorns with the roses: Syria's economy is inefficient, and its youth are frustrated; the strong-man political system that has held the country together does not encourage public intellectual life, but nor does it prevent young Syrians from debating with passion in private. The Syrian sense of tradition has preserved some of the bad along with the good, and society remains highly patriarchal. Despite such drawbacks, this is a country that's rich not only in resources, but also, and especially, in its people. American author Sarah Standish looks at Syria's long history and its present-day political realities. She describes the many subgroups that make up the population as well as what unites all Syrians. She offers practical tips for traveling and on what to expect when conducting business. You'll learn how people communicate with each other, and how you can communicate with them. The Syrians will never stop surprising you: get to know a few, and they will turn the stereotypes inside out several times over.
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Saudi Arabia - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Cheryl Obal
Part of the Culture Smart! series
From a distance, Saudi Arabia may seem a subdued, or even dull place; but for those who take a closer look it emerges as a fascinating country, not necessarily because of its political and economic importance, but because of its people. Reticent perhaps but, on closer acquaintance, charming and warm, the Saudis form a far less monolithic society than one might expect.
Divided by region, creed, and background but united in Islam, insular yet forever traveling abroad, and living with a foreign contingent that makes up nearly one-third of the population: the list goes on. So, what do Saudis have in common beyond their national dress?
“Culture Smart! Saudi Arabia” will help you navigate the swirling waters of this important and fast-changing country. Social, cultural, and business life is demystified in concise chapters, while sections on the values, traditions, and attitudes that prevail will help you find your way through the new and unexpected situations that you are likely to encounter.
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Bulgaria
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Juliana Tzvetkova
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights, get to know the people.
Bulgaria, situated in southeastern Europe on the Black Sea, is one of Europe's best-hidden secrets. A haven for nature and history buffs, this youngest member of the European Union has been riding a rollercoaster of radical transformation since emerging from the Eastern Bloc three decades ago, changing dramatically in many ways and yet preserving its own particular charm and slow-paced way of life.
Invasions and waves of migration, dating back to neolithic and classical times, have contributed to a unique cultural mosaic. The seventh-century Bulgarian empire dominated the Balkans and was a powerhouse of Slavonic culture. Later, Ottoman conquest and Soviet influence left their mark on the national psyche.
“Culture Smart! Bulgaria” provides a key to understanding the Bulgarian people. It outlines their long and complex history, shows you what everyday life is like there today, and offers advice on what to expect and how to navigate unfamiliar cultural terrain. This is a small country of proud and persevering people. Familiarize yourself with their traditions and way of life, and the warmth and hospitality you are shown in return will conquer your heart and bring you back time and again.
Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
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Singapore
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Angela Milligan
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Culture Smart! Singapore will introduce you to the rich and varied customs of this densely populated island-state. It describes its private, social, and business life, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. In doing so it offers you a fuller, more rounded experience of this fascinating, conservative, "can-do" society. Singapore is a land of immigrants. Although the Chinese are by far the largest ethnic group, it is more of a salad bowl than a melting pot, and has never had a dominant culture or a single language. It is, however, possible to recognize a common identity that has emerged since independence in 1965. With no natural resources, the newly independent state invested in education and trade, and today this clean, sleek, air-conditioned nation is a global financial center that makes much of the West seem third-rate. Singaporeans are hardworking, goal-focused individuals who are both enterprising and modern. They love noise, color, and shopping, and are proud of being high-maintenance and competitive. Yet behind this consumerist fade is a deep respect for family and hierarchy, political passivity, and a fear of losing face. They often use two Hokkien words to describe themselves: kiasu and kiasi, that is, a fear of missing out and a tendency to be risk-averse. Culture Smart! Singapore describes how locals interact with each other and with outsiders, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. For foreigners the culture shock can be subtle. Despite its Western veneer this is definitely an Asian city, and it is easy to make mistakes. Any open expression of anger is frowned upon, and while questions about politics will be met with silence, expect to be asked everything, including your salary.
Ebook
(1)
Vietnam
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Geoffrey Murray
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Vietnam is one of the most fascinating destinations in Southeast Asia. Having emerged from two decades of war, it is has undergone a period of rapid and far-reaching change, and its people have their eyes fixed firmly on the horizon. Culture Smart! Vietnam is for those who want to learn about the traditional values, sensibility, and modern life of the Vietnamese. It explains deep-seated attitudes and describes some of the social, economic, and cultural changes now under way.
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Trinidad & Tobago
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Tim Ewbank
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The twin Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago could hardly be more different. Trinidad is vibrant, cosmopolitan, culturally diverse, and multiethnic, with a population descended from East Indian, African, Spanish, French, Dutch, American, Chinese, Syrian, and English forebears. This potent mix finds full expression in unbridled revelry each February with the celebration of Carnival-a dazzling, open-to-all-comers, mass participation street extravaganza of steel bands, calypso, dance, and the magnificent costumed bands "playing mas" (short for masquerade). Tobago, by contrast, is much quieter, predominantly rural, and a tranquil tropical idyll. Both islands have a history of slavery and indentured labor that, even today, engenders a determination in the people to live life as they choose rather than to order. "Trinis" are by nature friendly, outgoing, and hospitable. They are slow to anger and quick to walk away from confrontation. They have an infectious joie de vivre and a laid-back attitude to time-which foreigners can sometimes find frustrating. Culture Smart! Trinidad and Tobago explores the codes and paradoxes of Trinbagonian life, describing the many and varied traditions, customs, and cultures of its diverse society. It outlines the contrasting histories of the two islands, and opens a window into people's private lives, showing how they interact socially, and their attitudes to people who are "from foreign." It offers practical advice from business tips to how to play mas at Carnival. It aims to make that first trip to the two islands as rewarding as possible by taking you beyond the stereotypes to the real people.
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Cuba
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Russell Maddicks
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Cuba is a land of contradictions that is easy to enjoy but difficult for first-time visitors to decipher. The largest island in the Caribbean, it is a tropical paradise that Christopher Columbus called "the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen." It is famous for the romantic charm of its crumbling colonial cities, the beauty of its white sand beaches, and its irresistible Afro-Cuban dance beats. But it is also a land of shortages and tight government control, which has been in a sixty-year political standoff with its superpower neighbor, the USA. The homegrown version of single-party socialism created by Fidel Castro has kept Cuba in a Cold War time warp that only now is beginning to change. As travel restrictions are relaxed US tourists can once again visit the island. Greater flexibility toward private enterprise is opening it up to boutique hotels and high-quality home-based restaurants. There is a boom in special-interest tourism for cyclists, hikers, birdwatchers, and scuba divers, while foreign entrepreneurs are eagerly exploring investment opportunities. Culture Smart! Cuba will take you beyond the usual descriptions of Havana nightlife, vintage cars, and hand-rolled cigars and give you an insider's view of an island that is teetering on the brink of historic change. It offers insights into Cuba's fascinating history, national icons, unique food, vibrant cultural scene, and world-renowned music. Practical tips help business travelers gain an edge on the competition. But most of all, this book aims to show you how best to break the ice and get a better understanding of the infinitely resourceful Cuban people, who despite severe hardships and shortages over many years remain optimistic and fiercely proud of their heritage and culture.
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Finland
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Elena Barrett
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. They are survivors; if you were stranded on a desert island, your ideal companion would be a Finn. Before you knew it, the sauna would be ready, the fishhooks positioned, a fire burning, and any edible berries picked and prepared for eating. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor. Their music is often in the minor key, but they love to dance, sing, and perform. They cherish their traditions, from name days to near-pagan rituals, yet they are great innovators. Culture Smart! Finland offers you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.
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Pakistan
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Safia Haleem
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Pakistan is a land with a unique history, formed by migrating peoples who have left their footprint in its diverse cultures, languages, literature, food, dress, and folklore. The country is besieged by bad news, but despite the political turmoil, the everyday life of its people is more stable, rich, and rewarding than the media headlines would lead you to believe. A myriad local festivals and celebrations and a vibrant cultural life go unremarked. Pakistan has the eighth-largest standing army in the world and is the only Muslim-majority nation to possess nuclear weapons, but few know that it is also the home of two unique schools of art. This complex nation consists of various ethnic groups, each with its own individual cultures and subcultures, but which are unified by the common values of hospitality, honor, and respect for elders. Pakistani society has extremes of wealth and poverty, and daily life for most people is full of difficulties, yet everyone knows how to cope with crises. Creative and adaptable, Pakistanis are among the most self-reliant people in the world, bouncing back after major catastrophes. Culture Smart! Pakistan takes you behind the headlines and introduces you to many of the country's little-known traditions. It describes the vitally important cultural and historical background, shows you how modern Pakistanis live today, and offers crucial advice on what to expect and how to behave in different circumstances. This is an extraordinary country of enterprising, tough, and passionate people. Earn their trust and you will be rewarded many times over.
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Britain - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Sarah Riches
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.
Britain is emerging from a decade of historic change. A Scottish bid for independence saw the relationship of the four nations evolve, and the passing of the world's longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, marked the end of an era. Today, as the post-Brexit, post-Covid dust settles, the country is having to redefine itself in a multipolar world.
The challenges are many, yet so are the attributes that have enabled the peoples of these islands to find success over adversity time and again: an even-tempered reserve, tolerance, a love of fair play, a certain bloody-mindedness, and a sense of humor that turns misfortune to mirth. British pragmatism and ingenuity have ensured that, despite the setbacks, the country's economy remains the sixth largest in the world.
This new and updated edition of Culture Smart! Britain unpacks all this and more. Penetrate the polite veneer of the people, learn about their customs and traditions, become acquainted with their values and attitudes, and your experience of this green and pleasant land will be greatly enriched.
Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
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(2)
Argentina - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Mary Godward
Part of the Culture Smart! series
The second-largest country in South America, Argentina has been through great changes in recent years. Its journey from dictatorship to democracy has left many scars, but these are largely eclipsed by the pride and resilience of the Argentinian people, who have developed a style, a language, and a joie de vivre that are all their own. Embracing much more than gaucho, tango, and soccer, Argentina is very unlike its neighbors. And, due to the unique way in which it evolved, is quite different from the expectations many visitors have of a stereotypical Latin American destination.
This new, updated edition of “Culture Smart! Argentina” looks at the attitudes and values of the people and how they' ve adapted to the challenges and events of the last decade. It introduces you to their customs, traditions, fiestas, lifestyle, and cuisine, and provides you with the essential tools to make the most of your time here.
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Belgium
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Bernadett Varga
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights, get to know the people.
Belgium has somehow acquired the reputation of being Europe's most boring country-a reputation that is entirely undeserved. But perhaps this bland image is a smokescreen, the conventional exterior hiding a subversive sense of humor, a surreal imagination, and a deep-rooted disdain for authority. Or perhaps it is a camouflage, a way in which Belgium, still overrun-however peacefully-by foreigners, can keep a few of its secrets to itself.
Two main factors seem to determine the values Belgians hold and the ways they approach life: the effects of the linguistic divide, and the country's long history of exposure to other cultures through trade, war, and occupation-its experience of being simultaneously very small and very strategically placed.
“Culture Smart! Belgium” will help you navigate these swirling waters. It is for anyone who wants to understand Belgian society and encounter it with sensitivity and poise. We trace the land's turbulent history and look at how the past has shaped the collective and personal values of today's Belgians. We look at the Belgian people at work, at play, and at home, and offer tips to help you get along with the people you will meet, on both sides of the divide, and navigate the new situations that you are likely to encounter.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
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(3)
Bangladesh
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Urmi Rahman
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Standing astride two continents and stretching from Europe to the Middle East, Turkey is both feared by the West and wooed by it. Travelers have always been drawn to its glorious cultural heritage and heroic landscapes, and today, thanks to its burgeoning economy, growing geo-political importance, and young population, it is attracting more foreign visitors than ever. This new, updated edition of Culture Smart! Turkey reveals a nation in transition. Over the last two decades, living conditions have improved greatly and Turkey is now classified as a developed country with an emerging market economy. Viewed by many as a model for outward-looking Islam, it is a country with laws to protect against religious paternalism, where restaurants are open during the fast of Ramadan, and where headscarves or no scarves can be worn in universities, schools, and public offices. Turkey continues to seek EU membership, but the road to accession has been full of twists and turns and the outcome is uncertain. The country is rapidly modernizing. The cities are being transformed with skyscrapers and gated communities. Politically, Turkey has changed dramatically over the past decade and today society is polarized between secularists and traditionalists. While Turkey is in many ways Western and modern, Islamic tendencies are strong. The situation can vary widely between, and even within, different parts of society, and, across the board, there are still forms of behavior that are taboo. One thing is certain. Turkey's culture and social life are changing. Culture Smart! Turkey is an invaluable guide to the intricate ins and outs of a rich and complex society. Whether you are planning a vacation or traveling on business, it is vital to be aware of appropriate behavior in different situations, and if you show a genuine interest in their culture and respect for their values, you will win the lasting friendship of your hosts.
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Mexico - Culture Smart!
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Russell Maddicks
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.
The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world.
This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today.
“Culture Smart! Mexico” takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There's advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely, communicating, and provides you with the tools you need to make the most of your time in Mexico.
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Libya
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Roger Jones
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken.
Ebook
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Korea
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by James Hoare
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Divided along the 38th parallel, modern Korea is the subject of two very different political, social, and economic experiments. Today the military might of the Marxist-Leninist North confronts the soft power and prosperity of the uber-capitalist South, yet family and cultural ties bind the peoples of both Koreas, and reunification remains a cherished goal.
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India
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Becky Stephen
Part of the Culture Smart! series
India's huge population of 1.2 billion is as varied and colorful as the spice markets of Old Delhi. Each region, caste, and community has its own culture, reflecting unique histories shaped by conquest, creativity, and religion. Steeped in ancient traditions, exceptionally fatalistic, and intensely passionate about their culture, Indians are also ingenious, creative world leaders in cutting-edge science and technology. Show interest in their country and it will be reciprocated with genuine warmth and friendship. Culture Smart! India will make you aware of essential values and behavioral norms, as well as show you how to navigate often profound cultural differences and build relationships.
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Turkey
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Charlotte McPherson
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people.
At first glance, Turkey may seem Westernized and entirely "modern"-but appearances can be misleading. It is above all a land of contrasts, a heady mixture of Oriental etiquette and ultramodern city life, deep-rooted religious faith and determined secularism, a fierce sense of national pride and openness to foreign ideas. The Turkish people are very much their own center of gravity, and for the unwary visitor there are pitfalls to avoid as well as great riches to be found.
Culture Smart! Turkey is an invaluable guide to the intricate ins and outs of this culturally rich and complex society. This updated edition outlines the complex history of Anatolia, provides key insights into contemporary Turkish values and attitudes, describes important customs and traditions, and reveals what life is like for the Turks at home, at work, and at play. It also offers practical tips and information about what to expect and how to navigate different social situations.
In this unique mix of Islamic and European cultures, the Turks are extremely hospitable. If you show an interest in their culture and respect for their point of view, they will repay your effort many times over.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Ebook
(2)
Germany
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Barry Tomalin
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Germany-powerhouse of Europe and pillar of the Eurozone-feels reassuringly familiar. However, despite superficial appearances, this is a country that operates very differently from the USA and Britain. German history is more than a thousand years old and the relatively new German nation-state encompasses an astonishing variety of cultural and regional differences. German society is also in a state of flux, as people respond to immigration and a tough economic climate. Traditional attitudes such as formality and rigid protocol are softening as German business globalizes. Culture Smart! Germany aims to show you how to be a good and sensitive guest. It tells you what treatment to expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to build rapport and credibility with this culturally rich and inventive people in the heart of Europe.
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Ethiopia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Sarah Howard
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Set in Africa, but not wholly African, Ethiopia exists simultaneously in different time periods. Culture Smart! Ethiopia unpacks the values, attitudes, and traditions of this culturally rich nation. Etiquette in daily life, socializing, and communicating are all helpfully described, and advice is given to on how make the most of a visit. Above all, it provides the tools to do so in a considerate and sensitive manner.
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Namibia
The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Sharri Whiting
Part of the Culture Smart! series
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken.