Good Manners Made in cooperation of students of the partner countries Every country has its own culture and if one is smart, one should study the etiquette of that country before visiting that country. One always wants to show that he is a good ambassador of his own country and one does not want to offend the people of the country one will visit. By knowing what some of the written and unwritten rules are, one can have a successful and enjoyable trip. GOOD MANNERS IN SPAININ POLAND IN GERMAN IN ENGLAND Click on the EU flag will return to this slide If you click on the flag of a given country, it will move you to the slidess As we all know, good manners go a long way, so if you're planning to live in Spain here is a guide to social do and don't. Spanish people can be quite formal until they are introduced. After that, the rules are relaxed. Once you are considered a friend, you will be treated in a warm and familiar way, and polite formulas will not be necessary. In business: Greetings in Sapin When someone introduces you to someone else in business, you should shake hands with the other person, whether that person is a man or woman. If the other person is a woman and offers you her cheek, then you can exchange two kisses, the first being on the womans right cheek followed by the other cheek. The kiss is not really a kiss, but is the touching of the cheeks, and the kiss is to the air. If it was really a kiss, everyone in Spain would have smudged lipstick on their cheeks and all the women would have smudged lips. Social meetings: For social meetings, you should shake hands with the other person. It is more common for a man to exchange kisses with women in social occasions than in business meetings. Males and females can hug women friends lightly. Woman and man Women should greet each other and men with a kiss on both cheeks. Men shake hands, and they hug close friends, loudly slapping each other on the back at the same time. Spaniards are generally very tactile people. They will often touch your arm to emphasise a point or a joke. Male Friendship Male friends can hug or embrace (the abrazo) each other or touch each others arms or kiss each other, depending on how good their friendship is. In Spain this is not a sign that one is a gay. ~REMEMBER~ Never touch, hug or back slap a Spaniard you do not know well, unless a friendly Spaniard touches you first. Saying goodbye we should do the same, what we do while greeting. Table Manners in Spain Keep your hands where I can see them In Spain, one never lets your hands drop under the table. Why? Well, rumor has it that your hands have a funny way of meandering to unforeseen locations when not exposed. Therefore, the Spaniards have adopted the habit of leaving their hands on the table in perfect view of their fellow dinenrs. Forks go left, knives go right For those of you who care, this is called continental style. Rather than doing a little two step with your fork and knife, common to the States, the continental style is the lazy mans way of keeping your tools in the same hand throughout your meal. Generally, I find the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right a very comfortable position until legumes make way to my plate. Additionally, stick to silverware. Using hands when eating, even if its fruit or a croissant is relatively uncommon. Bottle of wine Wine can be consumed at any meal, however, few people will order a glass outside of meal time. On the off meal hours, a coke, beer, juice or water are more typical orders, not to say that you cant break the norm and shake things up a bit. Coffee after dessert Coffee is traditionally served after your dessert. If others are having a dessert, and you are not, coffee will be served to you during their dessert. Please dont be surprised if a cigarette is lit up during this time as well. Depending on the restaurant, this may be forbidden, but then again, youre in Spain, where hard fast rules dont exist. Punctuality in Spain Cultivators of life and its pleasures Spaniards have a very relaxed attitude towards time and the associated punctuality. Lateness is not seen there as a sign of irresponsibility and lack of good manners, and a universally binding rule applicable to both the social life and professional life. Inviting guests in Spain Each nation also has its proper approach to hospitality. Invitation to the house is treated as a great honour, showing mutual familiarity and intimacy. Appearance is very important to the Spanish people. Even for casual occasions they like to dress elegantly. They are probably the most elegantly and most conservative in dress in Europe. Foreigners should know this, because many foreigners have a tendency to dress very casually in their own countries. Do not try to stand out by using flashy colours. You will get the wrong type of attention. Businessmen wear well made, conservative suits and ties, even during summer. The Spanish will recognize brand names. Women no longer are limited to dresses and skirts, because many now wear pants, which may be more practical. However, they try to show their feminine side, such as wearing a scarf. Good shoes are very important in Spain. The Spanish manufacture produces high quality leather shoes in the greatest variety of styles, so they are very conscious when looking at the shoes the other person is wearing. Shoes should ALWAYS be well cleaned. Clothes in Spain Shorts are not worn in public by men or women, unless one is at a beach resort, and it is during the day. Long pants are worn at night at beach resorts by men. A woman who wears shorts in public may be thought of as a person advertising her body. Men and women wear elegant accessories, such as good watches and jewellery. In Spain, it is important to project good taste in apparel. The Spanish spend much time on deciding what to buy and what to wear so that everything matches and is in good taste. One will find many women whose bag matches exactly her shoes. A good real leather handbag for a woman is a must in Spain. A foreign businessman who wears a cheap plastic watch may not have much luck in business in Spain. Spanish men have obsessions of buying good watches, and those who have money may own several. Good behaviour in Spain If you're going to the cinema / theatre by yourself or with a companion do not be late, because other people could interfere. Always the row should come forward to sitting. In the cinema / theatre do not litter, rustle papers, comment on the voice of a movie / show, and you should not leave before the end. Cinema, Theatre School Transportation In theory, at the Spanish school, there are basic principles of good behaviour, but in everyday life, they are not respected. Students should definitely listen to the teacher, aspects particularly to what he teaches. As in every school should not eat or drink anything during the lesson. You should be polite and calm. Do not scream at the driver. If you go by bus, give way to the elderly to sit. Behaviour in accordance to women in Spain The man should bow to a woman When a man enters the apartment or the office, he greets the first The first woman pulls out a hand to man, in this way she gives him a 'license' to hug or kiss on the hand. On the tram the man gets out first and helps a woman to get off. The man should pass the woman first at the door He should give her a coat To learn Polish culture you must really interact with it. And that means that you must meet the Polish people. The culture in Poland is unique and has a great historical base Greetings in Poland Poles like to greet each other. If pronouncing the word "czesc" (Hi!) is too difficult for the foreigner, one can use its English equivalent "Hello" and certainly be understood. When arriving at a meeting, Poles shake hands. When the company is larger it is fitting to shake hands with all those present. As a rule the first few minutes of any gathering are taken up with everyone greeting everyone else. This breaks the ice and makes life easier for the shyer amongst us. There is no need to be surprised when some people kiss on greeting. This indicates familiarity rather than love. But with moderation, a kissed greeting is in fact a delicate touch of cheeks. Table manners in Poland At the start of a meal you must say Smacznego. In Poland at the table a knife and fork are used in the manner accepted throughout Europe. The knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left hand. It is not nice to use fingers, although it is allowed to eat a chicken with fingers. When you have finished your meal, you should always put your knife and fork in the middle of the plate. At the end of the meal in Poland you should say dzikuj which means: 'thank you'. Punctuality in Poland Always be on time, it is considered extremely bad manner and poor etiquette to keep people waiting. Inviting guests in Poland When invited to a Polish family home it is considered good manners and accepted social etiquette to take a small gift such as a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers for the hostess. It is also good etiquette to send a hand written card to your host and hostess thanking them for their invitation, hospitality and time. Generally the business culture in Poland dislikes ostentatious displays of wealth. Mostly the dress is smart casual conservative. In the larger companies and banks conservative suits and ties in subdued colorus are usually worn. Bright colours are considered inappropriate. Women's dress etiquette is to wear conservative suits or dresses, again bright colours should be avoided. The usual classical colours are worn, for example black, navy blue, grey, brown or beige. T-shits, sweatpants, shorts and runner shoes are not acceptable in the business or social world. Perfumes and aftershave should be used sparingly. Jewellery should never be ostentatious, elegant and modest is the key. To sum it up, Polish dress etiquette is conservative, respectable, elegant and modest. Clothes in Poland Good behaviour in Poland Theatre Dress should be elegant, but remember not to overdo the amount of additives. To the theatre we should come dressed modestly. There are some situations where we will apply smart attire - such as its premiere. Gentlemen should wear a suit, ladies skirt and blouse or dress. You should also remember to leave coats in the cloakroom. Unacceptable are: eating in the theatre, talking (and silent) are allowed only during breaks. You should come to the theatre earlier- so take your place without disturbing other people and actors on stage. If you were late, we must take the next availability. School During the lesson dont chew gum, or use a mobile phone. Dont talk. You should always say "Good morning" and "Goodbye to teachers. If you want to say something in the classroom, put your hand up. Cinema Transportation When a movie is selected from a group of school, it is difficult to avoid some confusion. After all, remember that they come to the cinema, people who really want to use their free time and see something interesting, therefore, should be respected and not lead discussions during the session. The rules of the cinema are not as stringent as in the theater. The cinema is allowed to drink and eat. After the film, be sure to leave your seat in the appropriate condition, and throw away all the junk. In Poland, the taxis are seldom used, inter alia, because the streets are not clogged with traffic as the roads in major cities around the world. Remember not to obstruct any garbage in a taxi, train, bus or tram. You should apply general principles: clear whether the disappearance of a ticket for the elderly. Keep calm and use appropriate language. Behaviour in accordance to women in Poland A man should be polite to women in any situation. The basic good manners are the same as in other countries, passing a woman in the door, helping herto carry the shopping, giving way, the withdrawal of a chair. A man should also carry an umbrella if the woman is not higher than him. Kind words and gestures are welcome. It is worth remembering about Womans Day. The English are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for our politeness, self-discipline and especially for our sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is expected. Greetings in England English people are quite reserved when greeting one another. A greeting can be a bright 'Hello' 'Hi' or 'Good morning', when you arrive at work or at school. The Handshake A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English and British people and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new. The Kiss It is only when you meet friends, whom you haven't seen for a long time, that you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. In Britain one kiss is generally enough. Formal greetings The usual formal greeting is a 'How do you do?' and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women. Informal greetings Hi - Hi or hello Morning / Afternoon / Evening ( We drop the word 'Good' in informal situations). How's you? - Fine thanks. You? Thank you / thanks / cheers It is sometimes said 'cheers' instead of thank you. You may hear 'cheers' said instead of 'goodbye', what is really said is 'thanks and bye'. Table manners in England The British generally pay a lot of attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork.They eat most of food with cutlery. The foods we don't eat with a knife, fork or spoon include sandwiches, crisps, corn on the cob, and fruit. DO If you cannot eat a certain type of food or have some special needs, tell your host several days before the dinner party. If you are a guest, it is polite to wait until your host starts eating or indicates you should do so. It shows consideration. Always chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking more or taking a drink. Always say thank you when served something. It shows appreciation. DONT Never lick or put your knife in your mouth. It is impolite to start eating before everyone has been served unless your host says that you don't need to wait. Never chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see food being chewed or hearing it being chomped on. It is impolite to have your elbows on the table while you are eating. Don't reach over someone's plate for something, ask for the item to be passed. Never talk with food in your mouth. It is impolite to put too much food in your mouth. Never use your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork. It is impolite to slurp your food or eat noisily. Punctuality in England British people place considerable value on punctuality. If you agree to meet friends at three o'clock, you can bet that they'll be there just after three. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting. Inviting guests in England Never accept an invitation unless you really plan to go. You may refuse by saying, Thank you for inviting me, but I will not be able to come. If, after accepting, you are unable to attend, be sure to tell those expecting you as far in advance as possible that you will not be there. Although it is not necessarily expected that you give a gift to your host, it is considered polite to do so, especially if you have been invited for a meal. Flowers, chocolate, or a small gift are all appropriate. A thank-you note or telephone call after the visit is also considered polite and is an appropriate means to express your appreciation for the invitation. Everyday dress is appropriate for most visits to peoples' homes. You may want to dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance. Clothes in Enagland Good behaviour in England Theatre School 1. You should come to the theatre early enough to "spiritually" ready to participate in the spectacle. 2. During the intermission, spending time in the foyer, or remaining in the audience, continue to keep in mind that this site requires special culture, not proper to argue loudly, run, laugh out loud, noisy behavior disturb others in the contemplation of the spectacle. 3. Prior to submission you must switch off your mobile phone. 4. Headwear (particularly large hats) left in the locker room so as not to obstruct the view, sitting behind us. 5. Do not leave the theatre until the end of the show. Schools in England is often associated with uniforms-indeed they are found in private schools. Youth changes from generation to generation in every country. England is a country adheres to the principles of cultural junior at the school: do not chew gum in class, ask the teacher with due respect, the lessons run there stoically. Cinema Transportation You must not disturb others in watching the movie. A rude comment on the scenes are not accepted. When you go to the cinema with friends, do not interfere, but focus on the film. In England popular are taxis, and the students often go by bus to school. Remember that the bus passengers disembark first, and only later other people get in. Do not push up. Behaviour in accordance to women in England Principles of a gentleman in every country are very similar, result from man's personal culture. Keep in mind that a nice gesture is pass a woman in the doorway, give her clothes and offer help. Women pay attention to this. If a man invites a woman to dinner, he should pay for it. You should also remember buying a bouquet of flowers. Greetings in Germany In Germany it is good etiquette to shake an individual's hand when you first meet him or her. Also, handshakes are important when conducting business, done when coming and going from a meeting. For informal greetings among friends, Germans will lightly kiss one another on both cheeks or the air next to the cheeks. Always refer to someone with a title before their name in a social setting. "Frau" is Ms. and "Herr" is Mr. and should be put in front of the name of the individual to whom you are referring. Table manners in Germany When eating in Germany, be sure to wait to be seated. When you sit down at a dining table it should be set up continental style with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. Use your knife sparingly and try to cut most items with your fork. Rolls should be split with your hands. Remember to let the host lead. The host should be the first to put his napkin in his lap, to begin eating and to give the first toast. Punctuality in Germany Being punctual is very important in Germany. It is considered very rude not to be on time. Showing up early is a good idea. Rushing around and arriving late will leave a bad impression. Inviting guests in Germany If you are invited to visit someone in Germany, it is important to take a small gift such as wine or candy. If you take wine, be sure to pick an imported beverage, as bringing a German wine might send a message to the host that he or she does not have good taste in wine. If you decide to take flowers, yellow roses are a good choice as, in conveying joy and friendship, they are a neutral flower. Red roses indicate romance, carnations symbolize mourning and lilies and chrysanthemums are used for funerals. Do not sit down in someone's house without being invited to sit first. Clothes in Germany Business dress is understood as formal and conservative. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses. Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories. Good behaviour in Germany Theatre School 1. Each viewer should be dressed in their Sunday best, elegantly. 2. In case of delay must not enter the hall, you have to wait until the first intermission. 3. You must buy the theatre program, to be familiarized with the type and nature of performances, artists and performers know the show. 4. Do not bring up sweets, chocolates in the rustling papers to the theatre. Do nit drink or eat. 5. During the show you are not allowed to talk, whistle, stamp or swap places. 6. At the end of perfpormance,you should wait until the end of applause. Students who do not obey the commands should apologize a teacher for their behaviour. They must do homework. Each student should behave properly and culturally. You need to be tolerant for another person. Cinema Transportation Do not litter Do not talk, you can whisper. You can share your opinion with the person sitting next to you. Do not move, not to cover the screen. Impolite is to use mobile phones. Germans are very good drivers. Most of them have their own cars. The buses are often used by older people, so if we give way to the older, it shows our culture and respect for these people and their country. Behaviour in accordance to women in Germany Welcoming you first go over to the ladies and then to men. Serving at the table during dinner starts with women. Walking down the street, the man has a partner on his right side. Sometimes, however, roadways are wet, sometimes sidewalks are too narrow and is in danger. In these circumstances, a man protecting a woman goes, having it on your left. Act identically while crossing the street. As we enter the threshold of any room, the man opens the door to a woman and lets face it. The man helps his partner to take off a coat or other clothing, he gives them to the locker room. A man should also pass a woman in the queue at the store. DO If an elderly person enters a bus or train, the younger offers him/her a seat. Open doors for the elderly and for women Hold doors open for whoever is following you in (or out)- don't let it slam in their face Use please and thank you Show respect for those older and wiser than you Lower the music or TV volume when others are talking or trying to sleep. Children should learn at a young age to help in the household and take over responsibility. Girls/women should always dress modestly. A man should always offer the woman to enter a room first. If you are in a mixed group, always greet the elders and the women first. Be helpful. Open doors (regardless of gender). Men should always open doors for women. Have a calming, happy influence in any stressful situation and maintain your composure. At a restaurant/official dinner, the man moves the chair away from the table and offers the woman her seat Stand when the national anthem is playing. Show respect to the flag. Introduce guests to everyone in your home. Offer something to drink (a glass of water, a cup of tea/coffee) to anyone who steps into your home/office. Be involved in a variety of community service organisations. Wear clean clothes at home. Wash your hands before and after a meal. Be hospitable and friendly. Listen before speaking. Never interrupt. Look people in the eye, and listen carefully. Be thankful and show appreciation for gifts, help, etc. Write thank you cards rather than sendings to show your appreciation. Always introduce yourself and others. Respect people's time and be punctual. If you make an appointment, arrive on time or even a bit early. If you're going to be late, always call and let them know. Never arrive early for a social engagement; your host may still be getting dressed. Always say, Thank you - this is a way of praising others and one of the keys of good manners; not forgetting Excuse me, Please, You are welcome, Hello and Goodbye. When leaving a place, men should help the women to put on their coats/jackets. Wear a nice, clean dress on Sundays. DONT Don't point - it's rude Don't smoke or eat in the street - it looks 'common Don't talk with your mouth full - disgustingly, you may spit some of it out! Don't shout - Keep your voice down Don't interrupt - it's selfish and ill-mannered Don't swear - it impresses nobody (it's the language of low lives and those with a limited vocabulary) Don't gang up on anybody anywhere Don't talk behind other's backs Never point or stare, especially at people with disabilities or those who are different. Do not embarrass others - treat others as you would like to be treated, and think of how you can put them at ease. Never demean anyone with rude jokes or an unwelcome nickname. Do not be boastful, arrogant or loud - always exercise restraint. Let your deeds speak for themselves. Do not criticise or complain - a person with good manners is above criticising others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity in any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don't join in, be indifferent to it. If you disagree with others, do so respectfully. Don't verbally attack or condemn them. Never be ruffled. Do not ask too many intimate or invasive questions the first few times that you meet a person. T o strangers/new ones: Do not comment on personal appearances or clothes in a negative way; if you cannot say something complimentary, do not say anything at all. Don't address elders and seniors by their names, unless they have specially asked you to. Stand up when an elder or a guest enters the room and don't sit until you've offered them a seat. Do not continue to watch TV or surf the Net when you have a visitor.