International Protocol
Task 1
Here is a list of social rules, place them under the country where they are most practiced, some answers may fit more than one country.
- It is a compliment to the chef to make loud noises when eating.
- Wish people ‘good heath’ when they sneeze.
- Never point both feet towards a statue of Buddha.
- Tilting your head from side to side means ‘yes’.
- You should leave your table as soon as you have finished eating.
- You are supposed to always tip people, even if you have agreed on a price.
- If there is a set price for something it is not appropriate to bargain over it.
- Kiss friends on both cheeks.
- Refuse food before accepting it.
- Don’t wear toilet slippers outside the toilet room.
- Welcome people to your home by saying ‘my house is your house’.
- You must remove your shoes when visiting someone.
- Shake hands when you meet somebody and keep hands clasped for a little bit.
- Speaking too loudly may be considered rude.
- Girls must cover their shoulders when entering a temple.
- Don’t touch people on the head.
- Bow to superiors.
- Remove your shoes and socks before entering a temple.
- Moving your head backwards means ‘no’.
- It is often prohibited to smoke indoors.
- It is perfectly ok for adult men to hold hands.
- Food should always be eaten with the right hand.
- Men and women are carefully separated in many occasions: make sure you are not in the women's area.
- If you are waiting for something you must form a line.
Saudi Arabia |
Mexico |
U.K. |
India |
Japan |
Thailand |
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Task 2
Ask and answer these questions using the responses given below.
How do you react to people who smoke in public?
How do you react to people who are too familiar?
How do you react to people who swear?
How do you react to people who break wind in public?
How do you react to people who lie?
How do you react to people who spit in the street?
How do you react to people who fight in public?
How do you react to people who stare?
How do you react to people who interrupt you while you are speaking?
How do you react to people who talk loudly in the cinema?
How do you react to people who pick their noses?
I confront them
I ignore them
I stare at them
I complain about them
Task 3
Read the text and answer the question
Ancient Laws
Although we don’t officially have capital punishment, until recently in the UK it was technically possible to be hanged for the crime of ‘treason’ if you killed a swan.
This is because of a very old law that states that all swans are the property of the queen. If you damage the property of the queen you can be tried for treason, which according to another old law is punishable by death.
Are there any strange old laws that haven’t been changed in your country?
Answers
Task 1
Japan
You must remove your shoes when visiting someone.
It is a compliment to the chef to make loud noises when eating.
Don’t wear toilet slippers outside the toilet room.
Bow a little to superiors.
Mexico
Kiss friends on both cheeks.
Welcome people to your home by saying ‘my house is your house’.
Wish people ‘good heath’ when they sneeze.
Refuse food before accepting it.
Thailand
Never point both feet towards a statue of Buddha.
Don’t touch people on the head.
Remove your shoes and socks before entering a temple.
Girls must cover their shoulders when entering a temple.
India
Tilting your head from side to side means ‘yes’.
Moving your head backwards means ‘no’.
Food should always be eaten with the right hand.
You should leave your table as soon as you have finished eating.
Saudi Arabia
You are supposed to always tip people, even if you have agreed on a price.
It is perfectly ok for adult men to hold hands.
Shake hands when you meet somebody and keep hands clasped for a little bit.
Men and women are carefully separated in many occasions: make sure you are not in the women's area.
United Kingdom
It is often prohibited to smoke indoors.
If you are waiting for something you must form a line.
Speaking too loudly may be considered rude.
If there is a set price for something it is not appropriate to bargain over it.