Traditions and norms of etiquette in different countries of the world: from gestures to table rules. What are the rules of etiquette in different countries? Communicating the etiquette traditions of other nations
Manners and etiquette can be very misleading. It's one thing to learn which fork is a salad fork, but it's another thing to know when using a particular fork might offend the person you're visiting. IN different countries There are different rules of etiquette. Sometimes what sounds like rudeness in one country may be the most polite and courteous gesture in another.
10. Spitting
It's likely that your parents scolded you as a child if you spat on the sidewalk. In general, people don't take kindly to spitting. Spitting at someone is considered one of the most serious insults you can think of. The police consider such actions as an attack. However, members of the Maasai tribe, who live in central-eastern Africa, see things completely differently. They spit at each other for the same purpose with which we shake hands. By the way, they spit on their hands before shaking another person's hand, just in case they forget to spit on them later.
Most of us have to endure conversations with elderly relatives who drool as they speak, but the children of the Maasai tribe have a much more unpleasant burden. Polite children who greet elderly relatives when meeting them can expect a huge amount of spit to be thrown their way. Of course, this is done with the best intentions, because adults wish the young a long and happy life. Friends and family members sometimes travel from distant areas to spit on the newborn for the same reason.
Tribe members spit on almost any occasion. They spit on the gift they are going to give. When are they going to settle in new home, the first thing they do is leave the new house and spit in all four directions. They spit on everything that they have never seen in their lives, because they believe that in this way they will protect their eyesight.
9. Loud squelching/smacking/smacking
In most countries, loudly slurping soup in public would either result in a slap from your mother or the person you came to the restaurant with pretending not to know you. However, in many Asian countries such as China and Japan, slurping or slurping while eating soup or noodles is considered high praise. This means that the food is so delicious that the guest couldn't even wait for it to cool down to eat it. Anyone who's ever burned their mouth with a slice of pizza with lots of different toppings will probably agree that there's some truth to it.
In Asian countries, if you eat without loud slurping/slurping, other people may think that you are unhappy with your food. In Japan, the same applies to tea. The loud slurp of the last sip of tea indicates that the guest drank his mug and was satisfied with the tea. This cultural difference has led many Japanese tourists to feel uncomfortable in countries where it is customary to eat without making a sound.
8. Tongue sticking out
In many countries, sticking out your tongue is commonly associated with the phrase: "Be-be-be." At the very least, it is seen as teasing or disobedience. In some cases, even as an insult. This is why in Italy you can be fined for offensive behavior if you stick your tongue out. While sticking out your tongue is not illegal in India, it is seen as a negative gesture associated with incredible, barely contained anger.
However, the world is big and in New Caledonia such a gesture means a wish for reason and energy. In Tibet, sticking out your tongue is considered a respectful greeting gesture. It is believed that this custom originated from the belief that the evil king had a black tongue - voluntarily sticking out your tongue is proof that you are not his reincarnation. This may well be the explanation for why, in the Caroline Islands, sticking out your tongue is believed to exorcise demons. Although, to be honest, if the person sticking out his tongue hasn't brushed his teeth, he'll probably be able to drive anyone away.
7. Flowers
often seen as a one-size-fits-all gift. They are given on the first date, on graduation party, at weddings, at funerals, to sick people to whom you wish recovery, and also as an apology. In fact, it is for this reason that flowers can be seen as a rude gesture if you are not careful. Chrysanthemums, lilies, gladioli and other white flowers are symbols of mourning and are used during funerals in many countries. Carnations are a common decoration for wreaths in cemeteries in Germany and France. If you give someone a bouquet of white flowers in China or a carnation in France, it can be interpreted as a wish to “keep your hooves off.”
Yellow flowers are associated with hatred in Russia and Iran, while purple flowers are considered unlucky in Italy and Brazil. Red flowers, especially roses, are used exclusively to express romantic interest in Germany and Italy. In the Czech Republic, flowers are generally seen as romantic gifts, so giving flowers to your teacher or boss can get you into a lot of trouble. Even the number of colors can be rough. In some countries such as France and Armenia, an even number of flowers is reserved for joyful occasions and an odd number for funerals, while in countries such as Thailand and China, odd numbers are considered lucky and even numbers of flowers are generally considered lucky. brought to the funeral.
6. Eating all the food on your plate
Yes, we are all used to the fact that our parents forced us to eat everything on the plate so as not to waste food. However, in some countries, a clean plate can confuse or even offend the host. In the Philippines, North Africa, and also in some regions of China, the host puts food on the guest's plate if he eats everything on it. This even leads to a kind of game in North Africa: the host offers more, the guest refuses, the host offers again, the guest refuses again, the host offers again and the guest finally agrees. Only when the guest leaves some food on the plate does the host realize that the guest is full. Failure to comply with this rule in some situations may offend the owner. He will regard a guest's clean plate as a sign that the guest has not had enough to eat and the host may feel that he is being considered greedy.
5. Leftovers from dinner at a restaurant, which are wrapped in a bag so the customer can take it with them.
A person who, during a date, asks you to wrap up leftover dinner in a bag to take with you may seem stingy. The waiter may even look askance at such a person, returning with his half-eaten food to the kitchen to wrap it up for him, while the restaurant is crowded with hungry customers waiting for him to take their order. However, in Ancient Rome Such bags with dinner leftovers were considered the norm.
When someone had guests over for dinner, he or she would wrap the fruit in pretty napkins and give it to their guests to take with them. It was more of a rule of good manners than something that was done at will, and failure to accept a napkin and take the food home was regarded as an insult. Moreover, such a guest acquired a reputation as impolite and ungrateful. Such bags with leftover food were also found in ancient China. The host who hosted guests had to give them white boxes in order to take some of the food home.
4. Leaving a tip
To leave or not to leave - this question has been tormenting many for a long time. It usually comes down to whether we care that someone thinks we're stingy. The absence of any tip is often the reason for sidelong and angry looks. This is also the reason why the first date also becomes the last. Some restaurants have even banned the practice to save their customers from worrying about it at the end of their dinner.
The Japanese, as usual, are ahead of the rest in this matter. They are so unaccustomed to leaving tips that leaving a tip can lead to confusion. The waiter begins to wonder why she or he was left with extra money, and this, in turn, can lead to long and awkward conversations and attempts to return the extra amount. Moreover, tipping can be considered an insult. Sometimes they are seen as a sop out of pity. If a client wants to express gratitude, the best way to do this is with a small gift. Or, if you still prefer to give money, it is best to put it in an envelope and then give it to the waiter.
3. Eating with your hands
Eating food with your hands was quite possibly the fastest way to piss off parents at the dinner table. However, in some countries, hosts will be offended to the core if you use cutlery. Eating tacos or burritos with cutlery is considered bad manners. This is not necessarily considered impolite, but it does make the person appear overly swaggering and arrogant. Using a knife to cut boiled potatoes causes exactly the same reaction in Germany. Moreover, using a knife to cut boiled potatoes may offend the cook. He will take this as your dissatisfaction with the fact that the potatoes were not cooked properly or that they were not soft enough.
In many countries such as India, eating food with the hands is the only acceptable way to consume food. Indians consider this method as the only natural way of eating and the least distorted. India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, once jokingly said, "Eating food with a fork and spoon is equivalent to making love with the help of an interpreter."
2. Punctuality
We have all had elderly relatives or teachers who scolded us for being late and told us that “you are only on time if you arrive ten minutes before the appointed time.” While this is good interview advice for a job or a date, in some parts of the world being punctual can make you the most impolite person in the room.
In Tanzania, arriving on time for an evening can be considered a rude gesture. All polite, well-mannered guests appear 15 - 30 minutes later than the appointed time. This is partly due to the fact that not all citizens have cars or even access to public transport. Insisting that guests arrive on time is seen as tactless and rude. In Mexico, it is considered polite to be moderately late to a meeting or party. If you arrive on time, the owner may not yet be ready to receive guests. He may feel like you're rushing him and be offended that you caught him off guard.
1. Compliments
When you see someone for the first time in your life or go to someone's home for the first time, it's not easy to start a conversation. The most common tactic is a compliment, from which you can build on and develop the topic. “Nice shoes”, “Great tie”, “I really like the way you arranged the furniture in the room”, “What a comfortable sofa.” In most countries, such compliments make a person smile, maybe blush a little and say thank you. This way the conversation starts naturally.
However, such compliments would be unwise to make in the Middle East, as well as in African countries such as Nigeria and Senegal. In such countries, a compliment on something is easily interpreted as a desire to possess this item. Because of their hospitality customs, the host will feel obligated to give the guest an item that he or she praised. In addition, according to tradition, when receiving a gift, you must respond with an even more expensive gift. We can only hope that the custom doesn't extend to complimenting someone's spouse or children.
If you dream of traveling a lot, you should know that people from other countries are very different from Russians. Moreover, this applies to almost everything: from clothing to etiquette rules. Therefore, in order not to get into trouble, we suggest that you study some of the rules of etiquette of different countries (we warn you, they are often strange).
In France People who eat quickly are treated with contempt. It's common to enjoy food there. This is probably why the French have such tiny portions...
And in Korea It is unacceptable to start eating before the oldest person sitting at the table has done so. If you start without waiting for the others, you risk being left without dinner.
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IN Italy asking for more cheese with a dish is an insult to the cook. Although no one has complained about the amount of cheese yet. Putting Parmesan on pizza is like putting jelly on chocolate mousse. Even many pasta dishes are not designed for Parmesan. So, in Rome, for example, pecorino is considered a traditional cheese, which is added to many classic recipes pasta. Rule number one: if they don't offer it to you, don't ask.
IN Kazakhstan It is customary to serve cups of tea only half full. There is no point in commenting on this or asking for a refill, because a full cup means that the owner is looking forward to your departure.
IN Nigeria Small children are not fried eggs because it is believed that if you feed them eggs, they will start stealing.
And on Jamaica Children are not given chicken until the children learn to speak. It is believed that chicken meat may prevent a child from speaking.
As for tips, Japan, for example, they never leave them at all. Most often, the waiter begins to wonder why they left him extra money. Moreover, tipping can be seen as an insult or a pity gift. If a client wants to express gratitude, the best way to do this is with a small gift. Or put the money in an envelope and then give it to the waiter.
Back in Japan Between snacks, the chopsticks should lie together directly in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table. Under no circumstances should you stick chopsticks directly into a bowl of rice. The fact is that during the funeral in Japan a bowl of rice for the deceased is placed in front of his coffin, sticking chopsticks directly into the rice...
IN China Do not cut long noodles while eating, since noodles are the embodiment of longevity, and by cutting them, you shorten your life.
The Chinese will consider you rude if you point your chopsticks at someone while eating.
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Since childhood, our parents forced us to finish our food. However, in some countries, a clean plate can confuse or even offend the host. On Philippines, V North Africa, as well as in some regions China the host is obliged to refill the guest's plate if he has eaten everything that was in it. Only when the guest leaves some food on the plate does the host realize that he is full. Failure to comply with this rule in some situations may offend the owner. He will interpret a guest's clean plate as a sign that he is considered greedy.
TRADITIONAL ETIQUETTE - a system of historically determined norms and standards of behavior characteristic of a particular society. An important component of ethnicity. culture associated with morality. norms and values; manifests itself in empirically observable forms of behavior. In the variety of etiquette standards, the main ones are: E.t. greetings and farewells; ; intrafamily and family-kinship relationships; table and state etiquette. As society modernizes, etiquette norms undergo a transformation towards their simplification.
This. Chuvash. contains both Eastern and Russian. and Western European elements. Archaic features of the East. etiquette saved in , Crimea is regulated, among others, by norms related to greetings and farewells, blessings, gratitude, etc., incl. the requirement to use when addressing relatives (both your own and your spouse’s relatives) not by names, but by terms of kinship and property. Traditional etiquette norms within family and kin. relationships are also an integral part of socionormatives. ethnic culture. In general, E.t. Chuvash. was a manifestation of patriarchal norms. societies with priority for men. a beginning that required submission to the authority of the head of the family (father), at the same time honoring the mother, respect for elders, and care for the younger. It suggested a number of prohibitions, for example, for women to appear with their heads uncovered and in unbelted clothes in front of their husband’s relatives, etc., for young family members - not to interfere in adult conversations without the permission of their father, etc. Customs of table and guest E.t. were closely associated with holidays and rituals; among the Chuvash, for example, they are clearly reflected in the ritual . When going to a feast, the Chuvash prepared gifts (usually beer, pies, roast goose, nuts for children, etc.). The owner greeted the guests at the gate, and he himself or the eldest son led the horse into the yard. When meeting, it was customary to conduct a dialogue, in which they tried to elevate the interlocutor, without going beyond the bounds of self-respect. At the feast, they adhered to a strict order of seating at the table: on the side of the hut in the front corner sat the head of the clan, to the right of him were the men (the closest or oldest - closer to the owner, the further the degree of relationship and the younger the guest - the closer to the door). To the left of the head, his wife and women were seated, observing the same order as the men. The place at the opposite end of the table from the head of the family was occupied by the leader of the ritual (kĕrekeçĕ). During the meal, the elders were given special respect. According to Chuvash rules. This. during the ceremonial cases (when saying prayers, wishes, etc.) all guests stood up; the eldest member of the family recited blessings by placing his crossed hands on the heads of his kneeling sons and daughters-in-law. The same sign of reverence and respect was a bow to the waist. After the blessing, those gathered sang a ritual song in honor of the owners of the house. When visiting, despite the plentiful table and the cordiality of the hosts, it was customary not to eat enough.
Lit.: Zolotnitsky N.I. The root Chuvash-Russian dictionary, compared with the languages and dialects of different peoples of the Turkic, Finnish and other tribes. Kazan, 1875; Kuznetsov A.V. Traditional table etiquette of the Chuvash people. Ch., 2003.
The world is an unusual and amazing place that can be explored endlessly. Different countries can have very different cultures, so what is considered acceptable in one place may not be acceptable in another. If you are interested in the peculiarities of etiquette in different countries, you should familiarize yourself with this list. It includes the most interesting rules of behavior from all corners of our planet. Knowing them will help you avoid any embarrassment while traveling.
Afghanistan: kiss the bread that fell on the floor
In Afghanistan, they treat bread with great respect. If he falls to the floor, he should be picked up immediately and kissed. 
Canada: a little late
In Canada, you shouldn't arrive early. On the contrary, a slight delay is quite acceptable. He is treated much better than arriving much earlier than necessary. 
Chili: Never eat with your hands
In Chile, it is not customary to take even small snacks with your hands. Chileans always use cutlery exclusively; other behavior is considered extremely impolite. 
China: Make a mess and don't be afraid to burp
In China, the host knows you enjoyed your meal if you make a mess on the table. When there is a piece of food left on your plate, it is a good sign that you are full and satisfied with your meal. It's just impolite to leave rice on the plate. Burping is another way to show that you enjoyed your food and is not considered impolite. 
Egypt: Don't refill your own glass
In Egypt, it is customary to wait for someone else to fill your glass. You should top up your fellow diner's drink if necessary. It is believed that necessity occurs when the glass is less than half full. If your neighbor forgets to fill your glass, remind him by adding a drink to his glass. It is strictly forbidden to pour it yourself. 
UK: Pass the port to the left
In England, it is customary to pass port wine at the table to the neighbor on the left until the bottle goes around the entire table in a circle. Some believe this tradition has its roots in the navy, but there is no exact explanation. If you haven't been handed a bottle, it is impolite to ask; instead, you should ask your tablemate if he knows the Bishop of Norwich. If he says no, you need to answer that he is a good person, but always forgets to hand over the port. 
Ethiopia: Eat with your right hand from one plate
Ethiopians believe that eating with cutlery is wasteful, as is using more than one plate for the whole group. It is customary to eat from one dish using the right hand. In some regions of the country, a tradition called “gursha” is used, when people feed each other. 
France: use bread as a utensil
The French never eat bread as a snack. They supplement their meals with it and use a piece of bread as a device to collect food from the plate and put it in their mouth. It is even customary to place bread directly on the table, like a fork or knife. 
Georgia: Make a toast and drink the entire contents of the glass
In Georgia people can spend hours exchanging toasts. Everyone at the table makes a toast in a circle, after which it is customary to empty the entire glass in one gulp. When everyone has said a toast, the circle can repeat itself again. During the evening they drink ten to fifteen small glasses of alcohol; as a rule, Georgians drink wine or vodka. Making toasts while drinking beer is considered bad luck. 
It is believed that the Austrians celebrated the defeat of Hungary in 1848 by clinking glasses of beer, which is why some Hungarians still remember it. Don't clink your beer glasses! In other cases, be sure to look at the person who made the toast. 
Italy: Don't put Parmesan on pizza
If your pizza doesn't have Parmesan on it, don't ask for it. In Italy this is considered a culinary crime. 
Inuit tribe: passing gas
You may not plan to visit these tribes, but it is interesting to know that in their culture it is customary to pass gas as a sign of approval after a good meal. 
Japan: Sip the soup to thank the chef
In Japan, it is customary to loudly slurp soup or noodles. It is believed that this is a way to show your gratitude to the cook. 
Korea: Take your first drink
In Korea, you have to accept when you are offered a drink for the first time, but not pour it for yourself first. Pour the rest first, then fill your glass. 
Mexico: Eat tacos with your hands
Using a fork and knife for tacos is considered stupid snobbery in Mexico. It is polite to eat this food with your hands. 
Middle East: Use only your right hand
In Middle Eastern countries, eating with your hands is quite normal, it is only important to use your right hand exclusively. The left one should not be used for eating. 
Portugal: don't add salt
In Portugal, a cook will be offended if he sees you adding salt or pepper to a dish he has prepared.
Russia: drink vodka without additives and don’t give up
Offering a drink is considered a sign of trust, so it is rude to refuse. In addition, mixing vodka with juice or ice is considered not the best idea. 
South America: Honor the Goddess of Nature
In some regions of Peru or Argentina, it is customary to honor the goddess of nature by pouring a few drops of the drink onto the ground. 
Thailand: Don't eat rice with a fork
In Thailand, food is only served with forks on a spoon. It is not customary to eat rice dishes with a fork. 
Tanzania: hide your soles
In Tanzania they eat while sitting on the floor. The main thing is not to show your feet, it’s impolite.
A) English etiquette. For the British, it is considered the height of bad manners to talk with your hands in your pockets. The British try to avoid gesturing, but if this is necessary, then the palm should be turned towards you.
You should not approach strangers until you have been introduced to them. And when greeting even close friends in England, it is customary to call their titles of nobility.
When meeting a lady, they do not kiss her hand. By the way, this should not be done in Holland, Portugal, Spain, and the USA. The English handshake is easy, quick, and energetic.
In public places, you should not stare at strangers. This is considered indecent.
When meeting the question: “How are you?” (“How are you?”), the answer follows: “I’m fine?” And you? “ (“How are you?”), this communication can be completed. When parting, you should not say anything other than: “See you.”
It is customary to call only residents of England the English, while the Scots, Irish and Welsh (Welsh) can also be called British.
The British are conservative in their behavior at the table:
The devices are not transferred from hand to hand;
Hands should only rest on your knees and not on the table;
Tips cannot be displayed in a restaurant; they should be placed discreetly under the edge of the plate;
A traditional English breakfast is eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, donuts, smoked herring;
The British consider roast beef, lamb, pork with fried potatoes to be real food (potatoes are the main ingredient of lunch);
The meal ends with pudding;
In England you cannot refuse an invitation to come in for a cup of tea;
The favorite Indian tea is served with milk and sugar. During tea drinking, you will definitely be told how best to prepare this drink. Chinese tea has long been considered the most exquisite;
The British value sandwiches just as much as tea;
If invited to tea, you should arrive at the exact appointed time. Arriving earlier, as well as being late, are considered equally indecent.
B) American etiquette It is simpler compared to English.
A wide smile is a mandatory element of greeting and any address.
A handshake is more of an element of formal relations.
Women shake hands only at the first meeting or during the reception.
It is not customary to give up your seat to women on public transport; they may feel left out because they strive for gender equality.
You should not visit American friends without an invitation. Being late for a formal event is considered extremely tactless.
Americans do not understand hints; when speaking, all things should be called by their proper names.
Americans, especially young people, are not known for their refined manners. Not only do young Americans not know which fork to use at a dinner party, but they prefer not to use a fork at all. But more and more attention in the United States began to be paid to rational nutrition.
Americans prefer coarsely chopped vegetable and fruit salads. And first courses - puree soups, fruit soups, etc. - are often eaten in the evening.
Main courses - beef, veal, pork, chicken, turkey, and not a side dish - stewed beans, green beans, green peas, corn, boiled, fried potatoes. Dessert - puddings, compotes, fresh fruit, oranges, whipped cream.
B) Italian etiquette. At the beginning of the conversation, Italians ask about the health of children, and then about adults. They address a man as “senor”, a woman as “senora”, and a girl as “senorita”. “Ciao” is a universal greeting and parting.
In Italy, punctuality is not a mandatory quality. As a rule, 15 minutes late is the norm, and half an hour late is considered unacceptable.
The Italian feast is generous: at least 5 appetizers, first courses of pasta and rice, then a second course of meat or fish with a side dish of vegetables, then cheese, dessert, which ends with Expresso coffee. Eating lasts from 2 to 5 hours.
Italians drink mostly young local wine with their meals. But today Italy occupies one of the first places in whiskey consumption.
D) German etiquette distinguished by punctuality and clarity. It is customary to arrange a meeting in advance.
It is customary to address you as evidence of close friendship. In a formal setting, it is customary to give the title of the person you are addressing. If the title is unknown, then the title “Herr Doctor” can be used.
Germans shake hands in the following cases: when meeting, when saying goodbye, when agreeing and when disagreeing. As a sign of friendly disposition, the hand is held in this manner for as long as possible. If a German squeezes your hand, it means that he likes you.
When answering a phone call, Germans usually say their name.
To the question: “How are you?” you should answer not like we do - “Normal”, but in detail, without missing out on details.
Germans say what they think, including what they don’t like. If you are invited to a restaurant or guests, you should come with a gift: flowers, souvenirs, etc. An invitation to a home is a sign of special respect. Verbal abuse leads to a complete break in the relationship.
In Germany, Nazi symbols are strictly prohibited: hand wave, swastika, combinations, combination of three fingers in the form of the letter “W”, etc.
D) Japanese etiquette is unique. Business culture is determined primarily by collectivism, based on traditional community consciousness and employees’ identification with the company. The collectivist nature of work largely determines the “bottom-up” style of management decision-making. Collectivism is manifested in the same work clothes for ordinary employees and managers, and in spending leisure time together. Almost all companies have moral codes, and although they are not formal attributes, their requirements are faithfully followed. The Japanese avoid contradictions and conflicts and strive for compromises. Conflicts are resolved not so much through the use of legal laws and lawyers, but through negotiations to find agreement. In business ethics, hard work and diligence are highly valued. The Japanese are punctual and are almost never late for meetings. A characteristic feature of the Japanese is sensitivity to public opinion, extreme precision and commitment. A handshake when meeting people is not accepted in Japan.
When conducting negotiations, the Japanese pay great attention to the development of personal relationships with partners. During informal meetings, they try to discuss the problem in as much detail as possible. During the negotiations themselves, they strive to avoid a clash of positions. The Japanese often show attention by listening to their interlocutor. Often such behavior is interpreted as an expression of agreement with the point of view being expressed. In fact, they only encourage the interlocutor to continue. The desire of the Japanese not to use the word “no” and to use the words “yes” to mean that you are being listened to can be misleading to a person who does not know about this. A foreigner familiar with Japanese etiquette will see refusal in the words “This is difficult,” a reference to poor health, etc., and agreement in the words “I understand.” The Japanese decision-making mechanism involves a rather lengthy process of coordination and approval of certain provisions. Patience is considered one of the main virtues in Japan, so discussions of business issues often begin with minor details and proceed very slowly. The Japanese do not like to take risks, and their desire not to lose may be stronger than their desire to win. When the Japanese are faced with an obvious concession from their partners, they often respond in kind. The Japanese are extremely scrupulous and take their obligations very seriously.
E) Chinese etiquette usually clearly delineates the individual stages of the negotiation process: initial clarification of positions, their discussion, and the final stage. At the initial stage, much attention is paid to the appearance of the partners and their manner of behavior. Based on these data, attempts are made to determine the status of each participant. In the future, and to a significant extent, there is an orientation towards people with a higher status, both official and unofficial. Final decisions are made by the Chinese side, as a rule, not at the negotiating table, but at home. Approval of the agreements reached by the center is almost mandatory. The Chinese usually make concessions at the end of negotiations, after assessing the capabilities of the other side. At the same time, mistakes made by the partner during negotiations are skillfully used. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the implementation of the agreements reached.
G) Arabic etiquette presupposes obligatory observance of Islamic traditions. During the month of Ramadan, a Muslim is not allowed to eat anything from sunrise to sunset. Receptions should not be held in the first month of the Muslim New Year. All activities are interrupted five times a day for prayer; Thursday or Friday for Muslims is a day of rest and service to God. It is prohibited to consume pork and alcohol. You should not start a conversation with representatives of the Islamic world about religion or politics. You must arrive at the appointed place on time, although your host may be delayed. Arabs will most likely find it difficult to have business relationships with female representatives.
For Arabs, one of the most important elements in negotiations is establishing trust between partners. They prefer preliminary elaboration of the details of the issues discussed during the negotiations, as well as “bargaining” at the negotiating table. They always try to reserve the opportunity to continue contacts if this time an agreement could not be reached (in this case, refusal of the deal is accompanied by lavish praise towards the partner and the rejected agreement).
