Cultural faux pas can happen when we are unaware of the cultural etiquette in certain countries. It is particularly common to come across certain gestures and behaviors which mean different things in different countries. Part of traveling abroad is familiarizing yourself with the code of conduct in the different countries. Failing to do so can not only cause social embarrassment but could lead to being arrested or deportation in serious cases. Therefore, before visiting a country for the first time, whether for business or leisure purposes, it is crucial to do some research to find out about the culture, customs and social norms.
Social norms are the unwritten rules of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are considered acceptable in a particular social group or culture. Norms provide us with an expected idea of how to behave, and function to provide order and predictability in society.
The following is a list of taboo types of behavior to avoid while touring different countries.
Thailand: Do not insult the king
In Thailand, defaming, threatening, or insulting the king or the royal family can come with harsh consequences. Lèse–majesté (wounded majesty) laws in the nation are some of the strictest in the world. The offender stands to be imprisoned for three to fifteen years for each count. Convictions under this law have increased since the 2014 military coup in the country. Read more about the cultural etiquette in Thailand here: https://www.tripsavvy.com/thailand-etiquette-dos-and-donts-1458305
China: Do not leave your chopsticks upright in a rice bowl
The use of chopsticks is an important element of dining etiquette in China. Chopsticks take the place of knives and forks at Chinese tables, and the food is served in bite-sized pieces for easier holding. It is not advisable to leave chopsticks upright in a rice bowl as it is said to resemble incense sticks offered to the dead. The Chinese offer food to the dead with the chopsticks upright, meaning the practice is otherwise taboo. Holding chopsticks upright is also viewed as impolite to hosts. In other countries like Japan and Korea, these actions are also frowned upon.
Sri Lanka: Do not show tattoos Of Buddha
The religious and cultural lives of the majority of Sri Lanka’s population revolve around Buddhism. Buddhas are highly revered figures in the nation. There have been cases where foreigners have been barred from entering Sri Lanka or have been deported for sporting a Buddha tattoo. According to authorities, having a Buddha tattoo is a sign of disrespect and insensitivity to other people’s religion and culture. If you have a buddha tattoo and decide to venture into Sri Lanka, it’s best to cover it up. Also, avoid wearing any clothing with the image of Buddha.
United Arab Emirates: Do not wear revealing clothing
Out of respect and in keeping with the dress codes of local establishments, women are generally advised to wear clothing that covers from the shoulders to the knees. Tight-fitting sports apparel, such as cycling shorts, is generally not advised for either men or women unless worn in a sports venue.
United Kingdom: Do not show a backwards/reverse peace sign
While the two-fingers salute formed in a ‘V’ shape might be interpreted as a peace sign in most countries, the case is not so in the United Kingdom. When done with the palm of the hand facing inward, the sign becomes as insulting as using the middle finger is in the US. The gesture is commonly used to communicate contempt or defiance. It is best to avoid gesturing this to Brits. Read about other hand gestures that are considered rude in different countries here: https://www.rd.com/article/common-hand-gestures-rude-in-other-countries/
Amsterdam – Do not walk in the cycling lane
Cycling lanes are a common feature in Amsterdam and cycling has become the transport choice for most of the city’s inhabitants. The Amsterdam transportation infrastructure also includes sidewalks for pedestrians. Pedestrians using cycle lanes block the way for cyclists and can even cause collisions. It is advisable to stick to the clearly-marked pavements when walking and the cycling lanes when cycling.
Mexico: Don’t give marigolds as a gift
When gift-giving in Mexico, be sure to avoid marigolds. The reason is that marigolds are prominently featured in the Dia de Los Muertos holiday celebrated on the first two days in November. It is believed that dead spirits are guided to their altars by the scent and color of marigolds. Thus, marigolds in the country are associated with death. It is rude and inappropriate to bring marigolds to the home of a host or to give them as a gift.
Why do some people have wanderlust – and not others?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/why-do-some-people-have-wanderlust—and-not-other/p07wg5kn?playlist=the-extraordinary-human-brain (3.31 mins)
