10. In Egypt, exposing the soles of your feet is very offensive. Keep both your feet on the ground when sitting.

11. In France, punctuality is important.

12. When Germans ask "How are you?" they expect a real answer to the question, unlike
Americans who use this phrase as a greeting/a rhetorical question.

13. In Greece, raising an open palm at face level is an insult.

14. In India, an appropriate greeting is called a "narnaste". It involves bowing slightly or nodding while holding your palms together below your chin.

15. In Italy, it is rude to slurp your spaghetti. But in Japan, it is polite to slurp noodles.

16'. In Japan, if someone you're talking to crosses his/her arms and closes his/her eyes, it means that he/she is considering your words carefully.

17. In Mexico, if you hear someone saying "psst-psst" they are trying to get your attention;
this is not considered rude.

18. In Pakistan, when someone offers you anything, it is polite to refuse it before accepting.
A Pakistani may offer you something that he cannot afford to give, so be sure to decline
several times. If the offer is genuine, the item may be thrust into your hands.

19. In South Africa, talking with your hands in your pockets is considered rude.

20. Never tough a Thai person on the head. It is the highest and most sacred part of the body.
·	If you touch a person's head by accident, apologize immediately.

Source: Behave Yourself1 The Essential Guide to International Etiquette, by Michael Powell

Discuss
1.  What might happen in Argentina if you back away from someone while they are speaking
with you? How might the person feel?

2. What might happen if you immediately accept a Pakistani person's invitation to have you visit their home for dinner?

3. Why might it be important to understand that for Chinese people, spitting is for good luck?

4. What are the benefits of knowing about the cultural norms of other cultures?

11
--------