It’s nice to be with you. I’m Nadia from Dublin. Street: And good morning, Emollient, Jittering, and Nadia. Street ere from Nepal. Host: K. Lees get started. I see our first caller is on the line. Hello, Arturo from Montevideo. You’re on the air. Arturo: Good morning, actually, good evening. It’s 10:30 at night here in Montevideo. Here’s my question. I’m traveling on business to Thailand next month, and I’ll be working with Thai business managers from my company. What should I know? Jittering: Hello, Arturo. Jittering here. Just a couple of things: First, a taboo: Don’t touch anyone’s head, not even a child’s
Arturo: Him? Well, I don’t ordinarily touch people’s head, but if you don’t mind my asking, what’s wrong with touching someone’s head? Jittering: Well, we believe the head is where the person’s soul lives. So it’s very disrespectful and offensive to touch a person’s head. Arturo: Any other tips? Jittering: Well, when you are seated, be sure not to cross your legs in such a way that others can see the bottom of your foot. Arturo: Actually, I knew that. But don’t worry. It’s good to be reminded. I do have one more specific question before I hang up. Jittering: Sure. Washes that?
Arturo: In Uruguay, it’s customary to shake hands, and I know Thai people greet each other with the via. Will it seem impolite for a foreigner to do the way? And what happens if I don’t do it right? Will that be offensive? Jittering: Absolutely not! Just put the palms of your hands together on your chest and bow slightly. Say’ Swatted-grab. ” For the women listening, you say” Swatted aka. ” You will warm our hearts with that. Don’t worry if you don’t do it exactly the way This do it. And don’t worry about the pronunciation. Have a wonderful trip to Thailand. Try to do some sightseeing. And taste our wonderful food!
Arturo: Thanks so much. Host: Thank you, Jittering and Arturo, for a good lesson in cultural literacy. Lets take a break and then another call. Call 2 Horror and Nadia Host: Welcome back, listeners. This is Emollient McKay With a worldwide town meeting, answering all your questions about do’s and taboos around the world. Let’s say hello to Horror from Osaka, Japan. Horror, you’re on the air. Horror: Thank you, Emollient. My husband and are going to Dublin. He’s a banker and has business there, but I’m going with him as a tourist. I’m very interested in all kinds of culture, and understand Dublin is very different from
Japan. I have three questions. Nadia: Hello, Horror. Nadia on the line. Horror: Thanks, Nadia. If I ‘m alone, can walk on the street or drive a car? When we went to Saudi Arabia, women were not permitted to go out alone or drive. Nadia: Absolutely. As a woman traveler, you will have no difficulty getting around, even if you are alone. You can drive, and as long as you frees modestly, you can wear whatever you like. Horror: Second question: I don’t speak any Arabic. Nadia: Again, no problem. As you know, Arabic is the official language of Dublin, but English is commonly used in tourism and coverer.
Horror: You peak very good English, Nadia. Where did you learn it? Nadia: I actually am an English teacher. I learned my English in the United States, at the University of Wisconsin. Horror: And my last question: I’m an amateur photographer. Will I be TABLE to take pictures in Dublin? Nadia: Well, yes, but you should know that it is considered offensive to take pictures of Muslim women here. Horror: Oh, I’m glad I asked. What about pictures of men? Nadia: Well, yes, just be sure to ask permission. Horror: I don’t know how to thank you. I’m really looking forward to the trip! Host: We’ll be right back with our final call.
Cacao Xavier and Street Host: think we have time for one more caller. Xavier from Mexico city! Welcome to the show. How can we help you? Xavier: I’m going to Nepal next month on an international trip. I will be staying with a Naples family for a weekend, and I want to be sure I don’t offend anyone. Mexico is very different from Nepal. Host: Well… Let’s ask Street to comment. Street: Hi, Xavier. Let’s talk about TABLE manners. First of all, Naples don’t usually use spoons, forks, or knives. Xavier: No? So how do the people eat? How will I eat? Street: Well, your hosts will eat with their right hand, never use the left hand.
But I’m sure they’ll provide you with spoons and forks. If they are welcoming foreigners into their home, the” want you to be comforTABLE. But remember one important taboo: Beef is strictly forbidden as a food in both Hindu and Buddhist homes. Our typical food, however, is wonderful as a food in both Hindu and Buddhist homes. Our typical food, however, is wonderful and very flavors and healthy. Xavier: That’s great, because I’m Mexican, and we have great food in Mexico, too. Love good food when travel. Street, I’m very interested in culture, but I don’t know much about Hinduism and Buddhism.
What can you tell me? Street: Well, if you visit a Hindu temple or a Buddhist shrine, you must remove your shoes. Orr if you prefer, you can wear open sandals. Check first; in some Hindu temples, non-Hindus can’t enter. And, very important, don’t take leather things near the temple. And if you Want to take a picture, be sure to ask before using your camera. Xavier: Thanks so much. I feel very prepared now. Street: My pleasure. Host: Well, that’s all we have time for today. Until next time, this is Emollient McKay in Brussels, reminding you that in today’s world, cultural literacy is an essential survival skill.
