152

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia
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Meal times are usually 7:00 to 8:00 .. for breakfast, noon to
2:00 .. for lunch, and 7:00 to 10:00 .. for dinner.
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Be prepared for as much as two or three hours of talking and
socializing before a meal. It is advisable to have a small snack
before going.
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At a meal, communal dishes are placed in the center of the table
and each person serves himself or herself. Do not let the serving
utensils touch your plate, and never use your le hand. Usually,
there will be no utensils, as people eat with their hands. Bread and
rice balls are used to scoop up curries and vegetables. Watch your
host. is technique takes a bit of practice. If your meal is served
on a plantain leaf, do not eat it; that plantain leaf is your plate.
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Do not serve yourself large portions, but leave room to compli-
ment your host and hostess by returning for two or three help-
ings. When you are nished, politely refuse additional servings.
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Buddhists are vegetarians, Hindus do not eat beef, and Muslims
do not eat pork. When eating out, the person who initiates the
invitation is the one who will pay for the entire meal.
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Good topics of conversation include families, home, schools,
and sights of Sri Lanka. Topics to avoid include the ethnic strife
between the Tamils and Sinhalese, relations with India, religion,
the caste system, sex, and the tragedies of the tsunami.

followed by a person’s given or rst name.
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Tamils also have two main names. e father’s comes rst, then
the child’s. Many people (both Tamils and Sinhalese) use an initial
for their rst names.
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It is best to ask someone how he or she prefers to be addressed.
Gestures
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e le hand is taboo for most purposes, because it was historically
used for hygienic purposes. erefore, do not use this hand when
eating, passing food or objects, or touching another person.
●
Nonverbal signals for agreement are reversed from those in West-
ern countries. A nod of the head may mean “no,” and shaking
your head from side to side can indicate “yes.”
●
Pointing with your nger is considered rude. Beckon a person by
waving your ngers with the hand extended, palm down.
●
Smiling can be considered irtatious.
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e head is considered sacred, and the feet are dirty. erefore, do
not touch another’s head and do not prop your feet up on desks or
chairs.
Gifts
●
If you are invited to a home for a meal, a gi is not expected but
will be appreciated.
●

The Taiwanese are justifiably sensitive about their relationship with mainland China (the
People’s Republic of China). Even though their economies are intricately interconnected, the
PRC continues to issue threatening statements regarding the inadvisability of the “secession
of Taiwan.” Despite these declarations, the Taiwanese continue to hold onto their views on
national identity.
●
3
WHAT’S YOUR CULTURAL IQ?
1.
Studies show that Asians sleep fewer hours each night than North
Americans and Europeans. In Taipei, many businesses stay open
twenty-four hours a day. Which of the following rms cater to
Taipei’s night owls?
a. Florists
b. Internet cafés
c. Opticians
d. Bookstores
e. All of the above
ANSWER: e. Residents of Taipei shop all night long.
2.
In 1999, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck
Taiwan. Over 2,000 people died, nearly 9,000 were injured, and
approximately 10,000 were homeless. Which relief organization
was most eective in immediately getting aid to the survivors?
156

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia
a. e Red Cross
b. e Tzu-Chi Foundation
c. e World Health Organization

complimentary. It plays into the stereotype of Westerners as hairy,
unkempt barbarians. Westerners can ght this characterization
by being beardless and well groomed.
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Executives in the health care and medical supply industries must
face the Taiwanese reluctance to discuss illness. People in Taiwan