CULTURAL SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCESBRAZILIANDIFFERENCES Make the Essay

CULTURAL SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCES

BRAZILIAN

DIFFERENCES: Make the “OK” Hand Gesture. (non-verbal) The hand gesture that means “OK” in Malaysia indicates another offensive meaning in Brazil. Brazilians get furious towards such signs therefore, foreigners should avoid making the “OK” sign at all cost.

SIMILARITY: Criticize Brazil. (verbal) Foreigners shouldn’t feel free to criticize the culture of Brazil vocally although Brazilians does that to their own country. Similarly to Malaysians, Brazilians are yet still proud of their own country regardless their corruptions that takes place simply.

SAUDI ARABIAN

DIFFERENCES: Neglection of an offer by the Saudi Arabians. (verbal) Saudi Arabians gets offended when the recipient declines the food offered by them.

Similarity: During Ramadan, don’t be seen or eating. (non-verbal) Muslims in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia fasts during the month of Ramadan. It’s disrespectful when they’re seen eating or drinking. Even if it is absolutely must, it is encouraged to do it privately to show some respect to other fasting candidates.

FRENCH

DIFFEERENCES: Do not talk in English right away when speaking with a Frenchman. (verbal) Avoid speaking in English when the first time you approach a Frenchman. According to Malaysians it is rude if they don’t respond to us when we beginning to speak in English but to Frenchman it means they are trying to avoid looking foolish to the eye of the foreigners. Instead, foreigners should try to learn some French phase when the first time speaking to a Frenchman.

Similarity: The kingdom of politeness. (verbal) A polite formality takes place when engaging in a conversation with a Frenchman such as “Bonjour” means “hello”, “Merci” means “thank you” and “Au revoir” means “goodbye” whenever you leave a place. Mannerism is very fundamental to Frenchman likewise Malaysians. For instance, Malaysian greets “Selamat Datang” in their local language which means “welcome” when they meet foreigners

JAPAN

DIFFERENCES: The usage of chopsticks. (non-verbal) Never stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice to your plate and don’t rub the chopsticks together, it’s rude to Japanese.

Similarity: Courtesy at religious region. In japan, be silent in the main hall when visiting temples. Avoid dressing inappropriately. The Malaysians too keeps up with the rule while visiting temples anywhere in Malaysia.