§ do not bring liquor to an Arab house. For many Arabs, alcohol is forbidden by religious law;
§ in China expensive presents are not acceptable and cause great embarrassment. Give a collective gift from your company to theirs.
§ in British restaurant’s tip is included in the bill. In some Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Spain, the customer is expected to pay a little extra for satisfactory service;
§ don’t criticize royalty in great Britain;
§ in Arabian countries don’t admire an object openly. The owner may feel obligated to give it to you;
§ thus, if you are aware of the customs of the country you are visiting, you will not cause offence or be offended.
Exercise 1. Give the English for:
обговорювати діловіпитання; передавати документ; письмовий контракт;
пояснювати всі деталі; звичайна поведінка; терплячість; пропонувати подарунок; збентеження; чайові; рахунок за послуги; образити когось; бути ображеним; звичай країни; правила поведінки.
Exercise 2. Match words from list A with words from list B that have a similar meaning:
A B
custom gratuity
gift costly
operate evade
spell out impolite
rude conduct
behavior explain in detail
avoid act
expensive habit
tip additional
extra present
Exercise 3. Answer the following questions:
1. What should you know before going business abroad?
2. In which country is it not recommended to discuss business over dinner?
3. In what countries will you never make written contracts?
4. Where do they change written contracts as conditions do?
5. What is considered polite in the USA?
6. What behavior is usual in Japan and Korea?
7. You shouldn’t bring liquor to an Arab house. Why?
8. What gifts are not acceptable in China?
9. Is the custom of giving tips still common in many countries?