World Wise

Chinese Pear-fiction?

Thu, 1 May 2008 08:05:05 -0400

When serving pears, the Chinese do not cut them. The word 'pear' sounds very similar in Mandarin to the word 'divide' - cutting a pear is considered in some circles a bad omen of a divided family.

The Art of Tea In Russian Business

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:21:24 -0400

Russian tea served in two kettles: one contains strong tea, another (the samovar) - boiled water. If one is invited to a Russian home for tea, it is likely to entail a multi-course meal. Tea breaks are extremely important for business. If you encounter disagreements - offer a tea break, and change the subject to defuse tension.

C is for Chai

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:22:09 -0400

A good ice-breaker when dealing with Indians is to ask for chai [tea] at the start of a meeting. This is usually served with copious amounts of milk and sugar.

Brazilian Business Lingua Franca

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 22:39:54 -0400

If you are in Brazil and do not speak Portuguese, the phrase tudo bem? (o.k., just fine, all right?)can take you a long distance in establishing a tone of friendliness.

The Arab Break -fast?

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:40:21 -0400

The Ramadan fast is broken at sunset with sweet, non-alcoholic beverages in Egypt: kar ka de, which is a hibiscus tea or amar a din, which is apricot juice. Iftar, the meal for breaking the daily fast, is a great opportunity to build business relationships.

Japan: After and After-After that Business Dinner!

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:31:31 -0400

Enkai is the Japanese term for 'party' or 'banquet.' These are frequent corporate events where, to promote team-spirit, participants may, over rounds of drinks, drop their formality. It is usually followed by a nijikai or 'after-party' which is spontaneous and may be followed by a sanjikai or 'third party.'

Mano-a-mano or Mano-po?

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:08:51 -0400

Filipinos greet elders by bowing slightly and placing the elder's right hand on their foreheads, a practice inherited from the Catholic Church called Mano po.

The French Strategist

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:43:54 -0400

The "système D" (for "débrouillard") is a good example of French individualism, and French people learn from an early age how to use their individual astuteness to get around an overbearing bureaucracy or the authority of the social order.

Landing in a Soupy Russian Deal

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 02:45:55 -0400

Russians are fond of kasha, or hearty soups. Many kasha-related expressions are used in the business world. One is: Kashu maslom ne isportish' (You can't spoil kasha with butter,) meaning "you can never have enough of a good thing." A Russian might exclaim, "On takoi podlets, s nim kashi ne svarish'" (He's such a scoundrel, you can't have anything to do with him).

"Sirji or Ma'amji?"

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 05:07:24 -0400

The suffix "ji" customarily used after the first name is a mark of respect for both men and women [Example Ramesh Talwar might be addressed as "Rameshji" or even Uncleji]

Egypt: The World's Oldest IBM?

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:22:59 -0400

Egyptians joke about their IBM syndrome - the common use of "Inshaallah" (if God wills. This does not, as is often implied, indicate an inability to commit) , bokra (tomorrow or some time in the near future) and malesh (never mind, if one is inconvenienced by another's tardiness.)

Japanese Colleagues Get Close

Sat, 8 Sep 2007 16:12:20 -0400

"Tomodachi Kara Nakama e" (ÈâÀÁK‰Ê«Þx -from acquaintances to friends) The Japanese Nakama implies intimate friend or colleague, someone for whom you would make a sacrifice, compared to a Tomodaci, which is a casual acquaintance

Noodling Filipinos

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 14:09:04 -0400

Filipinos customarily serve noodles (pancit) on birthdays and special occasions as they are considered good omens for a long life.

French insist on politeness and respect in business

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 10:07:11 -0400

Comme il faut: The French insist on politeness and respect in business. The French boss may appear relaxed on social occasions, but this facade of bonhomie has misled unsuspecting visitors to lapse from formal polite behavior into being overly familiar. The boss is sure to remember the next day.

The Curse of Books In China

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:43:55 -0400

The Chinese word for book 'shu' sounds like the word for 'lose.' Books are not considered ideal gifts in a business setting.

Welcome to Russia!

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:42:35 -0400

In Russia bread and salt placed on a rushnik or embroidered cloth, are offered to important guests. Originating in the era of the Czars, bread symbolizes hospitality and prosperity to Slavic cultures. Of the salt, a Russian proverb says "You will only truly know a person only when you have 16 kilos salt with him or her."

Perfect Timing In India!

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:57:21 -0400

The word 'prepone' is frequently used in Indian business circles. It means the opposite of postpone.

Brazil - figa

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:25:50 -0400

Placing your thumb between your index and second finger is done for good luck, for protection against bad luck. The equivalent of crossing your fingers in the US. The figa is also worn as a charm in a bracelet, or as a decorative wooden object at home.

Arab World - "abu" "umm"

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:38:35 -0400

When more familiar with Arab colleagues, use 'abu'(father of) or 'umm' (mother of) for example: a man's name is Ali Abu Ahmed Abu Saleh al-Fulani; he may be called "Abu Saleh" by his friends and family; his family name is al-Fulani. What does Abu Saleh mean? This simply means that he is the father of Saleh.

Japan, ROKUYO

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:40:28 -0400

mÜ ROKUYO - Lucky (taian) days include the July 7th (7/7) and August 8th (8/8/). Unlucky days (butsumetsu) include April 4th (4/4) which is avoided for product launches.