2/16/21; Week 7: Response to Differences in Manners

Good or Bad Manners? 

Have you ever thought that cultural differences also include manners? Well, I've found out that differences in cultures around the world cover more aspects than I imagined. For example, did you know that in some countries in East Asia belching is considered a compliment to the chef? In Brazil is considered very impolite to do it when you're eating. What about the "okay" sign, did you know that in Brazil it is an offensive gesture? Handshakes are also on the list, did you know that a bone-crushing handshake is a sign of aggression in the Philippines, while in Brazil is a demonstration of professionalism? As you can see, a good manner may be considered a bad manner in some cultures, and vice-versa.

A great tip to not pass through an embarrassing situation is given by Professor John J. Ivers from the BYU-Idaho University. He says that if we are surrounded by people from another culture we need to "see what everyone is doing", in other words, we need to observe how others are doing something and follow that pattern. Professor Ivers emphasizes that we need to get familiar with "some of the differences around the world" so we won't find ourselves in a position that may offend others, as well as in a situation that we may feel offended.

My uncle once told me about a behavior he's used to seeing in the United States that shows differences in manners between two cultures. He is originally from Brazil but has lived in the USA for the last eight years. He told me that many Americans are used to opening the refrigerator of their relatives and friends. That is considered very impolite in Brazil. That's the kind of manner parents teach their kids not to do. Even if you're at your grandma's house you are not allowed to open the refrigerator and get some water, for example. You always need to ask for permission, and many times you just ask for your grandma (or any other relative or friend) to get what you want for you.

In a TESOL classroom, teachers may deal with those kinds of differences. Being aware that they exist, and get familiar with the students' cultures and backgrounds will be very helpful. A fun way to approach that is to create a lesson about manners so the students will be able to show their classmates what's considered rude or not in their cultures.    

References:

https://video.byui.edu/media/06+Difference+in+Manners/0_xc0a34gb 

https://people.howstuffworks.com/13-examples-of-good-and-bad-manners-around-the-world.htm#page=0