Cultural Differences: 9 Surprising Customs from Around the World.

Photo Credit (Freepik)

1. People in Malaysia. Use Their Thumb to Point.

In certain nations, pointing with one’s index finger is considered disrespectful. While many cultures undoubtedly think pointing a finger isn’t particularly nice, some countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, find this action extremely disrespectful. There, it is considerably more polite to use your thumb to point toward objects. In many African countries, pointing is reserved for inanimate objects, not people.

2. Nicaraguans point with their lips.
   People in various countries use mouth contortions to communicate. For example, in Nicaragua, it is typical to point with the lips rather than the thumb or index finger. Are you wondering how this is done? It all starts with puckering up in a duck face. The lips can then be directed forward or sideways to emphasize the message being made. This gesture is generally accompanied by a directing head movement, indicating that something is happening nearby.
3. The French Go for Kissing
   Most cultures have distinct welcoming traditions, such as hand waves and grins. Kissing on the cheek as a sign of greeting is popular throughout many cultures. However, the French have taken this to an entirely new level. For example:

Kissing rules differ between men and women in France.
French people are required to kiss and greet everyone who arrives at a party, whether they know them or not.
The quantity of kisses necessary to complete the greeting varies by region.

4. Nigerians kneel or prostrate themselves. When Greeting
   Members of the Yoruba tribe, a Nigerian ethnic group, take greeting customs very seriously, particularly with their elders. When an adult approaches, young people typically welcome them by dropping on their knees. Women kneel, whereas men prostrate themselves. These customary gestures show deference and respect for the elders in the society. Other ethnic groups in Nigeria do not practice this custom. Watch a video of Yoruba greeting postures on YouTube.
5. People may spit on the bride at Greek weddings.
   Did you know that the Greeks linked spitting with good luck? It is regarded as a traditional good luck charm at occasions such as weddings. Today, wedding guests do not spit on the bride. Instead of causing damage to the bridal gown, the gesture evolved into the more sanitary and symbolic act of visitors forcibly saying “ftou ftou ftou.” Greeks often do this during other special occasions, such as baptisms, to recognize the baby’s good health and beauty.
6. In Russia, September 12 is known as the Day of Conception.
   Cultures often handle marriage, sex, and reproduction in distinct ways. For example, Russia has dropping birth rates, an unbalanced gender distribution, and frighteningly short male lifespans. To address this issue, the Russian government declared a national holiday on September 12 to provide couples time off work to procreate. Prizes are awarded to successful parents whose babies are born around nine months later.
7. The Danes hang out in cemeteries
   Cemeteries are eerie places in many nations, but not in Denmark. Instead of congregating in parks, the Danes have transformed their cemeteries into public spaces. When the weather warms up after winter, Danish cemeteries become well-kept and crowded with inhabitants. In Copenhagen, the country’s capital, you will be in good company. Many well-known Danish people are buried in city cemeteries, including Hans Christian Andersen.
8. The Japanese enjoy slurping.
   Most cultures have standards for table etiquette. In Western societies, eating meals loudly is considered impolite. However, in Japan, making slurping sounds while eating is accepted. This most likely has to do with how noodles are eaten. In Western countries, you swirl your noodles with a spoon or fork before eating them. The Japanese slurp their noodles without wrapping them around a utensil. This method of noodles eating is inherently louder. Making slurping sounds when eating noodles in Japan suggests that you are enjoying them. Some people feel that sucking the noodles increases their flavor.
9. Using Your Left Hand May Be Rude.
   In certain nations, using the left hand for eating or other activities is considered offensive. People in these countries use their left hands to wipe themselves after using the restroom; hence, the left hand is considered dirty. This custom is prevalent in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. When visiting various parts of the world, always use your right hand to greet, exchange money, handle items, and, of course, eat.

Why Cultural Differences Matter
If you don’t consider cultural differences in your worldwide marketing campaigns, you risk alienating a large portion of your target audience and losing income. Working in an online global business environment requires you to be familiar with the traditions, habits, and practices of the people in your target country. Localize recognizes the significance of cultural diversity. Our full-service TMS can assist you in managing unique cultural terminology through resources such as glossaries, style guidelines, and more. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in developing a true multidomestic strategy.