Surprising Cultural Norms Examples in Other Countries That Will Leave You Speechless

Surprising Cultural Norms Examples in Other Countries That Will Leave You Speechless

When we think about cultural differences, we usually consider the surface-level nuances – the way that people dress or the type of food they eat, for example. However, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that many countries harbor surprising cultural norms that utterly confound outsiders. Here are some examples from around the world that will leave you speechless.

Japanese bow

In Japan, bowing is deeply ingrained in daily life. From greeting someone to thanking them, the Japanese bow is a fundamental aspect of nonverbal communication. The duration and depth of one’s bow can convey a range of meanings, including respect, apology, or congratulations.

While bowing might seem strange to someone from a Western culture, it is a vital part of Japanese etiquette and good manners. Japanese people take great pride in their hospitality and bowing is a way to show their respect and appreciation towards others.

South Korean Drinking Culture

Drinking alcohol in South Korea is not just about having a good time. It’s an essential part of the country’s business culture. Drinking can help strengthen professional relationships, and failure to keep up with the alcohol consumption can even harm them.

A typical Korean drinking session involves sharing various kinds of alcohol with your workmates. The most senior person begins the round by pouring drinks for others and, in turn, other coworkers will pour drinks for their seniors. The amount of alcohol consumed in these sessions can be quite high, with traditional drinks such as soju and makgeolli being popular.

Indian Arranged Marriages

Many people may have heard of or even experienced the concept of the arranged marriage, but few know how it is practiced in India. Arranged marriages have been a long-standing tradition in Indian culture. They are often arranged by parents or close relatives, and couples only get to meet each other after the engagement.

In India, the practice of arranged marriage isn’t necessarily seen as restrictive or oppressive. Instead, arranged marriage is considered a way to ensure compatibility between two families. It is believed that parents are best suited to make the match as they are experienced and know their children’s personalities well.

Iranian Taarof

Taarof is a Persian concept of etiquette that dictates displaying excessive and unconditional displays of hospitality and respect to a guest. It’s a complex system of rules that can confound outsiders, but in Iran, Taarof is fundamental to daily life.

For example, when the bill for a restaurant meal arrives, it is customary for all the diners to fight over paying. Even if one person intends to pay for the entire meal, they will insist on letting others pay. It is essential to keep in mind Iranian Taarof while doing business in Iranian culture.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of cultural norms from around the world that might surprise you. From South Korea’s drinking culture to Japan’s bowing etiquette, and India’s arranged marriage. Understanding and appreciating these cultural nuances is fundamental to respecting people from other cultures.