It is always important to give people a good first impression, it shorten the distance between people, it is especially important for business live meeting.
there are many ways to greet another person, it depends on where you are or how well you know that person, below is part of our third research. it shows you how to greet people in different countries.
BELIZE --- Press fists together and press the counterpart’s fist together.
JAPAN --- Bow from the waist.
RUSSIA --- Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks...left, right, left. This is an old tradition.
EGYPT --- Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks...left, right, left. While men will cheek kiss other men and women will cheek kiss other women, no woman of a good family would cheek kiss a man, even if it is a friend of long standing.
ITALY --- Kiss on cheek 2 or 3 times -- Just kiss in the air.
NEW ZEALAND --- When Maori people greet each other, they press their noses together. This custom is called hongi.
BOLIVIA --- The Aymara women in Bolivia says hello to a friend with a tip of her bowler hat.
ECUADOR --- An Ecuadorian woman greets her friend with medio abrazo ("half embrace") -- like a partial hug.
MEXICO --- One kiss on the cheek. (Kiss in the air to the left or right)
U.S. --- Businessmen (women) usually shake hands when meeting each other.
SOUTH AFRICA --- The Zulu of South Africa say, "Sakubona" when greeting friends.
ITALY --- In Italy, friends greet each other by saying, "Ciao."
FIJI --- Men are expected to say "oooo" when greeting their chief.
AFGHANISTAN --- It is traditional for women to be more reserved in their greetings than men. When meeting a stranger, a man will say "manda na bashi." (May you not be tired.) A Ghilzai woman will raise her hand to cover her mouth.
U.S. and EUROPE --- The High-fives originated among American college basketball players in the early 1980s. It soon spread to other sports and became fashionable among young people.
ZAMBIA --- To find your partner, nod, slightly bend knees, and shake hands, right hand extended, with left hand under right elbow.
PORTUGAL --- Bom dia means "hello" in Portuguese.
GHANA Ming-gah-bou, Ga means "hello" in Ghana.
ISRAEL --- Shalom means hello in Hebrew.
CHINA --- Some people in China just say Ni-hao-ma which means "How are you?"
TURKEY --- Merhaba means "hello."
MADAGASCAR --- People used to greet nobles by saying Tsara Va?, which meant are you well?
FRANCE --- In France, people say Bon jour (Good day) during the day and Bon soir (good evening) in the evening.
SOUTH AFRICA --- The Afikaners of South Africa say "Goeie more" in the morning, "Goeie middag' in the afternoon, and "Goeie naand" in the evening.
CYPRUS Telephone greeting --- In Cyprus, people answer the phone with "Ano" ("Yes").
CZECH REPUBLIC Telephone greeting --- In Czech Republic, people answer the phone with "Prosim:" ("Ready").
GERMANY Telephone greeting --- In Germany, people answer the phone by saying their last name.
GREECE --- In the exotic Greek language, "Kalimera" (Good morning) is said.
VIETNAM --- Hello in Vietnamese is different depending on whom you are addressing. To an older man it is "Chao ong." To an older woman it is "Chao da." To a younger man it is "Chao anh." To a younger woman it is "Chau co." To small children it is "Chao chau."
source: Hawaii Geographic Alliance
Updated: March, 1998
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Business in Japan
Japan business Part 1 - Working in Japan (Pre-departure)
- Working practices in Japan
- Due to the strong contemporary business competition in Asia, the old concept of the 'unhurried' Japanese negotiation process is no longer applicable. Decisions are made swiftly and efficiently.
- When arranging a business appointment, making a personal call will be more effective than sending a letter and seen as good manners.
- Punctuality is essential in Japan; lateness is as sign of disrespect. Arriving 5 minutes prior to an appointment is good practice.
- Structure and hierarchy in Japanese companies.
- The strong hierarchical structure in Japanese business is reflected in the negotiation process. They begin at the executive level and continue at the middle level. However, decisions will often be made within the group.
- Generally speaking, in business meetings the Japanese will line up in order of seniority, with the most senior person at the front and the least senior person closest to the door. In addition to this rule however, you may find that the most senior person chooses where to sit.
- It is important to bear in mind that in contemporary Japan, even a low ranking individual can become a manager if his or her performance is good.
- Working relationships in Japan
- Due to the influence of Confucianism, it is important to show greater respect to the eldest members in Japanese business culture. Age and rank are strongly connected, however a change in today's business climate means that educational background and ability are often considered over age.
- Personal space is highly valued in Japan due to the densely populated areas in which they live. Physical contact, other than a handshake, is never displayed in public.
Japan business Part 2 - Doing business in Japan
- Business practices in Japan
- Business in Japan cannot begin until the exchange of business cards or 'meishi' has been completed. Use both hands to present your card, which should be printed in both languages. On receiving your counterpart's business card make a show of examining it carefully before placing it on the table. It is important to deal with another's business card with care.
- A significant part of former Japanese business protocol was gift giving. In contemporary Japanese business culture, although not expected, the gesture is still practiced and will be accepted with gratitude. However, be careful not to take too big a gift as it may be regarded as a bribe.
- It is good business practice to engage in small talk before negotiations. Expect your Japanese counterpart to ask questions regarding your education, family and social life. More private questions are not acceptable.
- In Japanese business protocol contracts are not necessarily final agreements or a sign that business in over. In Japan, looking after partners or clients even after business is very important. Aftercare and long-term relationships are positively encouraged.
- Japanese business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
- DO use apologies where the intention is serious and express gratitude frequently as it is considered polite in Japan.
- DO avoid confrontation or showing negative emotions during business negations. Express opinions openly but evade direct or aggressive refusals.
- DO greet your counterparts with the proper respect and politeness. If your counterpart bows make sure you return the gesture, which is usually performed shortly and shallowly. More often than not, a handshake is sufficient.
- DON'T give excessive praise or encouragement to a single Japanese colleague in front of others. Remember that the group is often more important than the individual.
- DON'T address your Japanese counterpart by their first name unless invited to do so. Use the titles 'Mr' or 'Mrs' or add 'san' to their family name; for example, Mr Hiroshima will be "Hiroshima san"
- DON'T use large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions or dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands.
- * Source: CIA The World Factbook 2004
Friday, September 21, 2007
returned cultural probe (pic)
We took some pictures for cultural probe after it returned
from participants.
The result is pretty diverse. Most of them have been
to Australia and some parts of Asia, such as Hong
Kong, Japan and Singapore. Although none of them
have been to Middle East of South America, they show
interest in visiting those countries one day. Most of
them chose Europe as their favorite destination.
For the section section, (Schedule),the results indicated
that they all have a pretty routine lifestyle.
Most of them only travel between their work
places and home. Also, users reported that they have
to communicate with different people from other
countries at their workplaces.
Third Section – Movie clips
Interestingly, all of them got over half of the
answers wrong. The result indicates that they have
a fairly low understanding about different cultural
gestures. Also, we realized that they tend to have a
negative interpretation of the gesture when they do not
understand what they are.
Last Section – experiences
it is the most interesting part, cause there are some stories
we just never expect, also we got people's opinions as well.
The Thai participant said that it is awkward for her to
see Australians put their feet on the coffee table at
home, as it is considered to be very rude to one’s feet
in her culture.
Also, she was surprised to know the dining culture in
Japan. She was told that she had to make loud eating
noise in order to show your respect to the chef, and in
fact, the louder the better!
Another participant from US doubts that whether
teenagers know the real meaning of putting two fingers
up on their shoulder, as this gesture means “I want to
buy $20 of Heroin” in the underground drug markets.
Cultural Probe content
Above: instruction of the cultural probe
pic2: Participants are required to select the countries they
have visited as well as the countries they are interested
in visiting in the future.
pic3: continue from the previous section
pic4: continue from the previous section
pic5: Participants are required to write down places they
have visited and people they have interacted with
during any three days of the week.
pic6: A CD contains a movie clip of different gestures are
selected from different countries. Participants are
required to write down the possible meanings of
the nine gestures based on their own knowledge or
instincts.
(you can also browse the clip from youtube!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khAQyc-eyv0
pic7: Stories/ Experiences
Participants are required to write down their experiences
regarding cultural differences.
Cultural Probe (objectives & Rational)
ok...here is our cultural probe objectives & Rational:
Topic: Cross Cultural communication with Gestures
Research method: Cultural Probe
Objectives: To obtain the subjective point of view from users. The end results of cultural probe should be able to tell us what they need most in terms of this topic, by acknowledging the users’ concerns, experiences as well as their knowledge about communication with gestures.
Rational:
Our cultural probe contains 4 major research tools which allow our users to share their stories, show their concerns and knowledge towards the topic of communication with gestures based on their own individual background.
1. A world map – Users are required to select the countries they have visited as well as the countries they are interested in visiting in the future. By acknowledging their preferences in destination, we are able to prioritise our content in the design.
2. A Diary – Users are given the opportunity to share their personal experiences of encountering new gestures in different cultures or situations. This open-ended question allows the users to express how they feel and how would they handle the situation.
3. A schedule – Users are required to write down places they have visited and people they have interacted with during any three days of the week. This helps us to determine which piece of information would be more relevant to them in terms of their daily life basis.
4. A CD – A CD contains a movie clip of different gestures are selected from different countries. Users are required to write down the possible meanings of the nine gestures based on their own knowledge or instincts. By doing this, it wil let us know how different people interpret the meaning of different gestures around the world.
Topic: Cross Cultural communication with Gestures
Research method: Cultural Probe
Objectives: To obtain the subjective point of view from users. The end results of cultural probe should be able to tell us what they need most in terms of this topic, by acknowledging the users’ concerns, experiences as well as their knowledge about communication with gestures.
Rational:
Our cultural probe contains 4 major research tools which allow our users to share their stories, show their concerns and knowledge towards the topic of communication with gestures based on their own individual background.
1. A world map – Users are required to select the countries they have visited as well as the countries they are interested in visiting in the future. By acknowledging their preferences in destination, we are able to prioritise our content in the design.
2. A Diary – Users are given the opportunity to share their personal experiences of encountering new gestures in different cultures or situations. This open-ended question allows the users to express how they feel and how would they handle the situation.
3. A schedule – Users are required to write down places they have visited and people they have interacted with during any three days of the week. This helps us to determine which piece of information would be more relevant to them in terms of their daily life basis.
4. A CD – A CD contains a movie clip of different gestures are selected from different countries. Users are required to write down the possible meanings of the nine gestures based on their own knowledge or instincts. By doing this, it wil let us know how different people interpret the meaning of different gestures around the world.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
US troops taught Iraqi gestures
US troops taught Iraqi gestures
By Paul Rincon
BBC News science reporter, St Louis
Iraqi being stopped by a US Marine
The new training tool aims to end confusing, dangerous situations
The US military has funded a computer game to teach its troops how to use and decipher Iraqi body language.
The purpose is to teach soldiers that using the wrong gestures can potentially cause offence and escalate already tense situations.
In the program, users must build trust with local people through verbal communication and gestures.
One of the system's creators says the training tool, known as Tactical Iraqi, has already been a great success.
Hannes Vilhjalmsson, a research scientist at the University of Southern California, gave details of the Tactical Iraqi at a conference in St Louis, US.
The system also gives troops Arabic language skills.
Cultural differences
The program teaches military personnel some key gestures such as an up-down movement with the right hand to ask someone to slow down and gives them tips such as removing mirror sunglasses when approaching local people.
In western countries, we control our body language more. In Arabic culture, it is important you show how open you are
Dr Hannes Vilhjalmsson
University of Southern California
"In Iraq, to show sincerity you have to put more effort into your gestures," said Dr Vilhjalmsson.
"In Western countries, we control our body language more. In Arabic culture, it is important you show how open you are."
He added that reserved body language in exchanges with local people could be interpreted as having something to hide in Iraq, potentially escalating a tense situation.
Military personnel also learn that people can approach each other more closely than one normally might in the West.
Dr Vilhjalmsson said it was important troops should not automatically interpret close proximity in an exchange as a threat.
And the game teaches them that pointing the finger at a person can be considered aggressive in Arab cultures.
Regional variation
Tactical Iraqi is built on top of the game engine for Unreal Tournament, a first-person computer "shoot-em-up". In the training tool, though, subjects use communication to resolve situations.
Dr Vilhjalmsson said initial testing of Tactical Iraqi with marines deployed to Iraq had shown the programme to be very effective.
The University of Southern California is also working on other versions of the game: Tactical Pashto, which trains troops in communication specific to Afghanistan; and Tactical Levantine, which teaches them Arabic language and gestures specific to Lebanon and other surrounding areas.
The training system has been funded by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa).
Dr Vilhjalmsson was speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in St Louis, US.
By Paul Rincon
BBC News science reporter, St Louis
Iraqi being stopped by a US Marine
The new training tool aims to end confusing, dangerous situations
The US military has funded a computer game to teach its troops how to use and decipher Iraqi body language.
The purpose is to teach soldiers that using the wrong gestures can potentially cause offence and escalate already tense situations.
In the program, users must build trust with local people through verbal communication and gestures.
One of the system's creators says the training tool, known as Tactical Iraqi, has already been a great success.
Hannes Vilhjalmsson, a research scientist at the University of Southern California, gave details of the Tactical Iraqi at a conference in St Louis, US.
The system also gives troops Arabic language skills.
Cultural differences
The program teaches military personnel some key gestures such as an up-down movement with the right hand to ask someone to slow down and gives them tips such as removing mirror sunglasses when approaching local people.
In western countries, we control our body language more. In Arabic culture, it is important you show how open you are
Dr Hannes Vilhjalmsson
University of Southern California
"In Iraq, to show sincerity you have to put more effort into your gestures," said Dr Vilhjalmsson.
"In Western countries, we control our body language more. In Arabic culture, it is important you show how open you are."
He added that reserved body language in exchanges with local people could be interpreted as having something to hide in Iraq, potentially escalating a tense situation.
Military personnel also learn that people can approach each other more closely than one normally might in the West.
Dr Vilhjalmsson said it was important troops should not automatically interpret close proximity in an exchange as a threat.
And the game teaches them that pointing the finger at a person can be considered aggressive in Arab cultures.
Regional variation
Tactical Iraqi is built on top of the game engine for Unreal Tournament, a first-person computer "shoot-em-up". In the training tool, though, subjects use communication to resolve situations.
Dr Vilhjalmsson said initial testing of Tactical Iraqi with marines deployed to Iraq had shown the programme to be very effective.
The University of Southern California is also working on other versions of the game: Tactical Pashto, which trains troops in communication specific to Afghanistan; and Tactical Levantine, which teaches them Arabic language and gestures specific to Lebanon and other surrounding areas.
The training system has been funded by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa).
Dr Vilhjalmsson was speaking at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in St Louis, US.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Children & Mobile Technology:
The Japanese Experience
Mobile Phone Use in Japan
In Japan, mobile phone penetration is 62% of the total population, which means about 80 million people have and use mobiles, and 60 million phone users have IP connectivity. Every year the number of phone owners increases. Looking at the age range 12-30 one finds mobile phone use amongst 21% of the 12-14 age group, 64% of the 15-17 age group, 92% of the 18-22 age group, and 86% amongst the 23-30 year olds. In the three younger age groups girls mobile phone use is marginally higher than boys – 28% in 12-14 group, 68% in the 15-17 group, and 95% in the 18-22 group.
Generations Trying To Adapt to New Media
High school students and younger are growing up with new media technology. They are a born digital network generation and thus the way they communicate with other people is very different to older generations. In the younger age group, 78% of the 10-20 year olds, and 72% of the 20-30 year olds, have the highest proportion of those mobile phone users who access the Internet via their phone. In the 50-60 age group, 21% only of mobile phone users access the Internet via their phone, despite the fact that 33% of this age group who could access the Internet via their phone do not. The older generations who are adapting to the new media face more difficulties
Typical use of the camera function:
Mobile Photo Messaging’s Characteristics:
Mobile video communication:
The latest phone provided by the new facility of mobile video communication. This enables sensational experience via mobile – Experiencing by mobile what other people are doing, People can experience their body movements such as walking, pointing etc, and also their personal of consciousness experience, following their mental process, seeing what takes their thought or curiosity. People can share this with others in a distant location or visualize teleconferencing via mobile. Perhaps uses for this includes remote consumer interview and survey, or live teaching in a classroom, remotely collaborated fieldwork, visual navigation and guidance etc. New applications for this technology will come up by the next generation.
Mobile Visual Communication and Children:
There are great possibilities for children with this new technology:
The Japanese Experience
Mobile Phone Use in Japan
In Japan, mobile phone penetration is 62% of the total population, which means about 80 million people have and use mobiles, and 60 million phone users have IP connectivity. Every year the number of phone owners increases. Looking at the age range 12-30 one finds mobile phone use amongst 21% of the 12-14 age group, 64% of the 15-17 age group, 92% of the 18-22 age group, and 86% amongst the 23-30 year olds. In the three younger age groups girls mobile phone use is marginally higher than boys – 28% in 12-14 group, 68% in the 15-17 group, and 95% in the 18-22 group.
Generations Trying To Adapt to New Media
High school students and younger are growing up with new media technology. They are a born digital network generation and thus the way they communicate with other people is very different to older generations. In the younger age group, 78% of the 10-20 year olds, and 72% of the 20-30 year olds, have the highest proportion of those mobile phone users who access the Internet via their phone. In the 50-60 age group, 21% only of mobile phone users access the Internet via their phone, despite the fact that 33% of this age group who could access the Internet via their phone do not. The older generations who are adapting to the new media face more difficulties
Typical use of the camera function:
- To send to their boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend they use facial image to express their feeling – eg ‘What do you think about my new hairstyle?’
- Personification – with pets or toys as a proxy for a message. You speak to Dolls and in return, dolls speak back to you.
- Exposure the current circumstances through one’s view – pictures can be taken and used to be ‘live’ reporting of your current situation, or example graphic icons can say ‘I’m stuck in traffic’, or ‘ I am having curry for dinner’, ‘I have arrived at school’ etc.
- Emotions and feelings live of expressions – for eg a picture of a front door can express the message ‘Oh my god! I forgot to bring a key and I am waiting outside’
Mobile Photo Messaging’s Characteristics:
- Live and instant expression eg Reporting what is happening to myself right here; The message is only meaningful to send now; Instant emotions and feelings
- Send a photo to a specific person eg a photo meaningful particularly to the receiver, sharing one’s experience with some special person.
- A photo can modify the meaning of the text - a rich combination of image and text.
Mobile video communication:
The latest phone provided by the new facility of mobile video communication. This enables sensational experience via mobile – Experiencing by mobile what other people are doing, People can experience their body movements such as walking, pointing etc, and also their personal of consciousness experience, following their mental process, seeing what takes their thought or curiosity. People can share this with others in a distant location or visualize teleconferencing via mobile. Perhaps uses for this includes remote consumer interview and survey, or live teaching in a classroom, remotely collaborated fieldwork, visual navigation and guidance etc. New applications for this technology will come up by the next generation.
Mobile Visual Communication and Children:
There are great possibilities for children with this new technology:
- The understanding of others support: eg Attention & interest to other person’s perspective; compassion with other person’s emotions and feelings; diminishing egocentric thought;
- Collaboration and Supporting remote assistance and: eg training, fieldwork, education; mobile network intelligence’ and cooperative problem solving.
- New culture and arts’ possibility: eg a new and rich way of expression and interpretation; even art can be facilitated by the phones; visual poem, diary.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)