World Culture Trivia

In what country is it considered a compliment to slurp loudly while eating soup?

• Iceland

• Colombia

• Japan

• Russia

You are in Amman, Jordan, and you are invited to go to the souk. Where will you be going?

• Mosque

• Market

• Turkish Bath

• Park

In Italy, mums and roses are the favored flowers to take when invited to dinner. True or False?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In Italy, mums and roses are funeral flowers. Colors, numbers, and types of flowers can be a minefield in different cultures.

In which country would showing up half an hour late for an invitation be considered rude?

• Greece

• Panama

• Switzerland

• Guinea

Answer explanation

Attitudes to time differ between different cultures in often quite significant ways. For example, in some countries arriving late to a meeting is the norm, or at least tolerated, where in other countries, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, punctuality is expected.

If you are having dinner with a business partner in Argentina, when is it appropriate to talk business?

• As soon as you sit down at the table

• After some polite table conversation

• After the meal is through

• Never

Answer explanation

In Argentina, relationships are important, so it helps to begin with table conversation to get to know each other before beginning to discuss business matters in earnest. You should follow your business partner’s cues, and pick up the business discussion when she or he steers in that direction.

Beginning with small talk helps establish a base for the relationship, after which discussion of business matters can begin. Wait for your host to initiate.

In Egypt, you have been invited to a meal at a family home. Towards the end of the meal you are very full. Your hostess offers you more food. What should you do?

• Politely refuse.

• Accept and eat everything on your plate.

• Accept and take a small bite.

• Accept and ask if you can take it with you.

Answer explanation

In most of the Middle East you will always be offered more food. If you really don't want to eat anymore, take very little and leave it on your plate. It’s considered good manners to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show the host(ess) has fed you enough food.

While in South Korea for a business meeting, you present a gift to a business associate to thank him for his hospitality and to build the relationship. He refuses to accept the gift. You should:

• Apologize for offending him

• Insist he takes the gift until it is accepted

• Quietly keep the gift

Answer explanation

In South Korea, expect some resistance when giving gifts. Not accepting a gift right away is considered good manners, so persistence is key!

In India, you are invited to a friend’s house to share a meal of rice and curry. What is the best way to eat?

• Using a spoon

• Using your left hand only

• Using your right hand only

• Using both hands

Answer explanation

Using your left hand to eat is taboo in India—only the right hand may be used for eating. The left hand is considered unclean.

In which country would you expect to see students knock on their desks after a particularly good lecture or presentation?

• Brazil

• Thailand

• Germany

• Uganda

Answer explanation

In Germany and Austria, many students would knock on their desks or a table to show appreciation for a good lecture or presentation. In these cultures this action serves as a form of applause in academic settings.

In which country should you avoid wearing white clothing to a celebration and using white paper to wrap gifts?

• Bolivia

• Malawi

• China

• Turkey

Answer explanation

In China, white is traditionally the color worn for mourning. If you wrap a gift in white, the receiver of the gift will be reminded of death.