Intercultural Quiz

Which of the following is considered poor etiquette in Japan?

• Offering a gift with two hands

• Placing your chopsticks upright in your food 

• Taking off your shoes before entering someone's home

Answer explanation

It is considered very rude to place chopsticks vertically in your food as it symbolises an offering to the dead.

In India, what do vegetarian Hindus typically not eat?

• Meat, fish, seafood, eggs and any dairy products

• Meat, fish, seafood and eggs

• Meat, fish and seafood

Answer explanation

'Pure' vegetarianism in Hinduism includes not eating eggs but dairy is acceptable.

Which colour should you avoid wearing in Brazil?

• Red

• Purple

• Yellow

Answer explanation

Together with black, purple is associated with mourning and is considered unlucky to wear unless you are attending a funeral.

In which country does nodding the head up and down mean 'no' rather than 'yes'?

• Bulgaria

• Russia

• Thailand

Answer explanation

There are a number of theories but nobody is quite sure why in Bulgaria nodding the head up and down means 'no' and shaking the head from side to side means 'yes'.

Which of the following is not one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion?

• Haj

• Ramadan

• Puja

Answer explanation

A Puja is a Hindu ritual commonly practised in India.

What is the Chinese term used to describe the concept of having a network of reciprocal relationships?

• Kegi

• Mianzi

• Guanxi

Answer explanation

Guanxi is a Chinese term that is very difficult to translate but loosely means a network of influential relationships and connections which help to facilitate business dealings in China.