Editing Language/Multiple-languages/Culture/Cultural-differences-by-country

<div style="font-size:300%;">Cultural differences by country</div>



Every country has its own culture.

However, what seems logical in some countries is not perceived in the same way in others.

Geographical location, religion or even the history of countries play an important role in peoples' habits.

Although cultural diversity can be noted in the kitchen, it is also possible to notice them in everyday life.

Discover in this article four cultural differences between various societies.


== the way to say hello ==
The way to greet is different depending on the country;

Saying hello in a country other than his own can quickly become the obstacle course! Even in France, depending on the region, the way to say hello is different. Yet without this "simple" hello, you risk being rude and rude. Here are some examples of greetings in different countries.

In France, physical contact is important, regardless of the setting. A French can be considered touch (or too tactile) for foreigners. In a professional setting, or with strangers, it is common to shake hands. In the private setting, it is the kiss that is common and even for informal meetings. Be careful, depending on the region where you are, it can be a single kiss, two, three or even four! The kiss is a (typically) French way to greet and is criticized worldwide. It's even possible to see YouTube videos parodying our famous kiss.

===Asia===

In Asia, on the contrary, it is unusual to touch one another. It is important to maintain a certain distance between individuals. In business, especially with Europeans, it will be common to shake hands, but this practice is recent. Previously, we greeted each other without touching each other. In Thailand and India, it is common to join both hands down his face and bow to his interlocutor. In China, people only move their heads down and, in Japan, the most common way to greet each other is to bow their heads and bust. You will understand, we do not touch in these countries!


===North Africa===

In North Africa and the Middle East or in Islamic-dominated countries, it is common practice to put one's right hand in front of one's heart and say "Salam" or "Salam aleikum". Men do not kiss each other or very rarely, and a man can not kiss a woman. It is common in these countries that men maintain a physical distance from and to women, except in private settings.


===South America===

In South America, especially Hispanic countries, it is common to hug friends and shake hands at the first meeting or when a man says hello to a woman.


===United States===

In the United States, on the other hand, it is important to keep a distance with your interlocutor and to give a handshake. Kisses "in the void", cuddles, are especially reserved for women who are very close friends or family.

It is therefore important to inquire beforehand to avoid mistakes and beware when traveling!

== how to cross a road ==
Several ways to cross

The way to cross a road is not the same in countries and yet it is essential if you want to visit a country and a city! The rules of the road and the direction of traffic also change. Most countries drive right, but some, like Australia, Thailand or the UK drive left.

===In France===

In France, the pedestrian crossing is marked by white stripes and often there is a traffic light. Once the pedestrian is on the road, it has priority and the vehicles must stop. However, pedestrian priority is not common to all countries.


==English-speaking countries==
English-speaking countries (including the United Kingdom) do not give priority to pedestrians. There is another peculiarity to note for some of these English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom: when you wait to cross, it is not common to find a "man" or a green light that tells you that you can cross ( except for some cities). Indeed, you will find more often a ringing which sounds when you can advance.
In some states and English countries, the crossing time is relatively short, so hurry up, the cars will not wait for you! On the ground, there is also a difference with France, there are no scratches to indicate where you have to cross, but two lines. Do not forget to press the UK call button, because it's not like in France where, at one point, the traffic lights turn red. In these countries, no call on the button = no red light for cars!
===Asia===

In Asia, it is common to have pedestrian crossings over the roads. If you decide to cross the roadways, I advise you to do it where there are traffic officers or to follow a crowd of locals crossing. It is not uncommon in these countries for pedestrians to be overthrown, as cars do not give them priority.

Of course, there are other peculiarities and once there, you can be surprised and decide not to cross alone. But that does not slow you down, it's important to walk for your health!

== show emotions ==
Showing emotions can be frowned upon

The way to show emotions is very different in different countries and it depends on the cultures. In some societies, it is not uncommon to show one's feelings and emotions while in others they are rather hidden.
For example, during a death in the Buddhist culture, one must not cry the dead person on pain of his soul remaining on Earth, while in Europe, for example, it is common to cry, to be sad and to United States, after burial, it is common to organize a meal with many victuals.

In the street and public spaces, there are differences as well. To show one's joy, sorrow or anger can be seen in many countries, while in others it is a sign of unkept and shame.

===China===
In China, joy will be shown, but anger, criticism and pain will be hidden especially in business. However, in the provinces or in the markets, it is not uncommon to see people getting angry and brawling. In Japan and Thailand, it is not appropriate to show your emotions and demonstrate your affection in public: holding hands and kissing are forbidden actions.

===Latin America===


In Latin America, emotions are expressed directly: joy, pain or anger, Latinos are very expressive and react quickly. Even the marks of affection are on the street.


===United Kingdom===

In the United Kingdom, it is more and more common to see signs of affection, but in general, emotions are mastered in public.

Emotions are feelings that can be controlled a priori, so in some countries showing love can be tolerated while in others it is a sign of "outrage".


== public spaces ==
The use of public spaces is regulated

Street and public spaces are places that can follow a lot of rules in some countries and almost none in others. While in Europe it is common to eat and drink anywhere and smoke outdoors, this is not the case in other countries.

Some countries are much stricter in the regulations and uses of public places, and many sanctions can be implemented.


===Asia===
In Asia for example, it is generally not tolerated to eat in public transport under penalty of fine. In Japan, it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in the street and blow your nose in public (you have to go to the toilet). In addition, before entering certain restaurants, temples or homes, it is necessary to remove his shoes and leave them in the designated place. In some places you will find slippers, otherwise you have to go in socks or barefoot. It is also forbidden for a woman to touch a monk, and that, whatever the situation, if you are jostled or if you are in a queue they must stay at a respectable distance from the monk. It is also forbidden to touch the head of a child. In some cities of Thailand, music can sound at any time and all Thai are frozen, this music being the royal music. It is important that you do not move, talk, or laugh anymore, because it is disrespectful to the royal family and you risk driving in jail.
===United States===

In the United States, it is prohibited in some states to smoke and drink alcohol in public places, such as California. Moreover, in public transport, it is safer to supplement, in some cities, the custom is not to give change, as in New York.

As you will understand, some behaviors in one society may seem abnormal in others. You have discovered four cultural differences, do you know others? Feel free to give your opinion by commenting!

==Sources==
http://mag.monchval.com/quatre-differences-culturelles-selon-les-pays/