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IT’S impossible to sum up the weird and wonderful world of Asia in a single list of do’s and don’ts.
When in doubt, ask before you act and follow the lead of those around you. That said, here are five general faux pas to avoid offending generous hosts and locals.
Don’t call elders by their first name
One should be conscious in front of elders. Pic: Chris Goldberg/flickr
The mantra “respect your elders” is by no means unique to Asia, but there are specific ways to express deference. For starters, elders are rarely addressed by their first names.
In places like China, Malaysia, India and the Philippines, they are referred to as “uncle,” “aunty,” “elder brother,” “elder sister,” “grandpa” or “grandma” in the respective languages even if they are not blood relations.
They should be greeted first in a group, invited to eat before a meal begins, and offered seats if one is sitting and they are standing.
Public displays of affection, coarse language and boisterous behavior should be kept in check around one’s elders, unless it’s a special occasion.
In Thailand, touching an older person’s head, shoulders or back is considered rude, even if the intention to comfort of express affection.
Don’t wear shoes indoors
It’s considered rude to wear shoes indoors. Pic: Unsplash
In most of Asia, shoes should be removed before entering a house. Look out for shoes placed outside the house or in the foyer and place your shoes accordingly.
When visiting holy places such as mosques and Buddhist or Hindu temples, listen closely to instructions and pay attention to signs that tell you to remove your shoes before entering.
Knowing that you have to remove your shoes, always wear socks. Given the hot and humid weather in some of these countries, you don’t want to end up with stinky feet!
Avoid hugs and kisses as a greeting
Don’t make a first-time meeting awkward with inappropriate physical contact. Pic: USAG- Humphreys/flickr
Meeting someone for the first time is awkward enough. Don’t make it worse with inappropriate physical contact.
Keep in mind that hugs and kisses on the cheek are rarely common ways of saying hello in many Asian countries. Let the other person take the lead – they might be more comfortable with a handshake or slight bow.
Some Muslim women are not comfortable to come into physical contact with men, so extending your hand for a handshake may put them in a difficult position.
Don’t kick or touch someone with your foot
Make sure not to kick or shift objects with your foot. Pic: Unsplash
A common belief across Asia is that that all beings are sacred, and therefore, contacting or kicking someone with your foot is considered disrespectful and inauspicious.
In Mongolia, if someone accidentally nudges you with their foot, you might find that they grab your hand as an apology. In India, instead of a hand shake, people might tap you somewhere, such as on the shoulder, and then their own forehead as a silent form of apology.
Also avoid shifting objects on the floor with your foot, including books and bags.
Don’t stick your chopsticks upright
Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or noodles. Pic: Unsplash
Fumbling with chopsticks is not going to get you yelled at. In fact, locals will probably appreciate you taking the effort to use them.
However, make sure not to stick them upright in a bowl of rice or noodles. This is considered blasphemous or inauspicious because it resembles the way sticks of incense are placed at the altar to honor the dead.
In Japan, two people should not use chopsticks to hold the same piece of food because of its similarity to the way bones and ashes are retrieved after cremation. Also, do not gesture with chopsticks, cross yours with someone else’s, or use them to skewer food.
There is no shame in asking for a fork and knife if you’re having problems enjoying your meal.
Let the host pay (but not without a fight)
Let the host treat you, but not without you offering to pay first. Pic: Amy Ma/Saveur
Deciding who settles the bill is a big deal in many Asian cultures. In China, it’s a sign of being a good host and also testifies to the host’s ability to pay.
While it might seem like the simple solution is to go Dutch, or that the guest should pay in exchange for the host’s hospitality, sometimes it is better to let your host treat you.
However, make sure to put up a good fight. You don’t want them to think that you’re taking advantage of their kindness.
Hit ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat plays out the “polite fight” to pay the bill, even if slightly exaggerated in the name of comedy.
The post 6 cultural dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Asia appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com