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The Culture Shock series is much better. Very limited book and I thought out-of-date.
As we continue to see more immigrants from all over the world coming to our country we must understand their customs and communication style to be effective business people and friends. The book was in good shape just as advertised, and I received it in a timely manner.With the demographics changing in America, it's no longer just good enough to understand different cultures in our travels, but right here at home.
I do not trust him owith other countries since my country is so mis-judgingly described in the book. We actually have a subway, cars, shopping malls.its not like we live up in trees.The author made CZ look like some third-world hunger stricken country. I am from Prague, Czech Republic, Europe.In the books it says that our country lacks common things and that people will be grateful even for small gifts, such as ball-point pens etc since it is hard to get here.I could not believe it when I have read it.Did the author mix up Czech Republic with war-battered Cecnia or something.What a nonsence the statement in the book, even if it is from 1993 or whatever. You would look utterly ridiculous giving someone a pen.
A great source of ideas. There is so much data stuffed into this book about so many cultures that its almost overwhelming. This is an impressive book covering many countries and most of the information is still current, despite the fact the last version was copywrited back in the 1990s.I'd recommend this book for culture buffs as well as for general writers.
Barbara Rose, Ph.D. The section on Graceful Gift Giving brings valuable insight so as not to insult anyone from different lands, as gift giving is viewed in different ways according to different cultures. Do's and Taboos also provides commonly used terms spelled out phonetically from many lands, so that you can converse among the locals graciously. On a personal note, if you ever go to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, do NOT sit on the rock from which Mohammed Ascended (as I innocently did to pray for world peace) because you can be murdered or jailed for that alone - unless you happen to have a professor who is fluent in Arabic that saves you from harsh penalties, which I was fortunate enough to have.
The basis of this wonderful book is to show the customs, protocol and laws in societies that may be vastly different from the society in which you live. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man Editor, inspire. Highly recommended for all international travelers. The book is categorized according to country, and includes cartoon type illustrations of face gestures, hand and arm gestures, and what they mean.
ASK about the Sacred sites in Sacred lands BEFORE you attempt to touch or sit on anything. magazine In some countries the same gesture has a completely different meaning, which anyone who uses a lot of body language would do well to learn. Whether you are going on a business trip, or are traveling for academics or adventure overseas, it is important to learn the customs of each country.
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