Differences in Manners 6.04

This topic is going to expound upon the things we talked about in Cross-Cultural Students.

What are some habits you were taught not to do because they are considered rude? Burping, putting your elbows on the table, putting your feet on furniture, don't cough or sneeze without covering your mouth, tracking mud/dirt into the house, these are just a few of the things we are taught we shouldn't do.

Several cultures it is actually ok or even still not ok to do them. For example, in much of the Far East it is a compliment if you burp, because it is seen as a compliment to the chef and that you enjoyed your meal. In the Middle East, it is especially rude to point your feet, particularly the soles, at another person or to display them in any way. In the Philippines, giving someone a really hard handshake is a sign of aggression, it is seen as if you squeezed any other part of their body. If you remember from a previous post called Cultural Miscommunication, in China if you clear your plate it is rude for the host not to refill it. These are just some simple examples of different manners in different parts of the world.

My last post, Cross-Cultural Students, I talked about how some people feel that "Sir" and "Ma'am" is offensive when it is supposed to be respect. It comes from the words "Sire" and "Madam" as in "My lady", how are those offensive? I always feel fancy whenever, almost never have been, called that.

All of these things are just the differences in manners when it comes culture to culture. What are some manners you've been taught that vary around the world?