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Mind Your Language!Etiquette tips for international travellers
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When travelling for business or pleasure, youre sure tofind yourself up against a number of language andcultural barriers. Here are a few useful tips to help youavoid misunderstandings and mix-ups when youretravelling in Europe.
Bon Voyage!
Introduction
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Italy
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Italy
Italian culture is warm and hospitable, and travellers aretypically made to feel very welcome. As a guest, its
important for you to make a good impression bellafigura and courteous, formal behaviour is appreciated.
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Language and Etiquette
In the larger cities like Rome, Venice and Florence, mostItalians in the hotel and hospitality industry will already
speak English.
Its considered polite to learn a few local phrases thoughplease and thank you will go a long way.
Whether youre dining out or sharing a meal withfriends, good table manners are very important, anddressing up for dinner is a sign of respect.
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Language and Etiquette
Be sure to make direct eye contact when greetingsomebody with a handshake.
The Italian social custom ofgreeting with a kiss varies byregion you would typically greet friends and familywith a kiss on each cheek (the right followed by the left).
When talking to a new acquaintance, use their title andsurname until they invite you to call them by their firstname.
http://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/which-way-do-you-kiss-in-italy.htmlhttp://www.italylogue.com/about-italy/which-way-do-you-kiss-in-italy.html7/30/2019 Romo Translations - Mind Your Language
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Business Travellers
In the Italian business world, its essential to be well-dressed and properly groomed. Smart, simple business
suits are the norm.
Make your appointments well in advance and arrive foreach one on time.
Formal, respectful and tactful behaviour is expected inmeetings and negotiations.
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Fun Fact
Many Italians take part in a traditional daily ritual calledLa Passeggiata; taking an evening stroll around the town
at about 6pm to catch up with friends and neighboursbefore dinner.
http://voices.yahoo.com/italys-la-passeggiata-evening-stroll-7758398.htmlhttp://voices.yahoo.com/italys-la-passeggiata-evening-stroll-7758398.html7/30/2019 Romo Translations - Mind Your Language
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Useful Italian Phrases
Buongiorno Hello
Grazie Thank you
Per favore Please
Prego Youre welcome
Arrivederci Goodbye
Buona giornata! Have a nice day!
Read more about Italian language and culture here.
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France
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France
In French culture,La politesse(good manners) are veryimportant, so brush up on your social graces before
visiting this beautiful and culturally rich country.
http://www.paris-culture-guide.com/french-etiquette.htmlhttp://www.paris-culture-guide.com/french-etiquette.htmlhttp://www.paris-culture-guide.com/french-etiquette.htmlhttp://www.paris-culture-guide.com/french-etiquette.html7/30/2019 Romo Translations - Mind Your Language
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Language and Etiquette The use of polite form in language is very important in
French culture. Make an effort to address everyone by
their correct title.
When addressing a stranger, always useMonsieur,Madame orMademoiselle.
Introduce yourself using your first and last name.
Greet with a brisk handshake and a light grip.
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Language and Etiquette One of the top rules in French dining etiquette is to keep
your hands resting on the table never rest them on
your lap.
Avoid putting your hands in your pockets in public.
Be aware of body language and gestures for example,the English okay sign means zero or nothing inFrench culture. Use the thumbs up gesture instead.
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Business Travellers Business in France tends to be conducted quite slowly, so
be patient and polite.
At a business lunch, your host will typically only initiatebusiness conversation after dessert is served.
French business culture keeps professional and privatematters very separate, so when making small talk, focuson work and avoid topics like family, relationships orhobbies.
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Fun Fact
In France, almost all employees are entitled to five weeksof holiday per year. August is the traditional holiday
month in France, with many of the locals travellingabroad or enjoying countryside getaways. If youretravelling to France for business, avoid August andSeptember as so many people will be on leave.
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Useful French Phrases
Bonjour Hello
Mercior Merci beaucoup Thank you
S'il vous plat Please
Au revoir Goodbye
Pouvez-vous m'aider? Can you help me?
Je suis enchant(e) Pleased to meet you
Read more about French language and translation here.
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Germany
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Germany
German culture tends to be a little more reserved andformal; boundaries are important and there is a strong
belief that there is a right (and wrong) time and place foreverything.
http://www.newcomers-network.de/germany/newcomers-guide/culture_etiquette/importance_of_punctuality.phphttp://www.newcomers-network.de/germany/newcomers-guide/culture_etiquette/importance_of_punctuality.php7/30/2019 Romo Translations - Mind Your Language
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Language and Etiquette Never use your title when introducing yourself; use your
last name only.
Shake hands with everyone (including children) whenarriving at a gathering and before leaving.
Titles (Herr andFrau) are very important; use apersons title and surname until they invite you to callthem by their first name.
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Language and Etiquette Germanbody language tends to be quite reserved, so be
aware of your own body language and gestures.
Dont put your hands in your pockets during aconversation.
Respect other peoples personal space duringconversations; stand at arms length unless youre speakingto closer friends or family.
Going out in public with wet hair or bare feet is a no-no.
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Business Travellers When discussing business, Germans will typically be
direct but polite. Exaggerations and high-pressure
strategies are considered offensive and should be avoided.
Punctuality and efficiency are highly valued; arrive ontime and be prepared to get right down to business.
Rank is very important in German business culture, somake sure youre familiar with the company hierarchy ofthose youre meeting with.
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Fun Fact
Most of us would shy away from the idea of greeting aroom full of strangers, but in German culture its the norm
to politely greet everyone when entering elevators, traincompartments and even doctors waiting rooms.
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Useful German Phrases
Guten Tag Hello
Danke or Danke schn Thank you
Bitte Please
Auf Wiedersehen Goodbye
Sprechen Sie Englisch? Do you speak English?
Ich heie... My name is
Click here for more about German language and translation
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