Culture

Culture is a learned system of knowledge, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, values, and norms that is shared by a group of people (Smith, 1966). In the broadest sense, culture includes how people think, what they do, and how they use things to sustain their lives. Cultural diversity results from the unique nature of each culture. The elements, values, and context of each culture distinguish it from all others (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2005).

Asia and the Pacific

The Asia and the Pacific region presented here follows the specific UNESCO definition which does not forcibly reflect geography. It refers to the execution of regional activities of the Organization.

General
The extended family has significant influence, and the oldest male in the family is often the decision maker and spokesperson. The interests and honor of the family are more important than those of individual family members. Older family members are respected, and their authority is often unquestioned. Among Asian cultures, maintaining harmony is an important value; therefore, there is a strong emphasis on avoiding conflict and direct confrontation.

Economy
Asia has the second largest nominal GDP of all continents, after Europe, but the largest when measured in purchasing power parity. As of 2011, the largest economies in Asia are China, Japan, India, South Korea and Indonesia.[26] Based on Global Office Locations 2011, Asia dominated the office locations with 4 of top 5 were in Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai. Around 68 percent of international firms have office in Hong Kong.

Economy
According to Citigroup 9 of 11 Global Growth Generators countries came from Asia driven by population and income growth. They areBangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.[37] Asia has four main financial centres: Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.

Economy Future
It is forecasted that India will overtake Japan in terms of nominal GDP by 2020.[36] By 2027, according to Goldman Sachs, China will have the largest economy in the world. Several trade blocs exist, with the most developed being the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Languages
Asia is home to several language families and many language isolates. Most Asian countries have more than one language that is natively spoken. For instance, according to Ethnologue, more than 600 languages are spoken in Indonesia, more than 800 languages spoken in India, and more than 100 are spoken in the Philippines. China has many languages and dialects in different provinces.

Religion
Many of the world's major religions have their origins in Asia. Asian mythology is complex and diverse. The story of the Great Flood for example, as presented to Christians in the Old Testament, is first found in Mesopotamian mythology, in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Hindu mythology tells about anAvatar of the God Vishnu in the form of a fish who warned Manu of a terrible flood. In ancient Chinese mythology, Shan Hai Jing, the Chinese ruler Da Yu, had to spend 10 years to control a deluge which swept out most of ancient China and was aided by the goddess Nwa who literally fixed the broken sky through which huge rains were pouring.

Food
In many parts of Asia, rice is a staple food, and it is mostly served steamed or as a porridge known as congee. China is the world largest producer and consumer of rice. In China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, people usually use chopsticks to eat traditional food, but shapes of chopsticks are different in these countries. An island nation surrounded by ocean, Japan has various fish dishes. Especially, fresh raw fish cuisines are very popular in Japan and around the world, such as sushi and sashimi.

Food
In India, people often eat food with their hands, and many spices are used in every dish. Most spices originated around India or neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka. Durians are a common fruit in Southeast Asia, which, Alfred Russel Wallace, attested to its delicious flavor as worth the entire cost of his trip there. In every special Filipino banquet, people will see a unique set of dishes compared to other Asian cuisine. Because of the country's long years of colonization and interactions with other neighboring cultures and nations, it has inherited Latin, Malay, Chinese, and American influences to its people's local blend.

Health
Due to respect for authority, disagreement with the recommendations of health care professionals is avoided. However, lack of disagreement does not indicate that the patient and family agree with or will follow treatment recommendations. Among Chinese patients, because the behavior of the individual reflects on the family, mental illness or any behavior that indicates lack of self-control may produce shame and guilt. As a result, Chinese patients may be reluctant to discuss symptoms of mental illness or depression.

Health
Some sub-populations of cultures, such as those from India and Pakistan, are reluctant to accept a diagnosis of severe emotional illness or mental retardation because it severely reduces the chances of other members of the family getting married. In Vietnamese culture, mystical beliefs explain physical and mental illness. Health is viewed as the result of a harmonious balance between the poles of hot and cold that govern bodily functions. Vietnamese dont readily accept Western mental health counseling and interventions, particularly when selfdisclosure is expected. However, it is possible to accept assistance if trust has been gained.

Health
The Russian experience with medical practitioners has been an authoritarian relationship in which free exchange of information and open discussion was not usual. As a result, many Russian patients find it difficult to question a physician and to talk openly about medical concerns. Patients expect a paternalistic approach-the competent health care professional does not ask patients what they want to do, but tells them what to do. This reliance on physician expertise undermines a patients motivation to learn more about self-care and preventive health behaviors.

Appointment
In many situations, an emphasis is placed on promptness and appropriate attire. Breaking social commitments, such as appointments or even casual plans to meet with friends, can be a serious faux pas. Preventing another person from keeping a commitment, especially with family, is rude as well.

Elders
Special respect is paid to older people in many circumstances. This can include standing when older people enter a room, always greeting older people before others present (even if they are better known to the speaker), standing when speaking to ones elders and serving older people first at a meal table. Touching the head, shoulders or back of an older person can be considered disrespectful, even if the intent is to comfort or indicate affection. Older people are rarely referred to by first names; they are addressed with such honorifics as Mr. and Mrs. or the appropriate non-English equivalents. Sometimes terms such as "Uncle" or "Auntie" are appropriate for older nonrelatives.

Elders
In India, elders are given priority over younger people in a range of social settings. For example, it is impolite for a young person to be sitting while an elder is standing, in this case, even if there is a free seat, the young person will offer their seat to the elder in concern. Another example would be if an elder is carrying something of considerable weight, and a young person has their hands free, it is expected of the young person to offer assistance to the elder in concern. As with all other Asian cultures, young people in India address any older unrelated person by the closest plausible relation i.e. a slightly older person of the same generation may be referred to as elder brother, or elder sister in the respective language while an elderly person may be referred to as auntie, uncle, grandpa or grandma as appropriate, again in each respective language. As with many other Asian lingual spheres, Indian languages follow strict honorifics that must be abided by.

Chopsticks
In the rituals of a Japanese cremation, the relatives pick the bones out of the ashes with chopsticks, and two relatives may then hold the same piece of bone at the same time. This is the only occasion in which it is acceptable for two people to hold the same item at the same time with chopsticks. At all other times, holding anything with chopsticks by two people at the same time, including passing an item from chopsticks to chopsticks, will remind everyone witnessing this of the funeral of a close relative.

Chopsticks
Gesturing with chopsticks or using them to skewer food are actions that are seen as rude. Leaving chopsticks standing in a bowl of rice or other food is afaux pas based on the resemblance to sticks of incense in a bowl used to honour the dead ancestors. Etiquette further forbids tapping chopsticks against the side of a bowl, or crossing ones chopsticks with those of someone else.

Humility
Behaviors associated with humility, status and pride are very important in some Asian societies. Etiquette might demand that a great cook or artist deprecate their own achievement in a way that might be viewed negatively as "fishing for compliments" or false modesty in the West. Situations in some Asian societies allow for displays of wealth or ability that would be uncomfortably ostentatious or in bad taste in Western societies.

Luck
Certain customs regarding good and bad luck are important to many Asian people. These customs may be regarded as superstitions by many, but they are often tied to religious traditions and are an important part of certain belief systems, even among the well-educated and affluent sectors of society.

Shoes
Traditionally, shoes are not worn in households in nations such as India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Thail and, and Malaysia, nor in certain holy places elsewhere, such as mosque and many Buddhist or Hindu temples. The typical expectation is that shoes will be removed in the foyer and left neatly with toes pointing outside. Socks or stockings should be very clean and in good condition. In regions where shoes are not worn in houses, these rules also apply to restaurants, except those with Western-style tables and chairs.[citation needed] Furthermore, in Japan, when one buys a new pair of shoes, one wears them for the first time in the morning. It is unlucky to wear them for the first time in the evening or afternoon.

Handshakes
Americans routinely mangle Asian handshakes. It's quite simple, actually when you are in China, Hong Kong , Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, or South Korea, you can shake hands. But avoid direct eye contact during the handshake, and don't shake very hard or very long. your host may bow to you. The more senior you are, the deeper the bow. You may also bow. The bow is a sign of mutual respect. The Philippines is the exception here. Don't bow, but do make direct eye contact.

Business cards
The exchange of business cards must be made properly. Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in your host's language on the other. In China, the card should be printed in black or gold ink. you should always present only pristine cards. When you present your card, you do so with both hands, native language side up and readable to your host. When you receive a card in return, study it, thank the person, and place the card gently in your jacket pocket. Names and Titles

Last names and professional titles are used across Asia. Don't be afraid to say that you are a professional if you are one.

Business attire
Your default business wardrobe is conservative business dress, with suits, ties, and tie-up shoes for men, and conservative suits and dresses for women. Because of their warmer climates, some leniency in dress is to be found in Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But even in these countries, be conservative and avoid flashiness of any kind.

Dining
In China and Hong Kong, expect a banquet - long meal with innumerable courses served one after the other. Arrive on time and get ready to eat. Take something from every serving dish, even if it's only a little amount. But never clean your plate - symbolically, the magnificence of the meal means that you can't finish it. In Japan, you will be hosted to an evening of eating and drinking. Let your host order and enjoy something from each platter. Don't refuse to eat sushi or sashimi - (both of which involve raw fish) - you'll insult your host. Drink your beer or sake slowly - you host will fill your cup every time its empty. Koreans entertain both at home and at restaurants. Arrive on time if you're going to a private home, and bring a small gift. If you're invited out to a night on the Town, be appropriately grateful, for your host is probably planning to spend a lot of money. The Filipinos style of entertaining is to invite you to a private home, where you and a gaggle of your host's friends will enjoy a lavish meal.

Gestures
Never talk with your hands in your pockets. The "okay" sign in America means "money" in Japan. Never point in Cambodia, or anywhere for that matter! If in doubt, avoid gestures entirely. And never pass things using your left hand, as it is considered unclean in many cultures. Buddhists consider feet offensive, so watch the position of them when crossing your legs. Ensure that your foot is not prominently pointed at someone. Never touch a Thai, Cambodian or Vietnamese person's head -- not even to tousle a small child's hair. It is considered very disrespectful.

Correspondence
Eliminate jargon and excessive informality in e-mails. Reread your messages and letters before sending them out to ensure that your message and tone are clear. In Asia, styles of correspondence are different -- longer letters are favored. Follow up all meetings with a letter thanking the person and confirming what was discussed and decided.

When they say sing, you sing

If you are taken to a Karaoke bar in Japan, Taiwan or China, and are asked to sing a song, the proper protocol is to give it your best effort, even if you cannot carry a tune. Be careful with special awards. It is considered an honor to be given the fish head at a meal. To refuse it would offend your host. Be gracious, accept the tribute and have a taste. When the focus is no longer on you, it will be taken away.

Save face
It is of utmost importance that you understand the concept of losing and gaining face. Never do anything that will make an Asian feel disrespected and ashamed. When it's absolutely imperative to correct someone, do it privately, discreetly and courteously. Take the blame yourself: "I'm sorry, Tanaka-san, I must have explained it poorly. I appreciate your excellent answer but I should have included more information in my request." This approach allows him to change his answer while maintaining his dignity. Never embarrass yourself, your business associate or your client.

Buy the right gifts

Do your research beforehand to determine what kind of gift, if any, is appropriate. Forget about anything made of pigskin in Muslim countries and avoid giving things that come in sets of four in China (as the number four signifies death). In Indonesia, it's inappropriate to bring a gift to your first meeting, while most Japanese companies appreciate a gift that everyone in the office can enjoy, such as a box of chocolates.

Apologize when it's expected

If there is any possibility that you have offended someone, apologize. Not doing so will harm your career far more than the apology will hurt your ego. And remember; your sense of humor may not go over well cross-culturally. Leave your jokes at home so you won't have to apologize later for causing offense.

Indonesia
Public displays of affection with spouses or partners are regarded as sexual and thus are frowned upon. However public displays of affection towards one's children, parents or family members are approved of. Indonesian people don't bow. Bowing is considered weird and uncommon. Always use your right hand, when shaking hands, offering a gift, handing or receiving something, eating, pointing or generally touching another person Making sounds while eating is considered impolite. This includes slurping or the sound of cutlery touching the dish. Offer gifts with the right hand only. Gifts should not be opened when received. Avoid talking about Religion and Race in Indonesia, because Religion and Race are sensitive issues in Indonesia. Tipping is customary in Indonesia, yet it is optional

Japan
Business cards should be given and accepted with both hands. It is expected that the cards will immediately be inspected and admired, then placed on the table in front of the receiver for the duration of the meeting. After the meeting, cards should be stored respectfully and should never be placed in a back pocket. You should not write on a business card. If you want to be taken seriously at a business meeting, you must have business cards. When you get them out, they should be in a card holder - not just taken out of your pocket.[4] It is a faux pas to accept a gift when it is first offered and the giver is expected to offer it multiple times (usually 3 times). Gifts are generally not opened in the giver's presence.[5] In greeting or thanking another person, it may be insulting if the person of lower status does not bow appropriately lower than the other person. However, foreigners are rarely expected to bow. The level and duration of the bow depends on status, age and other factors.[6] Pouring soy sauce onto rice is considered unusual.[6] It is less common to pour one's own drink in a social setting. Generally an individual will offer to pour a companion's drink and the companion, in return, will pour the individual's drink. Blowing one's nose in public is a faux pas. For women, not wearing cosmetics may be seen as unprofessional or expressive of disregard for the situation. A smile or laughter from a Japanese person may mean that they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable, and not necessarily happy. "Hai" means "yes" in Japanese, but in a meeting or discussion it is often used to mean "Yes, I have heard you". Don't mistake this for agreement with your point of view. It is very bad manners to be late in Japan. If you have an appointment then aim to be early. It is rude to not send a postcard for Japanese New Year to someone who sent you one. Sending such a postcard to someone who suffered a death in the family during the past year is a faux pas. Tipping is considered rude and is rarely done in Japan except in certain cases, such as tipping your surgeon for an operation, when visiting a high class ryokan, or when dealing with house movers.

Korea

The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.[7] Blowing one's nose at the table, even if the food is spicy, is mildly offensive. If necessary, take a trip to the toilet or at least be very discreet.[8] In restaurants and bars, pouring one's own drink is a faux pas. When someone of a significantly higher social position pours you a drink, it is considered proper to turn away from that person when you drink it. Leaving a gratuity is usually not accepted nor expected. When handing an item to someone, it is considered rude to only use a single hand. Under most circumstances, especially when interacting with a stranger or a superior, one uses the right hand supported by the left hand. Even though mentality evolved, women smoking in public is sometimes not accepted, despite being legally allowed. A couple kissing each other in public is a faux pas, since it is not seen as modest. It is socially acceptable to curl your upper lips to the left when flatulence is expected. In the presence of elders or superiors, the left eye should be closed

Thailand
Thais hold their king in very high regard and any sign of disrespect is a major faux pas. Currency, postage stamps, magazines covers and any other items with the kings image are never tossed to the ground or treated harshly. Even licking the back of a postage stamp is considered disrespectful. Most especially, these items are never trod upon as it is a sign of utmost disrespect to place ones foot above the head of the king. Money or other items dropped accidentally should immediately be picked up and reverently brushed.

Vietnam
When going out to eat with other people, it is prestigious to pay for the meal. It is therefore rude to prevent someone from paying if they have made the offer first. The offer can be made as soon as going to a restaurant is discussed or anytime thereafter. On the other hand, inviting others for a meal, drink or event automatically creates the expectation that the one giving the invitation will pay for the others. Among younger people, the practice of splitting the bill is increasingly common.