Culture Headache
This is literally me for the past few days. BRAINDEAD. You know that feeling when you can't move your whole body. You just feel your fingers and toes twitch and move your eyes around and that's the only thing you can do. Yep. That's me. Me me me. BLUUUUUUUUUH.
So now I need to do this assignment that I should have done last night but like I said. BRAINDEAD. *cry* I FEEL SO UNPRODUCTIVEEE. I feel so drained. So stressed. OMG I don't know anymore. I don't even know how I'm able to type all these and BLUUUUUUGH. I need ice cream...
and hugs..
But before that, I have to do this assignment first.
Ma'am.. heads up and sorry in advance. :(
Cultural Values
- MYANMAR
when it comes to the Myanmar culture, first thing that you'll think about (maybe.. or no. or maybe analysed.. if you researched about it and thought about concluding it..) is something about or alike the Buddhist lifestyle or culture. It's not like the modern lifestyle.
When it comes to Proper Etiquette of the myanmar culture. They do not tolerate Public Displays of Affection or any emotions either fueled by love or hate. Any person that has a higher status needs to be addressed and treated with courtesy. To be able to show respect, they have to kneel down with their foreheads and elbows touching the ground. When meeting a monk, they put their pals together in a gesture of reverence.
They ought to believe that men have a higher status than woman. Buddhists believes in reincarnation and that every woman has to hope for it so that in her next life, she will be reborn as a man.
Despite the hierarchy of Buddhism, women also has equal rights for inheritance with men. There are many women in professional occupation and in universities, female enrollment equals that of males.
In terms of Family Ties, they consists of three generations. If ever any family members do not live in the same house, they usually live near each other. Children do their part in social occasions and help the elders. They are expected to always respect and obey not only their parents but all elders, especially aged parents.
http://myanmartravel.org/culture.html
http://myanmartravel.org/culture.html
- THAILAND
The most common form of greeting and follow to strict rules of protocol is the Wai. The standard form is when you raise both hands, palms together with the fingers pointing upwards, lightly touching the body between the chest and the forehead. It is both a sign of respect and greeting. It can be done while sitting, walking or standing. The person who is younger among the two by age or status should be the first one to offer the wai and then the senior returns the gesture.
Just like in Myanmar,Thailand is the stronghold of Buddhism. Buddhists believes that life does not begin with birth and end with death but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives. 90% of the population in Thailand practiced Buddhism.
Family is the cornerstone of Thai society. Family life is more compact than in western cultures. Parents in the form of hierarchy are at the top. Children, like in myanmar are taught to honour their parents.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
- SINGAPORE
The concept of group, harmony and mutual security are more important than that of the individual. The family is the centre of the social structure and emphasizes unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. Family not only states first members but includes the extended family and close friends who are treated as family members. Family is the place one goes for support and is respected especially the elders. It helps retain core values in the island nation.
Singapore is a multi ethnic society where chinese, malay and indian traditions coexists beneath the veneer of a western cosmopolitan metropolis.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html
- CAMBODIA
The name Cambodia derives from the french Cambodge, which comes from the Khmer word Kampuchea, meaning "born of Kambu" Khmer is the official language of Cambodia and is used in most social contexts including government administration, education at all levels, and in the mass media.
The majority of Cambodians follow Theravada Buddhism. They follow the following principles: Have the right thoughts, have the right goals, speak the right words, perform the right deeds, earn a living in the right way, make the right effort, be intellectually alert, meditate.
The traditional greeting is a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at chest level. If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher. The simple rule is to respond with the greeting you are given. Cambodia people are addressed with the honorific title "Lok" for a man and "Lok Srey" for a woman followed with the first name or both the first and surname.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/cambodia.html
- INDONESIA
Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation. Indonesia has the largest muslim population in the world but it also has a large number of christian protestants, catholics, hindus and buddhists. People will define themselves according to their ethnic group, family and place of birth. The family is still very traditional in structure.
In Indonesia, the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu"). People are very careful how they interact and speak. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always be hidden and addresses privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at any individual/group publicly. Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying "No" and several other ways of saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No"
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/indonesia.html
- LAOS
Authority goes with age or seniority, position or status. Lao people highly hierarchy in society. As a result, junior always show respect and obedient to senior. Such behavior is considered upright, prudent and a benefit to society. Control is normally from the top down.
Much of social, economic and political activity in Laos is organized around groups. Even though decision-making is hierarchical and authority centralized, the process is consensual. Many people are consulted before a decision is ratified and implemented. The process is deliberate, time consuming, and what most Westerners might consider excessively cautious. On the other hand, once decisions are taken, implementation moves ahead steadily since the decision-making process has already built consensus.
http://www.toursinlaos.com/travel-guide/laos-belief-and-value.html
- VIETNAM
The teachings of Confucious influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the individual in Vietnamese Society. Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationships. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: Ruler and subject, husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friend and friend. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority and sincerity.
The Family
- Vietnamese life revolves around the family.
- The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
- It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
- In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
- Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on. Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.
Hierarchy
- As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.
- In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
- This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
- An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first.
- Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/vietnam.html
- MALAYSIA
A Multi-Cultural Society
Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. The main ethnic groups are the native Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. When visiting the country it is clear that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. The most important festivals of each group are public holidays.
Although growing up, children are educated in the same schools and will eventually work in the same offices, few marry outside their own ethnicity. Families tend to socialise within their own ethnic group – all part of retaining their individual traditions and lifestyles.
Despite the ethnic differences there are commonalities culturally speaking.
Meeting and Greeting
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include:
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce:
• the most important person to the lower ranking person.
• the older person to the younger person.• women to men.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/malaysia.html
- BRUNEI
The Family
The family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruenian family is the extended family and includes aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family.
As a result of this Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered. From a young age, children are taught to subjugate their own desires for the good of the entire family and to respect elders without question. In addition they also learn that it is through family support that they accomplish goals.
Religion
Most Bruneians are Muslims and as such their lives revolve around the duties afforded to them by Islam. Alcohol is banned from the country however pork is allowed for non-Muslims. Gender relations are also governed by Islamic principles and etiquette. Shaking hands across genders is rare.
Bruneians practice a devout but tolerant brand of Islam, which includes devotion, yet allows other faiths and beliefs.
Muslims must pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies as well as government offices also close on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff works a six-hour day and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. The Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran each morning prior to the start of work to obtain Allah’s blessing and guidance.
Meeting Etiquette
o The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person.
o In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.
o Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands.
o Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their head in greeting.
o It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone who is senior to yourself in age or position.
o It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/brunei.html
- PHILIPPINES
Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.
In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.
Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.
Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.
Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to their foreheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.
Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.
More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”
http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_culture/common_family_traits.html
Blog #3 CA 201
The majority of Cambodians follow Theravada Buddhism. They follow the following principles: Have the right thoughts, have the right goals, speak the right words, perform the right deeds, earn a living in the right way, make the right effort, be intellectually alert, meditate.
The traditional greeting is a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at chest level. If one intends to show greater respect the bow is lower and the hands brought higher. The simple rule is to respond with the greeting you are given. Cambodia people are addressed with the honorific title "Lok" for a man and "Lok Srey" for a woman followed with the first name or both the first and surname.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/cambodia.html
- INDONESIA
Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation. Indonesia has the largest muslim population in the world but it also has a large number of christian protestants, catholics, hindus and buddhists. People will define themselves according to their ethnic group, family and place of birth. The family is still very traditional in structure.
In Indonesia, the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu"). People are very careful how they interact and speak. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always be hidden and addresses privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at any individual/group publicly. Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying "No" and several other ways of saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No"
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/indonesia.html
- LAOS
Authority goes with age or seniority, position or status. Lao people highly hierarchy in society. As a result, junior always show respect and obedient to senior. Such behavior is considered upright, prudent and a benefit to society. Control is normally from the top down.
Much of social, economic and political activity in Laos is organized around groups. Even though decision-making is hierarchical and authority centralized, the process is consensual. Many people are consulted before a decision is ratified and implemented. The process is deliberate, time consuming, and what most Westerners might consider excessively cautious. On the other hand, once decisions are taken, implementation moves ahead steadily since the decision-making process has already built consensus.
http://www.toursinlaos.com/travel-guide/laos-belief-and-value.html
- VIETNAM
The teachings of Confucious influence the Vietnamese describe the position of the individual in Vietnamese Society. Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationships. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: Ruler and subject, husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friend and friend. Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority and sincerity.
The Family
- Vietnamese life revolves around the family.
- The Vietnamese family consists of the nuclear as well as the extended family.
- It is not uncommon for three generations to be living together under one roof.
- In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility to provide food, clothing and shelter and make important decisions.
- Within the same tradition it is believed that after someone dies their spirit lives on. Descendents will "worship" their ancestors to ensure their good favour. On the anniversary of a person's death, ceremonies are held in their memory. They are also remembered during certain lunar festivals and souls are consulted prior to important decisions or occasions such as a birth or a wedding.
Hierarchy
- As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.
- In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
- This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
- An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first.
- Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/vietnam.html
- MALAYSIA
A Multi-Cultural Society
Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. The main ethnic groups are the native Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. When visiting the country it is clear that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. The most important festivals of each group are public holidays.
Although growing up, children are educated in the same schools and will eventually work in the same offices, few marry outside their own ethnicity. Families tend to socialise within their own ethnic group – all part of retaining their individual traditions and lifestyles.
Despite the ethnic differences there are commonalities culturally speaking.
Meeting and Greeting
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include:
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce:
• the most important person to the lower ranking person.
• the older person to the younger person.• women to men.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/malaysia.html
- BRUNEI
The Family
The family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruenian family is the extended family and includes aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family.
As a result of this Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered. From a young age, children are taught to subjugate their own desires for the good of the entire family and to respect elders without question. In addition they also learn that it is through family support that they accomplish goals.
Religion
Most Bruneians are Muslims and as such their lives revolve around the duties afforded to them by Islam. Alcohol is banned from the country however pork is allowed for non-Muslims. Gender relations are also governed by Islamic principles and etiquette. Shaking hands across genders is rare.
Bruneians practice a devout but tolerant brand of Islam, which includes devotion, yet allows other faiths and beliefs.
Muslims must pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies as well as government offices also close on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff works a six-hour day and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. The Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran each morning prior to the start of work to obtain Allah’s blessing and guidance.
Meeting Etiquette
o The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person.
o In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.
o Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands.
o Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their head in greeting.
o It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone who is senior to yourself in age or position.
o It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/brunei.html
- PHILIPPINES
Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.
In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.
Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.
Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.
Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to their foreheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.
Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.
More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”
http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_culture/common_family_traits.html
Blog #3 CA 201
- As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures.
- In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status.
- This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace.
- An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first.
- Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.
- MALAYSIA
A Multi-Cultural Society
Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. The main ethnic groups are the native Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. When visiting the country it is clear that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. The most important festivals of each group are public holidays.
Although growing up, children are educated in the same schools and will eventually work in the same offices, few marry outside their own ethnicity. Families tend to socialise within their own ethnic group – all part of retaining their individual traditions and lifestyles.
Despite the ethnic differences there are commonalities culturally speaking.
Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. The main ethnic groups are the native Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. When visiting the country it is clear that the ethnicities retain their religions, customs and way of life. The most important festivals of each group are public holidays.
Although growing up, children are educated in the same schools and will eventually work in the same offices, few marry outside their own ethnicity. Families tend to socialise within their own ethnic group – all part of retaining their individual traditions and lifestyles.
Despite the ethnic differences there are commonalities culturally speaking.
Meeting and Greeting
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include:
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce:
• the most important person to the lower ranking person.
• the older person to the younger person.• women to men.
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal. There may be slight differences though and a few things to bear in mind include:
• Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart.• The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Many older Chinese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
• Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Among all cultures, there is a general tendency to introduce:
• the most important person to the lower ranking person.
• the older person to the younger person.• women to men.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/malaysia.html
- BRUNEI
The Family
The family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruenian family is the extended family and includes aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family.
As a result of this Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered. From a young age, children are taught to subjugate their own desires for the good of the entire family and to respect elders without question. In addition they also learn that it is through family support that they accomplish goals.
The family is the focal point of the social structure. The Bruenian family is the extended family and includes aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as close friends. Members of the extended family are expected to remain loyal to each other and the family.
As a result of this Brunei is a hierarchical culture. Age and position are revered. From a young age, children are taught to subjugate their own desires for the good of the entire family and to respect elders without question. In addition they also learn that it is through family support that they accomplish goals.
Religion
Most Bruneians are Muslims and as such their lives revolve around the duties afforded to them by Islam. Alcohol is banned from the country however pork is allowed for non-Muslims. Gender relations are also governed by Islamic principles and etiquette. Shaking hands across genders is rare.
Bruneians practice a devout but tolerant brand of Islam, which includes devotion, yet allows other faiths and beliefs.
Muslims must pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies as well as government offices also close on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff works a six-hour day and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. The Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran each morning prior to the start of work to obtain Allah’s blessing and guidance.
Most Bruneians are Muslims and as such their lives revolve around the duties afforded to them by Islam. Alcohol is banned from the country however pork is allowed for non-Muslims. Gender relations are also governed by Islamic principles and etiquette. Shaking hands across genders is rare.
Bruneians practice a devout but tolerant brand of Islam, which includes devotion, yet allows other faiths and beliefs.
Muslims must pray five times a day – at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies as well as government offices also close on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, government staff works a six-hour day and entertainment and sporting activities are suspended. The Sultan encourages the recital of the Quran each morning prior to the start of work to obtain Allah’s blessing and guidance.
Meeting Etiquette
o The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person.
o In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.
o Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands.
o Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their head in greeting.
o It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone who is senior to yourself in age or position.
o It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.
o The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person.
o In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.
o Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands.
o Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their head in greeting.
o It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone who is senior to yourself in age or position.
o It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/brunei.html
- PHILIPPINES
Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.
In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.
Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.
Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.
Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to their foreheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.
Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.
More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”
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