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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: South-eastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

Capital: Jakarta

Population: 241,973,879 (July 2005 est.)

Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%

Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1%

Language

The official language of Indonesia is known as Indonesian or 'Bahasa Indonesian'. Indonesian is a standardised dialect of the Malay language and was formulated at the time of the declaration of Indonesian independence in 1945. Malay and Indonesian remain very similar.

Although the official langauge, in reality it is most of the population's second language. Due to the sheer size and fractured, island make-up of the country most people speak regional dialects such as Minangkabau or Javanese. These will usually be spoken at home and in the local community but at work or at school Indonesian is used.

Indonesian Society & Culture

Diversity

. Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation.
. It is made up of over 17,500 islands (6,000 of which are inhabited) which are home to over 300 ethnic groups.
. Each province has its own language, ethnic make-up, religions and history.
. Most people will define themselves locally before nationally.
. In addition there are many cultural influences stemming back from difference in heritage. Indonesians are a mix of Chinese, European, Indian, and Malay.
. Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world it also has a large number of Christian Protestants, Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists.
. This great diversity has needed a great deal of attention from the government to maintain a cohesion.
. As a result the national motto is "Unity in Diversity", the language has been standardised and a national philisophy has been devised know as "Pancasila" which stresses universal justice for all Indonesians.

Group Thinking

. Due to the diverse nature of Indonesian society there exists a strong pull towards the group, whether family, village or island.
. People will define themselves according to their ethnic gourp, family and place of birth.
. The family is still very traditional in structure.
. Family members have clearly defined roles and a great sense of interdependence.

Hierarchy

. As with most group orientated cultures, hierarchy plays a great role in Indonesian culture.
. Hierarchical relationships are respected, emphaised and maintained.
. Respect is usually shown to those with status, power, position, and age.
. This can be seen in both the village and the office where the most senior is expected to make group decisions.
. Superiors are often called "bapak" or "ibu", which means the equivalent of father or mother, sir or madam.
. Although those higher up the hierarchy make decisions Indonesians are advocates of group discussion and consensus. This ties back to the idea of maintaing strong group cohesiveness and harmonious relationships.

Face

. Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is important to understand.
. In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu").
. Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak.
. Although a foreigner can not be expected to understand the nuances of the concept it is crucial to keep an eye on ones behaviour.
. 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.
. One manifestation of the concept of face/shame is that Indonesians communite quite indirectly, i.e. they would never wish to cause anyone shame by giving them a negative answer so would phrase it a way where you would be expected to realise what they truly want to say.
. Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying "No" and several other ways of saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No" !!

General Etiquette Guidelines

Meeting and GreetingMap of Indonesia

. Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show respect.
. A handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with the word "Selamat".
. Many Indonesians may give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart after shaking your hand.
. If you are being introduced to several people, always start with the eldest or most senior person first.
. Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you know of any titles ensure you use them in conjunction with the name.
. Some Indonesians only have one name, although it is becoming more common for people to have a first name and a surname, especially in the middle class.
. Many Indonesians, especially those from Java, may have had an extremely long name, which was shortened into a sort of nickname for everyday conversation.
. There are several ethnic groups in Indonesia. Most have adopted Indonesian names over the years, while some retain the naming conventions of their ethnicity.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:

Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:

. It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting it. This shows that the recipient is not greedy.
. Items to avoid include scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
. Elaborate wrapping is expected - gold and red and considered auspicious.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims:

. In Islam alcohol is forbidden. Only give alcohol if you know the recipient will appreciate it.
. Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context. The more formal the occasion the more formal the behaviour. Below are some basic dining etiquette tips.

. Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest you will have a specific position.
. Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle. You will be served the food and it would not be considered rude if you helped yourself after that.
. If food is served buffet style then the guest is generally asked to help themselves first. It is considered polite that the guest insist others go before him/her but this would never happen.
. In formal situations, men are served before women.
. Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
. A fork and spoon are often the only utensils at the place setting. Depending on the situation some people may use their hands.
. Eat or pass food with your right hand only.

Business Etiquette & Protocol

Etiquette in Indonesia

Business Cards

. Business cards are normally exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. Business cards should display your title. This helps enhance your image and credibility.
. Although not required, having one side of your card printed in Bahasa shows respect.
. Give/accept cards using two hands or the right hand.
. Examine a business card you receive before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case.
. It is important to treat business cards with respect.

What to Wear?

. Business attire is generally conservative.
. Women should dress conservatively ensuring that they are well covered from ankle to neck. Tight fitting clothes are best avoided.
. Remember it is hot, so cotton or at least light clothing is best.

Communication Styles

. Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do not always say what they mean. It is up to the listener to read between the lines or pay attention to gestures and body language to get the real message.
. Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly and with a subdued tone. Loud people would come across as slightly aggressive.
Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through communication to build a strong relationship. Dealing with someone face-to-face is the only effective way of doing business.
. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.

Business Meetings

. Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-you rather than business. Do not be surprised if business is not even discussed.
. It is common for Indonesians to enter the meeting room according to rank. Although you do not have to do this, doing so would give a good impression.
. Indonesians do not make hasty decisions because they might be viewed as not having given the matter sufficient consideration. Be prepared to exercise patience.
. "Jam Karet" (rubber time) describes the Indonesian approach to time. Things are not rushed as the attitude is that everything has its time and place. Time does not bring money, good relations and harmony do.
. If negotiating, avoid pressure tactics as they are likely to backfire.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Tunisia

Capital: Tripoli

Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Population: 6,173,579 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Religions: Muslim 97%, other 3%

Government: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils

Language in Libya

The main language spoken in Libya is Arabic, which is also the official language. Tamazight (i.e. Berber languages), which do not have official status, are spoken by Libyan Berbers. Berber speakers live above all in the Jebel Nafusa region (Tripolitania), the town of Zuwarah on the coast, and the city-oases of Ghadames, Ghat and Awjila. In addition, Tuaregs speak Tamahaq, the only known Northern Tamasheq language. Italian and English are sometimes spoken in the big cities, although Italian speakers are mainly among the older generation.

Libyan Society and Culture

The People

Most Libyans consider themselves Arabs, although there is a strong Berber influence in the population. Nearly 98% of the population is Berber-Arabic. There are small communities of Greeks, Maltese, and Italians.

About 20% of the population are foreign workers, mostly from other Arab countries such as Egypt, the Sudan, and Tunisia.

Religion

As Arabs the vast majority of Libyans are Muslim. Colonel Qaddafi states that Islam is the only viable system that can help answer man's political, economic and social problems on earth and provide him with happiness in the world to come. In November 1973, a new code of law appeared emphasizing Sharia law in all facets of the Libyan legal system. After the Revolution in September 1969 and in compliance with Islamic law, alcoholic beverages were outlawed. Bars and nightclubs were closed, and modest and provocative entertainment was banned. The use of the Islamic Hijri calendar was also made mandatory.

For more information about Islam click > An Introduction to Islam

Family Life

Until fairly recently the extended family was the norm. Today it is increasingly common for young couples to set up home on their own. This is especially true of Tripoli.

It is important for Libyans to maintain the dignity, honour and a good reputation of their families through their own conduct. This is a collective culture. In order to maintain a sense of harmony, people will act with decorum at all times and not do not do anything to cause someone else public embarrassment. Personal feelings and needs are often subjugated for the good of the group.

Etiquette and Customs in Libya

Map of Libya

Meeting Etiquette

  • Greetings are enthusiastic and warm.
  • Handshakes can be long affairs and extended as long as the verbal niceties take to cover.
  • Smiling and direct eye contact is important although the eye contact should be intermittent rather than constant.
  • Men shake hands. A man must wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
  • The most common greeting is "Aalaamu alaikum" ("Peace be with you") to which one would respond with “wa alaikum salam” (“and Peace be with you”).

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • If you are invited to a Libyan’s home bring something sweet such as pastries, fruit or a small gift from your home country.
  • If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relation.
  • A small gift for the children is always a nice touch.
  • Gifts are given with two hands or the right hand.
  • Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

  • If you are invited to a Libyan's house for food then:
  • Try to be on time although being 15-20 minutes late would not be seen as rude.
  • Dress conservatively.
  • Check if you should remove your shoes at the door.
  • Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
  • Accept any offer of coffee or tea.
  • It is increasingly common in large urban areas for men and women to eat together, although in some families men and women will eat in separate rooms or one after the other.
  • A bowl of perfumed water may be passed around the table before the meal. Dip three fingers into the water as a form of ritual cleansing.
  • A short prayer may be said before and after the meal.
  • Honoured guests are generally asked to serve themselves first or the host may serve them.
  • Eat only with the right hand.
  • Expect there to be more food than can be consumed by the number of guests present.
  • You will be urged to take more food even after you have said you are full.
  • Always leave a small bit of food on your plate when you have finished to show that your host has showered you with generosity and abundance.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting and Greeting

  • The handshake is commonly used.
  • Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings.
  • Titles are important. Use the honorific Mister and any academic or political title.
  • Government officials will usually be addressed as "Your Excellency".
  • Do not use only the first name unless invited to do so.
  • Business cards may be given to those you meet.
  • It is a nice touch to have one side translated into Arabic.

Relationships and Communication

  • Libyans prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted.
  • Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist you in working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy.

Business Meeting Etiquette

  • Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
  • It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink during the day.
  • Never try to schedule meetings on Friday between 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. since most companies close for prayers.
  • Try to arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to wait. Libyan businesspeople who are accustomed to dealing with international companies often strive to arrive on time, although it is often difficult for them to do so in such a relationship driven culture.
  • In general, Libyans have an open-door policy, even during meetings. This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
  • Arabic is generally the language of business, although some companies use English. Check which language your meeting will be conducted in, so you know if you should hire an interpreter.

Business Negotiations

  • Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, but only after obtaining a group consensus.
  • Decisions are reached after great deliberation.
  • If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since the ministers of several departments must often give approval.
  • Libyans are looking for long-term business relationships.
  • Do not criticize anyone publicly. It is important that you do not cause your Libyan business associates to lose face.
  • Libyans are non-confrontational. They may agree in meetings rather than cause you to lose face.
  • Expect a fair amount of haggling. Libyans seldom see an offer as final.
  • Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process, as it would be interpreted as an insult.
  • The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval.
  • It may take several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
  • Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you.
  • Libyans can be deliberate and forceful negotiators.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Southeastern Asia. Shares borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei.

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons

Population: 24,821,286 (July 2007 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8%

Religions: Muslim 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8%

Government: constitutional monarchy

Language in Malaysia

The Malay language is an Austronesian language spoken not only by Malaysians but all Malay people who reside in the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, central eastern Sumatra, the Riau islands, parts of the coast of Borneo, Cocos and Christmas Islands in Australia. It is also very similar to Indonesian, known locally as Bahasa Indonesia.

In Malaysia, the language is officially known as Bahasa Malaysia, which translates as the "Malaysian language". The term, which was introduced by the National Language Act 1967, was predominant until the 1990s, when most academics and government officials reverted to "Bahasa Melayu," which is used in the Malay version of the Federal Constitution.

Malay Culture and Society

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.

Group Orientation

The family is considered the centre of the social structure. As a result there is a great emphasis on unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly. The family is the place where the individual can be guaranteed both emotional and financial support. When one member of the family suffers a financial setback, the rest of the family will contribute what they can to help out. Families tend to be extended, although in the larger cities this will naturally differ.

The Concept of Face

Malays, Chinese and Indians all strive to maintain face and avoid shame both in public and private. Face is a personal concept that embraces qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one's peers. Face is considered a commodity that can be given, lost, taken away, or earned. On top of this face also extends to the family, school, company, and even the nation itself.

The desire to maintain face makes Malaysians strive for harmonious relationships.

Face can be lost by openly criticizing, insulting, or putting someone on the spot; doing something that brings shame to the group; challenging someone in authority, especially if this is done in public; showing anger at another person; refusing a request; not keeping a promise; or disagreeing with someone publicly. Conversely, face can be saved by remaining calm and courteous; discussing errors or transgressions in private; speaking about problems without blaming anyone; using non-verbal communication to say "no"; and allowing the other person to get out of the situation with their pride intact.

Etiquette and Customs in Malaysia

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.

Names

The way names are used also varies between ethnicities:

Chinese

• The Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname (family name) is first and is followed by two personal names.
• Many Chinese adopt more Western names and may ask you to use that instead.

Malays

• Many Malays do not have surnames. Instead, men add their father's name to their own name with the term "bin" (meaning ‘son of’). So Rosli bin Suleiman, would be Rosli the son of Suleiman.
• Women use the term "binti", so Aysha bint Suleiman is Aysha the daughter of Suleiman.

Indian

• Many Indians do not use surnames. Instead, they place the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name.
• Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Here are some general gift giving etiquette guidelines:

Gift giving to Malays:

• If invited to someone's home for dinner, bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates.
• Never give alcohol.
• Do not give toy dogs or pigs to children.
• Do not give anything made of pigskin.
• Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning.
• Avoid yellow wrapping paper, as it is the color of royalty.
• If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims).
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received. 

Gift giving to Chinese:

• If invited to someone's home, bring a small gift of fruit, sweets, or cakes, saying that it is for the children.
• A gift is traditionally refused before it is accepted to demonstrate that the recipient is not greedy.
• Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
• Flowers do not make good gifts as they are given to the sick and are used at funerals.
• Do not wrap gifts in mourning colours - white, blue, or black.
• Wrap the gifts in happy colours - red, pink, or yellow.
• Elaborate gift - wrapping is imperative.
• Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork, as birds are the harbinger of death.
• It is best to give gifts in even numbers since odd numbers are unlucky.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Gift giving to Indians:

• If you give flowers, avoid frangipani as they are used in funeral wreaths.
• Money should be given in odd numbers
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Do not wrap gifts in white or black.
• Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good fortune.
• Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
• Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient drinks.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Malaysia

Meeting and Greeting

Doing business in Malaysia

Within the business context most Malaysian businesspeople are culturally-savvy and internationally exposes. Your experience may very well depend upon the ethnicity, age, sex and status of the person you are meeting. The best approach is always friendly yet formal. A few tips include:

• Initial greetings should be formal and denote proper respect.
• If in a team, introduce the most important person first.
• Many Malays and Indians are uncomfortable shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex.
• Foreign men should always wait for a Malaysian woman to extend her hand. Foreign women should also wait for a Malaysian man to extend his hand.
• To demonstrate respect Chinese may look downwards rather than at the person they are meeting.
• It is important that professional titles (professor, doctor, engineer) and honorific titles are used in business. Malays and Indians use titles with their first name while Chinese use titles with their surname.

Business Card Etiquette

• Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions.
• If you will be meeting Chinese, have one side of your card translated into Chinese, with the Chinese characters printed in gold.
• If you will be meeting government officials, have one side of your card translated into Bahasa Malaysia.
• Use two hands or the right hand only to exchange business cards.
• Examine any business card you receive before putting it in your business card case.
• The respect you show someone's business card is indicative of the respect you will show the individual in business. Act accordingly.
• Never write on someone's card in their presence.

Communication

As an extension to the need to maintain harmonious relations, Malaysians rely on non-verbal communication (i.e. facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, etc). Such a communication style tends to be subtle, indirect and. Malays may hint at a point rather than making a direct statement, since that might cause the other person to lose face. Rather than say "no", they might say, "I will try", or "I’ll see what I can do". This allows the person making the request and the person turning it down to save face and maintain harmony in their relationship.

If you are unsure about the affirmative response you received, you may want to continue the discussion, re-phrasing the question in several different ways so that you may compare responses. If the response was given because the Malaysian did not know how to respond in the negative without causing offense, this may come out. Alternatively, they may have someone else give you the bad news.

Silence is an important element of Malaysian communication. Pausing before responding to a question indicates that they have given the question appropriate thought and considered their response carefully. Many Malaysians do not understand the Western propensity to respond to a question hastily and can consider such behaviour thoughtless and rude.

Malaysians may laugh at what may appear to outsiders as inappropriate moments. This device is used to conceal uneasiness.

Do not show anger in public as it makes Malaysians uncomfortable and creates a feeling of powerlessness. There is a greater chance of achieving a good outcome id you are calm, whereas little is resolved by shouting.

Business Meetings

• It is a good idea for the most senior person on your team to enter first so that he or she is the first to greet the most senior Malaysian.
• This gives face to both parties as it demonstrates respect towards the Malaysian and shows that you respect hierarchy within your company.
• It is customary for leaders to sit opposite each other around the table.
• Many companies will have their team seated in descending rank, although this is not always the case.
• Expect the most senior Malaysian to give a brief welcoming speech. You need not reciprocate.
• There will be a period of small talk, which will end when the most senior Malaysian is comfortable moving to the business discussion.
• Meetings may be conducted or continue over lunch and dinner.
• Meetings, especially initial ones, are generally somewhat formal. Treat all Malaysian participants with respect and be cautious not to lose your temper or appear irritated.
• At the first meeting between two companies, Malaysians will generally not get into in-depth discussions. They prefer to use the first meeting as an opportunity to get to know the other side and build a rapport, which is essential in this consensus-driven culture.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern Asia, bordering Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 294 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,485 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 206 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Capital: Moscow

Climate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Population: 143,782,338 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%, Belarusian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% (1989)

Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Government: federation

The Russian Language

Of Russia's estimated 150m population, it is thought that over 81% speak the official language of Russian as their first and only language. Most speakers of a minority language are also bilingual speakers of Russian. There are over 100 minority languages spoken in Russia today, the most popular of which is Tartar, spoken by more than 3% of the country's population. Other minority languages include Ukrainian, Chuvash, Bashir, Mordvin and Chechen. Although few of these populations make up even 1% of the Russian population, these languages are prominent in key regional areas.

Why not learn some useful Russian phrases?

Russian Society & Culture

The Russian Family

. The Russian family is dependent upon all its members.

. Most families live in small apartments, often with 2 or 3 generations sharing little space.

. Most families are small, often with only one child because most women must also work outside of the house in addition to bearing sole responsibility for household and childrearing chores.

Russian Pride

. Russians are proud of their country.

. Patriotic songs and poems extol the virtues of their homeland.

. They accept that their lives are difficult and pride themselves on being able to flourish in conditions that others could not.

. They take great pride in their cultural heritage and expect the rest of the world to admire it.

Communal Mentality

. For generations until the 1930's, Russian life centred on the agricultural village commune, where the land was held in common and decision-making was the province of an assembly of the heads of households.

. This affinity for the group and the collective spirit remains today. It is seen in everyday life, for example most Russians will join a table of strangers rather than eat alone in a restaurant.

. Everybody's business is also everyone else's, so strangers will stop and tell someone that they are breaking the rules.

Etiquette and Customs in Russia

Meeting EtiquetteEtiquette in Russia

. The typical greeting is a firm, almost bone-crushing handshake while maintaining direct eye contact and giving the appropriate greeting for the time of day.

. When men shake hands with women, the handshake is less firm.

. When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek three times, starting with the left and then alternating.

. When close male friends meet, they may pat each other on the back and hug.

Naming Conventions

Russian names are comprised of:

. First name, which is the person's given name.

. Middle name, which is a patronymic or a version of the father's first name formed by adding '- vich' or '-ovich' for a male and '-avna' or '- ovna' for a female. The son of Ivan would have a patronymic of Ivanovich while the daughter's patronymic would be Ivanovna.

. Last name, which is the family or surname.

In formal situations, people use all three names. Friends and close acquaintances may refer to each other by their first name and patronymic. Close friends and family members call each other by their first name only.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving using takes place between family and close friends on birthdays, New Year, and Orthodox Christmas.

. If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift.

. Male guests are expected to bring flowers.

. Do not give yellow flowers.

. Do not give a baby gift until after the baby is born. It is bad luck to do so sooner.

. Russians often protest when they are offered a gift. Reply that it is a little something and offer the gift again and it will generally be accepted.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Russian's house:

. Arrive on time or no more than 15 minutes later than invited.

. Remove your outdoor shoes. You may be given slippers to wear.

. Dress in clothes you might wear to the office. Dressing well shows respect for your hosts.

. Expect to be treated with honour and respect.

. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. This may be turned down out of politeness. Asking 'are you sure?' allows the hostess to accept your offer.

Table manners are generally casual.

. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

. The oldest or most honoured guest is served first.

. Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start.

. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible at all times.

. You will often be urged to take second helpings.

. It is polite to use bread to soak up gravy or sauce.

. Men pour drinks for women seated next to them.

. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that your hosts have provided ample hospitality.

. Do not get up until you are invited to leave the table. At formal dinners, the guest of honor is the first to get up from the table.

Russian Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. Russians are transactional and do not need to establish long-standing personal relationships before they do business with people.

. It is still a good idea to develop a network of people who you know and trust. The Russian word "svyasi" means connections and refers to having friends in high places, which is often required to cut through red tape.

. Patience is essential.

. It is best to err on the side of formality when you first make contact.

. Sincerity is crucial as it is required to build trust, and trust is needed to build a relationship.

. Most Russians do not trust people who are 'all business'.

. An indication that you have successfully developed a personal relationship is being asked for a favour by that person.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible.

. It often takes roughly 6 weeks to arrange a meeting with a government official.

. Confirm the meeting when you arrive in the country and again a day or two in advance.

. The first week of May has several public holidays so it is best avoided.

. You should arrive punctually for meetings.

. Typical Russian schedules are constantly changing and everything takes longer than expected, so be prepared to be kept waiting.

. Meetings can be cancelled on short notice.

. The first meeting is often a vehicle to determine if you and the company you represent are credible and worthy of consideration for future business dealings.

. Use the time effectively to demonstrate what differentiates your company from the competition.

. Expect a long period of socializing and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed.

. Have all printed material available in both English and Russian.

. Russians expect long and detailed presentations that include a history of the subject and a review of existing precedents.

. Meetings are frequently interrupted. It is common for several side conversations that have nothing to do with the topic of the meeting to be carried on during the meeting.

. At the end of the meeting, expect to sign a 'protokol', which is a summary of what was discussed.

Business Negotiating

. Meetings and negotiations are slow. Russians do not like being rushed.

. It is a good idea to include technical experts on your negotiating team.

. Hierarchy is important to Russians. They respect age, rank and position. The most senior person reaches decisions.

. Russian executives prefer to meet with people of similar rank and position.

. Russians see negotiations as win-lose. They do not believe in win-win scenarios.

. Have written materials available in both English and Russian.

. Russians view compromise as weakness. They will continue negotiating until you offer concessions.

. Russians may lose their temper, walk out of the meeting, or threaten to terminate the relationship in an attempt to coerce you to change your position.

. Russians often use time as a tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure or they will delay even more.

. Nothing is final until the contract is signed. Even then, Russians will modify a contract to suit their purposes.

. Do not use high-pressure sales tactics as they will work against you.

Dress Etiquette

. Business dress is formal and conservative.

. Men should wear business suits.

. Women should wear subdued coloured business suits with skirts that cover the knees.

. Shoes should be highly polished.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual.

. Have one side of your business card translated into Russian using Cyrillic text.

. Include advanced university degrees on your business card.

. Hand your business card so the Russian side is readable to the recipient.

. If someone does not have a business card, note their pertinent information.

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