Etiquette - these are the rules of polite behavior adopted in a civilized society. Types of modern etiquette evolved over the centuries. One of them is international, which is an important element in communication with representatives of another nation. You should familiarize yourself with it in more detail.
All countries have their own standards of etiquette, rules and laws. As for international etiquette, the basic rules of etiquette are universal and within the framework of international communication. The rules of courtesy adopted in international etiquette can be either exactly the same or very similar. But not always! There are some loopholes in international etiquette.
Basic rules of international etiquette
Be sure to know that in certain countries there are differences in behavior that are due to religious, traditional and historical characteristics. It is worth treating this with understanding and respect, because these traditions and foundations have been formed in a particular country for thousands of years! Without knowing any specific (specific) rules of etiquette for a single nation, you can get into trouble.
France. According to international etiquette, you don’t need to expect from the French any financial generosity in paying these or those bills. It is customary for everyone to pay for themselves on their own. It's all about their frugality.
The rules of international etiquette require a person who has visited a foreign country to be aware of everything: to have at least some idea of national traditions, to know the culture of this people, their basic way of life and manner of behavior. An additional plus will be awareness of the political views of local residents. That is, simply knowing the language of the country in which the person went is not enough.
So, the basis of international etiquette is the complex interweaving of customs and traditions of this people. All this is called a national cultural basis.
International Etiquette in England
The English are a restrained people in conversation. International etiquette requires that you do not ask them too personal questions, and also do not try to express your own thoughts directly. It will be, by their standards, the height of tactlessness. In general, representatives of the English nation express themselves in hints. That is why their conversations are full of omissions and hidden subtext.
Sitting at a table in England, you should not put your hands on it - they need to be kept on your knees. It is imperative to keep the cutlery as follows: the knife is in the right hand, and the fork is in the left. You cannot shift them from hand to hand. Putting individual pieces of food on your fork is considered bad form. You also need to make sure that food from the fork does not fall on the plate - the British do not welcome this.
Spain. During the fiesta (afternoon break), the Spaniard should not be bothered by conversations about politics, bullfighting, and his personal life. To pay a visit to the Spaniard at this time should only be a last resort.
If, for example, a company of four is sitting at a table, it is indecent and impolite to conduct a separate conversation between one of these persons. The fact is that in this case the conversation should concern all those present. Each of them should listen to the speech of the other, supporting him in every possible way and not interrupting the conversation. In England, excessive gesticulation at the table is not encouraged.
