Thanks to all of you who have been following our last 200 blog articles where we have explored different subjects in the world of culture and communication skills training.

As we continue to post new articles on a regular basis, we invite you to comment on these subjects and share your thoughts and experience around how these areas may impact you or your colleagues and clients.

If you’ve just discovered this blog, have a look at some of the following articles we’ve published that have proven popular:

• Positive and Challenging Aspects of Coming Back Home – The Double Edge of Reverse Culture Shock
• Getting your Expats Ready for an International Assignment
• Diwali – The Festival of Lights
• Living and Working in Italy – Getting the Most Out of La Dolce Vita
• Why Wearing the Right Kind of Underwear is Important When Doing Business in Switzerland
• Hiring Overseas – Can Cultural Awareness Training Help HR Professionals Manage the Economic Crisis?
• Bribery or Generosity? How Intercultural Training Helps you Avoid the Risks of Giving Business Gifts across Cultures
• Presenting to an International Audience – Adapting Your Style for Maximum Impact
• Perceptions and Attitudes to Alcohol across Cultures

Whether you are a training professional, international manager or member of a global organisation, we hope that you continue to find the Communicaid blog an invaluable tool to navigating this fascinating field!

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Post tags: Cultural Awareness training, culture and communication, popular articles

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Every September and October Munich becomes the centre of attention, especially for those who count themselves as beer lovers. In the month of September the mayor of the city taps the first keg of beer in the Schottenhammel tent on the Theresienwiese in Munich. This annual ritual officially starts Oktoberfest which is always held in the last two weeks of September each year and finishes during the first weekend in October. As Oktoberfest kicks off, massive crowds of tourists descend upon Munich from all over the world to enjoy the well-known ‘Maβ’ beer served in a one litre mug.

© istockphoto.com/Wrangel

Although this part of southern Germany is known for its beer and Oktoberfest, Bavaria has a lot more to offer. Some may argue that the free state of Bavaria cherishes its historical traditions more than any other state in Germany, while it tends to see itself as different from the others. Foreigners are not alone when they struggle to understand the local customs and traditions in Bavaria as many Germans are often surprised by the cultural differences they encounter there.

Living and working in Germany can be a completely different experience in Bavaria than in other parts of the country. Anyone living and working in Bavaria should try to gain an understanding of the customs, behaviours and traditions that are unique to this part of Germany.

Here are a few cultural mannerisms and attitudes that you may come across in Bavaria:

• A unique combination of traditional and modern values and attitudes towards life and business

• A distinct dialect which even Germans from the North can find hard to understand as it differs quite a bit from High German

• A tendency to use double negations. For example: ‘Der Fonsi hod koa Gschpusi net’, meaning ‘The Fonsi has never not had a girlfriend’

• The use of the subjunctive as an expression for politeness. For example you may often hear men say ‘I waar soweid’ when waiting for their wife when she still isn’t ready to go. In other words, they will be ready when their wife is

• A special weather condition which can only be observed in the alpine regions called the ‘Föhn’. This kind of ‘downslope’ wind can cause migraines or sleeplessness but it is also responsible for the gorgeous blue sky often seen in this region

• The biggest per-capita-consumption of beer at 215 litres a year

• Beer from the widest selection of 631 regional breweries in the state all brewed by the same German purity law

• Culinary specialties like ‘Brezn’, ‘Weiβwurscht’ (Bavarian veal sausage) or ‘Hendl’ (roast chicken) which are typically eaten with beer during Oktoberfest

• Traditional costumes worn for daily purposes as well as cultural festivities. Some of the most well-known include ‘Lederhose’ and ‘Dirndl’ for women which usually consists of a traditional blouse, dress and apron which is said to give a stunning figure to every woman no matter the size.

Living and working in Germany can be very exciting and different when Bavaria is the selected destination. If you are going on an international assignment to Bavaria be sure to prepare yourself by researching this part of Germany thoroughly so you know what to expect. A cross-cultural awareness training course can also help you to further expand your understanding of German and Bavarian culture so that you can make the most out of this unique social and professional experience.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: Cross Cultural Training, Doing business in Germany, living and working in Bavaria, living and working in Germany, relocation training

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It might appear surprising that when two people fall in love and decide to spend their life together, they often face their first real test as a couple when they start organising their wedding ceremony. Organising weddings can be quite a challenge for the couple and their families, especially when the wedding unites two people from two or more different cultures.

© istockphoto.com/Shelton Muller

Intercultural weddings are becoming increasingly popular as people become more prone to global mobility and cross-cultural relationships. Although the number of intercultural weddings is on the rise, many couples still lack the fundamental understanding they need to make sense of and successfully cope with the numerous cross cultural differences they will face in their intercultural relationship. A high level of cross cultural awareness is vital to successfully bringing together two families through an intercultural wedding.

An interview by Helyn Trickey on CNN highlighted how the number of intercultural weddings grow as the number of people living and working in different countries increases. Often when people of two or more different cultural backgrounds get married, they tend to blend their different nationalities and cultures into one to form a new family culture. In many cultures intercultural weddings have traditionally been seen quite negatively, but an increasing number of people feel more optimistic about the positive possibilities a long-term intercultural relationship can bring.

When a couple starts planning the wedding ceremony, they may struggle at times to both celebrate and respect their own cultural traditions and heritage. Susanna Macomb, author of the book Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations says that one way to make an intercultural wedding ceremony an enjoyable experience for all members of both families is for the couple to consider and clarify the different cultural traditions and values they believe in to create a mutual understanding before attempting to plan the ceremony.

This allows the couple to identify any aspect of the other culture which is either drastically different or perhaps considered offensive to the other culture. This in turn will not only help to ensure that they deal with any cultural differences of how they’d like to celebrate their wedding ceremony, but it will also help them to further discover the things that they have in common which will strengthen their relationship even more. Being aware of the symbolism used in both cultures can make a wedding more meaningful for both families.

One Hindu-Catholic couple who recently celebrated an intercultural wedding were able to combine traditions to create something even more special. Candles and fire play an important role in both Hindu and Catholic weddings. In Hinduism, an oil lamp with five wicks resembles the five elements wind, earth, fire, sky, and water. In Catholicism the lighting of candles is a symbol of devotional intention. Rebecca and Jayant Menon were married by interfaith minister Macomb who took into account both of the meaningful elements from Catholicism and Hinduism to build a bridge between the two different cultures and religions.

Making a wedding work between two people representing different cultures is not too different from making any intercultural interaction work, whether social or professional. An awareness and consideration of what each person values and respects can create more fruitful relationships and reduce cultural misunderstandings. Cross cultural awareness can help both intercultural couples and multicultural team members to be more open and understanding of each other to communicate and love successfully when encountering the adventure of a different culture and might thus even make the walk to the couple therapist redundant.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: Cross cultural awareness training, Cross Cultural Training, cross-cultural wedding, cultural misunderstandings, cultural traditions, intercultural relationship, intercultural weddings

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Time is one of the most precious commodities in today’s modern world, however the value we give to time and how we manage our day by it is not universal. Many professionals working across cultures are surprised by how their international counterparts manage meetings, projects or other business activities. Different interpretations of being ‘on time’, the importance placed on deadlines and how people refer to the past, present or future are just some aspects of how time can be perceived differently across cultures.

Working effectively across cultures requires an awareness of different perceptions of time which will help to reduce the complexity of international business and put you in a better position to manage and harness cultural differences.

© istockphoto.com/photographer name

There are so many components of time that need to be understood when working across cultures that it can become quite confusing. Dutch interculturalist Fons Trompenaars suggests a simple model which puts attitudes to time into two general categories: sequential and synchronic. With these terms Trompenaars attempts to describe how people around the world generally manage their time and how time impacts on their behaviour and mindset.

In sequential cultures Trompenaars argues that time is dealt with in a specific logical order. For example people from a sequential culture may prefer to have a detailed agenda for meetings and regular milestones throughout the life cycle of a project. They rely on this structure and can find a more flexible approach to time frustrating. Time tends to control and influence what people do in sequential cultures, and many will find value in the expression ‘time is money’.

People in synchronic cultures tend to manage their time quite differently than those from sequential cultures. In synchronic cultures people will have a much broader and more flexible perception of time. As such time is adaptable and allows much more freedom for tasks to be achieved. People from synchronic cultures don’t tend to be slaves to time but rather they use time as a guidance for how they structure their day and life. In synchronic cultures people will approach tasks in a much more open way and not be as beholden to deadlines and timeframes. Rescheduling a meeting at the last minute, showing up a few minutes after the meeting start time or missing an agreed deadline are all things they accept readily.

While this approach may frustrate those from a sequential culture, their more rigid and structured approach to time can seem inflexible and too strict to those from synchronic cultures. Here are a few additional different attitudes you may find in sequential and synchronic cultures.

As you read through the list ask yourself what you agree with the most. Then think about how someone with the opposite approach may perceive you.

Whether you see time as money, something to be controlled or something that will guide you from one point to another, think about the above attitudes to time you may find and be aware of how you may be perceived by your international counterparts when working across cultures.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: Cross Cultural Training, cross-cultural awareness, Fons Trompenaars, perceptions of time across cultures, sequential cultures, synchronic cultures, Working effectively across cultures, Working Succesfully Across Cultures

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Christmas is celebrated in many cultures around the world in December each year. Christmas is traditionally a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ however there are an increasing number of non-religious Christmas customs and traditions that people celebrate at this time of year. Every culture, denomination of Christianity and even family celebrates Christmas slightly differently – from what they eat and buy to what they do over the Christmas period. Working effectively across cultures requires an awareness of the importance and impact of this holiday celebrated by more than 2 billion people around the world.

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Here are just a few examples of traditions and customs that are celebrated during the Christmas period in the UK, Norway, Italy and France.

Christmas in the UK

In the UK people start getting ready for Christmas right before the start of December, though you may find that decorations and shops start preparing for Christmas even earlier. People will traditionally have a Christmas tree in their home that they decorate with ornaments and lights at the beginning of the month. They may also hang lights outside their house and wreaths made of leaves, pinecones and holly berries on their door.

Family, friends and colleagues will exchange Christmas gifts as part of the celebrations. Some people will also buy an advent calendar filled with chocolates for each day in December until Christmas. Companies will organise Christmas parties in December where employees have the chance to spend time together eating, drinking and often dancing to celebrate the holiday and the end of the year.

Christmas Eve is usually celebrated by enjoying food and drinks with family and friends. On Christmas Day on the 25th of December people will spend time with their families opening gifts, enjoying mulled wine and minced pies and preparing a big meal. The most common Christmas meal in the UK consists of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, vegetables and Christmas pudding or Christmas cake for desert. The day after Christmas in the UK is also a public holiday called Boxing Day when people don’t go to work and instead spend time with family and friends to continue the celebrations.

Christmas in Norway – Jul

Norwegians are very enthusiastic about Christmas celebrations which they refer to as Jul. After Norway’s national day, Christmas is the biggest celebration in the country. Norwegians typically start baking julekaker (Christmas cookies) almost a month before Christmas to make sure they have a large number and variety of them.

The big celebration happens on the evening of the 24th of December when families gather together for dinner. Many families have traditions of dancing around the Christmas tree, singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts. On Christmas day families usually watch their favourite Christmas films like “Three Nuts for Cinderella” “From All of Us to All of You”or “The Journey to the Christmas star”.

Christmas in Italy – Natale

In Italy Christmas is usually spent with the family. Italians start preparing for Christmas almost a month before the event by decorating their houses with a tree and often a Presepio (nativity scene). On Christmas Eve, families gather together for dinner. Fish is usually the main ingredient accompanied by pasta and vegetables. For desert they enjoy typical Italian deserts such as Pandoro, Panettone and torrone, a sweet made of honey and nuts.

Families typically open presents on Christmas Day and then share lunch. The food varies from region to region, however the typical meal usually includes pasta, meat, vegetables and typical Italian desserts. The Christmas holiday ends on the 6th of January when la Befana (the good ugly witch) brings sweets to children who behaved well in the last year, and coal to the children who did not behave very well. Different to the UK custom where Santa Claus puts presents in stockings hung by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, the Italians have their stockings filled in January by la Befana.

Christmas in France – Noël

In France Christmas is a time for family gatherings and traditions. Christmas celebrations vary greatly from one region to another. In Northern and Eastern France people usually start the Christmas period by celebrating St Nicholas’ Day on the 6th of December. Most people in France decorate their homes with a tree and a nativity scene called a crèche. In Southern France this crèche is made of small clay figurines called santons that show the life of a provincial village.

The huge Christmas feast is called Le Réveillon and is held on the evening of December 24th. Traditional French Christmas dishes are usually oysters, fois gras and turkey stuffed with chestnuts. A Yule log-shaped cake, mainly made of chocolate, is the traditional dessert all around France. Children usually open their gifts before or after attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is a bank holiday.

The way Christmas is celebrated around the world can significantly influence international business and anyone working across cultures. Showing an awareness of the religious and cultural traditions that form part of Christmas celebrations around the world will help you to make a positive impression when working across cultures and build better relationships with your international counterparts.

Make sure you understand and respect the Christmas traditions of the country you are working in as this will reduce the risk of frustration and misunderstandings with your colleagues. Find out whether it’s appropriate to give your colleagues, clients or suppliers a small gift or Christmas card as a way to send them Christmas greetings.

Wherever and however you celebrate Christmas this year we hope you have a lovely holiday!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: celebrating Christmas across cultures, Christmas, doing business in France, Doing business in Italy, doing business in Norway, Doing Business in the UK, Jul, Natale, Working across cultures

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Pleasure, tradition or a sin? Relaxing, exhausting or stressful? How do you see alcohol?

The festive season is upon us, and with that often comes a variety of drinks and food products that contain alcohol. Attitudes towards alcohol can vary dramatically from one culture to another, making it difficult to know when it is appropriate to mention it, let alone drink it.

Showing the wrong attitude towards alcohol can make or break a relationship on both a social and professional level so it’s important to always know how alcohol is viewed wherever you are. Cross cultural training courses can provide you with key tips about when and how to consume alcohol, if at all, so that you avoid making any damaging cultural faux-pas when socialising or doing business across cultures.

© istockphoto.com/photographer name

Cheers!

A recent article in the Financial Times looked at the role of vodka in Russian social and business culture. Seen as an essential part of relationship building, it can be easy to jeopardise a business venture in Russia by forgetting to bring vodka and the mixer to celebrate a deal. In Russia and other countries which have been influenced by Russian culture such as the Ukraine, people celebrate contracts and important milestones around a glass of vodka before they even leave the meeting room. People from these cultures will often expect foreigners to join them in toasting the success and enjoying what can at times be a large amount of alcohol.

In East Asian countries such as China, Japan and Thailand, drinking alcohol is engrained in the social life but only after work. For instance, people from Thailand often drink alcohol to celebrate important occasions. They will also enjoy a glass of wine or beer at dinner, but doing so at lunch can be considered unprofessional and bad-mannered.

When doing business in France it’s common to have an aperitif at the beginning of a professional meal to toast successful business, upcoming events or to health and life in general. It is also customary to drink wine throughout lunch or dinner in France, although they will usually consume less during the day.

The Gift of Alcohol

Gift-giving is often an important part of relationship building in many cultures so you may be expected to bring a gift at the start of a business venture or relationship. Some will expect a nice box of chocolates while others will appreciate a traditional or local product from your home country. Alcohol is sometimes perceived to be a very generous or appropriate gift but always check with someone from the host country before bringing it.

Here are a few ideas of how alcohol is or isn’t appreciated as a gift in cultures around the world.

• In France, offering a good bottle of wine or old spirit is appreciated. Many companies will offer bottles of wines or good whiskey to their best clients for Christmas or other special occasions, and when visiting someone’s home it’s always a kind gesture to bring a nice bottle.

• In Thailand, there used to be a well practised tradition of giving alcohol to blue collar workers while white collar workers would receive a basket with biscuits, tea, alcohol, juices and coffee. More recently however people tend to avoid giving alcohol generally and instead offer baskets of fresh fruit.

• When doing business with Jewish counterparts in Israel or elsewhere be aware that some will avoid drinking alcohol at all as part of their religious beliefs. Always check with your colleagues whether it is appropriate. In some cases wine is acceptable but it’s a good idea to buy bottles in a kosher wine specialist shop.

Alcohol as an Offence

Although social drinking is accepted in many business environments around the world, some countries prohibit alcohol consumption. In most Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East, drinking or offering alcohol could deeply offend your counterparts. In some countries it is not only a question of respect but also a legal one. For example in Saudi Arabia or Iran anyone bringing in alcohol could be arrested and prosecuted.

For most Hindus, drinking or offering alcohol is usually perceived as disrespectful but this often depends on the generation of the individual and how much they follow the religious beliefs. When doing business in India and other countries with large populations of Hindus, you may therefore find mixed attitudes towards alcohol so it’s always best to check what is appropriate before drinking in public.

Some international companies can also encounter problems regarding products containing traces of alcohol in the ingredients. Boxes of chocolate which contain liquor or salad dressing with white wine vinegar may be forbidden in countries like Saudi Arabia where laws around alcohol are very strict.

International businesses relationships can be threatened or strengthened with alcohol, depending on how it is used. It’s not something that people tend to think about when working across cultures, but their success can depend on whether they show the right attitude and behaviour towards alcohol. Cross cultural training courses can help anyone working across cultures to understand how to avoid the risk that can come with not understanding local values and perceptions towards things like alcohol, whether a pleasure, tradition or sin.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: attitudes to alcohol, Cross Cultural Training, cross cultural training courses, cross-cultural awareness, International businesses relationships, the gift of alcohol across cultures, Working across cultures

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Every culture has a unique set of stereotypes that have been formed and reinforced throughout the years and the UK is no exception. Even in some of the most popular guides Britain and its population are presented in such a way that confirms what many consider as typical British peculiarities. Anyone living and working in the UK however should be aware that many of these cultural stereotypes are not always true in every situation.

© istockphoto.com/Graeme Purdy

The UK does not always have a very good reputation abroad. Brits are often seen as a mass of overweight people with a terrible sense of humour and the inability to cook good food. Some believe that Brits will never skip their sacred afternoon tea ritual which is usually followed by a simple dinner such as fish and chips or a greasy meat pie. Many think that these meals are usually eaten in local pubs, accompanied by a pint of beer, and followed by scenes of public drunkenness.  While many Brits enjoy having a cup of tea or evening meal out in the pub, the idea that they do these things every single day is indeed a cultural stereotype that has been built up over generations.

Some stereotypes and perceptions of Brits are more neutral and positive. For example Brits are well known for their British values of fair play and keeping calm in the face of adversity. These attitudes of honesty, equality and calmness are ever present in many British behaviours, but not more so than in the “art of queuing”. Brits are well known for their ability and need to queue, whatever the situation. In fact the need to respect and master this art of queueing is considered so important in British society that understanding how to queue properly has been included in the new citizenship tests immigrants have to take.

One book that looks closely at British behaviours is Watching the English: the Hidden Rules of English Behaviours by Kate Fox. In this anthropological study of the English population, Fox traces behavioural rules that seem to govern every aspect of English life. There are chapters about how Brits behave at work, in the pub, on the bus and at home. She also looks at how Brits talk, what they talk about, how they dress and many other social topics.

Through her research Fox identified what she calls a social “dis-ease” that governs every aspect of British behaviour. She argues that there is a constant awkwardness, embarassment and clumsiness that characterises any kind of British social interaction. Although Fox’s book might be perceived as an exaggeration and reinforcement of many British stereotypes, it can be an extremely useful resource for people who have never had much contact with Brits.

Whether or not you have had some contact with British culture, be aware of the many cultural idiosyncrasies and underlying values that will impact how your British counterparts think and behave. For example, when living and working in the UK, it can be very beneficial to understand British irony and humour which plays a big, although very implicit, role in communication that can often go unnoticed.

Knowing how to approach your British counterparts and build relationships with them will help you to ensure that you avoid any cultural faux-pas or wasted time. Reading books like that written by Kate Fox is one way of improving your understanding of British culture. This combined with a cross cultural training course such as Living and Working in the UK will help you to ensure that you effectively break down and interpret the many stereotypes that exist about British culture so that you react appropriately in any British context.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: British culture, British values, Cross cultural awareness training, Cross Cultural Training, Living and Working in the UK, Relocation in the UK, working with Brits

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Can you already smell roasted turkey with stuffing and pumpkin pie? Can you hear the noise of football matches? Yes, you’re right, it’s Thanksgiving. Every year on the fourth Thursday of November Americans gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. This tradition has been rooted in American culture for centuries, so if you are living and working in the USA or planning to do so, you should be aware of its importance and the impact it has on life and business in the USA.

© istockphoto.com/Sean Locke

Where does Thanksgiving come from?

What is considered as the first Thanksgiving in American history took place in 1621 in Plymouth plantations, where Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a successful harvest feast. This was held to celebrate God and thank him for having guided the colonists safely to the New World. The celebration was then observed first as a religious tradition and, later, as a civil one. During the Civil War in 1863 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to be celebrated each November.

How is Thanksgiving celebrated?

Thanksgiving has now lost its original religious meaning for most American families. The focus of the celebration is now on spending quality time together and sharing a good meal. So what are the key ingredients of a good Thanksgiving meal? Turkey is the centrepiece of Thanksgiving and has become the main symbol of the holiday. It was probably not included in the first meal the Pilgrims shared with the Indians, but what is sure is that around 90% of Americans eat it on Thanksgiving. Either roasted, fried or baked, the turkey is usually accompanied by stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. In addition to cooking and eating which takes a large portion of the day, Americans like to gather together to watch football, participate in parades or volunteer. Many Americans will start their Christmas shopping on the day after Thanksgiving which is often referred to as Black Friday.

Thanksgiving Tips

If you are living and working in the USA, make sure you participate in Thanksgiving celebrations and make the most of this experience. Giving the right importance to this event is central for you to integrate into American society, build friendships and make the most of your stay. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Do not expect your American colleagues on Thanksgiving Day. Remember: it is a national holiday and offices are kept closed all day

• Thank your colleagues for their hard work, collaboration or companionship with a Thanksgiving card or a simple note on the day

• If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, accept with enthusiasm any food your guests offer to bring

• If you are invited to dinner bring a gift and write a thank you note

• Show an interest in American football games as these are often a big part of Thanksgiving celebrations

• If invited to someone’s home, offer to help with the preparations. Thanksgiving is a family affair and almost everyone plays a role in getting it all ready, even guests

If you are planning to move to the USA or work with American counterparts you might want to improve your knowledge about American culture by attending a cultural awareness training programme like Living and Working in the USA. It will teach you more about American customs, traditions and values and help you develop the skills to build better relationships with your American colleagues.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: Cross Cultural Training, Cultural Awareness training, living and working in the US, North American Culture, North American traditions, Thanksgiving

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Every year on 5 November people in Great Britain celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night. Anyone living and working in Great Britain should be aware of this tradition as it can be a great opportunity to experience local culture and socialise with friends and family. Understanding British customs and traditions can also help you to more effectively integrate into British society and establish better working relationships with your British counterparts.

© istockphoto.com/Ludwig Wagner

So what is Bonfire Night and how is it celebrated? Bonfire Night commemorates the events of 5 November 1605 which are sometimes also referred to as the Gunpowder Plot. The protagonist of these events was a man called Guy Fawkes who was part of a group of English Catholics who were unhappy with the protestant King. Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and a group of other Catholics started plotting the King’s assassination.

On the night of 5 November the conspirators attempted to kill the King by placing some explosives under the House of Lords. Their aim was to kill the King as well as many other members of the monarchy and government. One of the most active participants in this murder attempt was Guy Fawkes who was responsible for guarding the explosives in a cellar under the House of Lords. The plan was foiled and Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellar. After being tortured for several days, he confessed and was then executed.

On that same night in 1605 people set bonfires alight to celebrate the King’s survival. This tradition has been respected ever since and people all over Great Britain and in some Commonwealth nations like New Zealand and Australia celebrate this day with bonfires and fireworks. In addition to bonfires and fireworks, some will make “guys” – effigies of Guy Fawkes made out of old clothes and newspapers that will then be burnt in the bonfires.

Another tradition observed on this day is the State Opening of Parliament. Ever since these events of 1605, the King or Queen will traditionally only enter Parliament once a year on 5 November. Before the event, the cellars of the Palace of Westminster are inspected by the Yeomen of the Guard to assure the monarch’s safety and commemorate and celebrate the historical event.

Being aware of traditions and customs like this can help anyone living and working in Great Britain to understand the culture. Attending a cross cultural training programme like Living and Working in Great Britain will provide you with all the information you need about British customs and traditions like Bonfire Night as well as other useful information on British social and business culture.

So if you are living and working in Great Britain be sure to take part in one of the events going on in London or other cities in Great Britain this weekend.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: British traditions, Cross cultural awareness training, Cross Cultural Training, intercultural training, living and working abroad, Living and Working in Great Britain, Living and Working in the UK

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Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. During this festival, houses are illuminated with a myriad of candles and small lamps called Diyas. The name Diwali is an abbreviation of the word Deepavali which literally means “row of lights”. Most people refer to this holiday in English as the “Festival of Lights”. Diwali usually occurs between mid-October and mid-November and lasts for five days. Anyone living and working in India or doing business with Indian counterparts should be aware of the importance of this holiday and how it impacts Indian culture and life each year.

© istockphoto.com/Kulpreet

Celebrations of Diwali in India have ancient religious origins. Each of the five days of this festival celebrates a particular legend or story. The first day of Diwali, for example, is Dhanteras and usually marks the beginning of the financial year as it is believed to be a time for wealth and prosperity. On this first day of the festival people pray to the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who people guide into their homes by lighting candles and diyas in their houses and on the streets.

Another legend commemorated during Diwali is about Rama and his wife Sita who he saved from the demon Ravana before returning to Ayodhya to become king. On their way back, Rama and his wife could not see as it was a very dark night, so people placed lamps outside their houses to help them find their way home.

Diwali is celebrated in different ways across India and other countries. For example people in Northern India tend to celebrate Rama’s legend while in Gujarat and Maharashtra they celebrate the Goddess Lakshmi more. In Nepal the festival focuses on the defeat of the demon king Narakaasura by Lord Krishna, while in Bengal they tend to focus on celebrating the Goddess Kali. Despite these differences, there are a few main ideas that remain the same everywhere: light triumphs over darkness, good supersedes evil and knowledge prevails over ignorance.

Before the start of Diwali festivals people redecorate their homes and draw traditional motifs of ‘rangoli’ at the entrances. They also wear new clothes and prepare big festive meals. People also decorate their houses lighting Diyas and big firework displays in celebration are a tradition.

During Diwali one of the most important rituals is the exchange of gifts to show love and affection to family members and friends. Even people who live far from their families usually send greetings and gifts to their beloved at home. Common gifts are flowers, sweets, dry fruit and nuts, clothes and silver or gold items such as jewellery or other decorative objects.

Diwali is celebrated around the world by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. Anyone living and working in India or other countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore should be aware of how Diwali impacts daily life in this period.

Here are some tips to help you show respect and work effectively with your Indian counterparts during this holiday.

• Plan meetings without interfering with Diwali’s celebration. Be aware that a lot of business people will take the day off in preparation for a new accounting year and to spend time with their families.

• Don’t set any project deadlines that coincide with Diwali.

• If you work regularly with people who celebrate Diwali, you can show respect for their tradition and your relationship by giving them a small gift such as a box of sweets or nuts. If you cannot give them a gift, a small greeting by email would also be appreciated.

• Indians tend to spend lots of money on the first day of Diwali buying presents and shopping in general, so if you are with them accept any generosity graciously.

• Don’t say “no” to an invite to Diwali celebrations. This can be a great to way to build relationships with your colleagues and experience a unique cultural festival.

• If invited to Diwali celebrations, or if sharing a meal with colleagues who celebrate Diwali, avoid drinking alcohol.

Cross cultural awareness training programmes like Living and Working in India or Doing Business in India can provide you with the essential knowledge you need about the country and its culture. By showing an understanding of key Indian traditions or holidays like Diwali, you can build more effective social and business relationships which will create more value in the long-term.

Don’t forget to send your colleagues a traditional Diwali greeting in the appropriate language!

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Post tags: celebrations of diwali, Cross Cultural Training, cross-cultural awareness, doing business in India, Indian festival, Living and Working in India

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