Indian Culture
September 10th, 2008
When visiting a country such as India which is so diverse in culture and customs, it’s always best to try research a little into a culture before travelling as it can sometimes be a veritable mine field. Try to make sure you have a grasp on what is seen as offensive, and to check if anything you may say or do in your culture doesn’t have connotations other than what you intend.
Here’s a few things that maybe you didn’t know about Indian culture;
Showing the soles of you feet or shoes is seen as offensive, keep your feet on the ground while sitting and if by chance you foot touches someone, apologise.
While greeting someone only shake hands if the hand is offered especially if it’s a woman, never offer you hand to a woman. It is common practice and widely accepted to place your own hands together as if praying and bow slightly to greet one another.
While chatting to someone it is deemed impolite to make continuous eye contact, just break contact ever now and again, and also refrain from standing with your hands in your pockets or on your hips.
It is common for Indians to converse with total strangers and even ask quit personal questions as it’s seen as quite acceptable conversation, but refrain from starting conversation with women walking on their own as has romantic insinuation as well as winking and whistling.
Be careful not to use the word “NO” as it’s seen as a harsh negative and as is portrayed as impolite and argumentative, most Indians will go out of their way not to say no. Try to use “maybe”, “possibly”, “could be” or “I will try” so not to seem antagonistic.