COUNTRY INDIA THE BASIC

COUNTRY INDIA THE BASIC

1. The Basic

   • GREETINGS
     • Man greeting Man
       • Light handshakes
       • "Namaste".
     • Woman greeting Woman
       • Light handshakes
     • Greetings between Men & Women
       • In formal and business
         • usually best to let the women initiate contact,
         • People usually nod or bow slightly as well.
   • Communication Style
     • will tell you what you want to hear in order to be polite
       • indirect style of communication over direct.
   • Personal Space & Touching
     • In general Hindus tend to stand about 3 or 3 ½ feet apart.
     • In India varies with different sub-cultures
     • Indians are not too conscious of their personal space
     • although it is common to see male friends holding hands or with their arms around each other when they walk
       • This is usually a sign of friendship.
     • Men and women hardly ever display any form of physical affection in public
     • Touching of any kind between men and women especially when not related can be interpreted as flirting.
     • Cupping the face of someone in your hands to show affection is common in families
   • Eye Contact
     • especially a woman looking at a man.
       • If doing business, it’s not uncommon to keep eye contact,
     • Note that as a foreigner, one can expect to be stared at. Especially in rural areas.
     • When communicating with elders it is common to use indirect eye contact.
     • Direct eye contact is becoming a little more acceptable in the cities but in some parts of the country it can be inappropriate and rude to have direct eye contact.
       • Especially for women to give eye contact to the husbands.
   • Views Of Time
     • you can expect to have your party arrive or for the meeting to begin anywhere from 30 minutes to a day later
     • It is not usually considered rude to be late in social situations.
     • Trains and buses don't really run on time. People give their time freely for the most part
   • Gestures
     • It is common to remove one's shoes at places of worship, when visiting people's homes, and even in certain shops and businesses
     • people beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers, palm facing down.
     • The head wobble, which is very common throughout the country can mean "yes" and not "no".
     • pointing with one finger is common.
     • One usually always eats with the right hand as the left hand is considered unclean.
   • Taboos
     • (public displays of affection) are highly frowned upon.
     • Avoid touching people or moving/passing objects with your shoes.
     • Winking and whistling should be avoided.
     • Grasping the ears signifies sincerity or repentance, since ears are considered sacred, pulling or boxing ones ears is a grave insult.
   • Law & Order
     • Alcohol consumption prohibited in some states and banned in some cities deemed "holy".
     • The drinking age ranges from 18-25 depending on which area of the country you are in.
     • The legal smoking age is 18.
     • Drugs are illegal in India. Possession of small amounts can carry a mandatory 10 year sentence. Drug laws are heavily enforced. Drunk driving is also looked upon strictly.

2. Gender Issues

   • Depending on the area, women’s rights are either established, dawning, or basically non-existent.
   • Smaller, rural areas see women as caregivers, mothers, and not much more, although Women’s Rights groups are beginning to crop up.
   • More progressive areas like the state of Kerala have women’s roles comparable to men.
   • Foreign women are given more slack in terms of dress, but travelers should wear whatever clothing is accepted in that region.
   • Some areas do experience “eve teasing,” or sexual harassment. This is not as common in cities.
   • Accepted roles are generally a housewife, mother, homemaker etc. In villages women are usually involved in cottage industries, farming etc.
   • Traditional Indian women do not drink or smoke.
   • One usually always eats with the right hand as the left hand is considered unclean.