|
Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Handshakes are a fine form of greeting. Always greet everyone in a group or in at a party. Traditional Muslims will not shake hands with unrelated members of the opposite sex. During the greeting it is polite to inquire after the person's health and his or her family's heath. One might also infuse the word, Muallim, for sir, or Hannin, for ma'am, in conversation with locals.
2. In business, note that preliminary handshakes to all persons present, as well as perfunctory conversation, should always precede any official discussions. Note also that businesses and offices may tend to open a bit later than in the West, and people may work longer as a result. Few meetings are scheduled during noon and 2 pm because this is the time when people customarily have lunch breaks. Note also that business cards are used extensively in this culture and taking the time to have the reverse side of the card printed in Azeri will be highly appreciated.
3. Gifts are an important aspect of hospitality and friendship. Visitors should be prepared to accept gifts and should also be prepared to give gifts as tokens of warm feelings and goodwill. Souvenirs or books from your part of the world are always appreciated gifts. Small gifts of appreciation might be given to locals who help in a visitor's arrangements and duties. Wrapped gifts, however, should not be opened in public. It is more mannerly to be sufficiently effusive in thanking the giver, stating certitude that the gift will be lovely. Save opening the gift for a private moment.
4. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon. Although Azerbaijan is a moderate and modern Islamic country, there remains an underlying conservativism in the culture. One should behave in an appropriately dignified way as a result.
5. At a dinner party, always toast the most important guest first. However, foreign guests may be the first to be toasted, as Azerbaijanis will want to show the guest a warm hospitality. Generally there is a toastmaster or "tamada" who orchestrates lavish toasts. By watching him, you can find out who are the prestigious persons. One should never talk or eat during a toast.
6. Before leaving a party or any social situation, be sure to say goodbye to everyone especially the host and hostess. Mention something about your hopes for their future happiness and prosperity. Your farewells should begin with the elderly and include children.
7. In some shops you will be expected to bargain.
8. Women should avoid smoking in public; while not prohibited, it is not normal practice.
9. It may be best to tip waiters and door persons in advance in order to receive service. Do not tip poorly and expect decent service.
10. Business attire is advised for all official events or meetings, regardless of gender. Although jeans and coordinated shirts or sweaters are appropriate in casual settings, men should expect to be professionally dressed in business situations and for social events. Women may wear suits on business situations, while cocktail dresses are appropriate in social events.
|