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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Belarusians are not effusive people in public. Greetings are limited to handshakes and pronouncements of one's name, and usually only the surname is used in these instances. Non-locals should respond in kind, avoiding phrases such as "how are you?"
2. Among friends and relatives, embraces or double-cheeked kisses are happily given. Handshakes among men and women is normative.
3. The traditional title of respect used in Belarus is Professor. It is liberally used to denote erudition for doctors of science, experts in various other fields, as well as teachers.
4. Belarusians enjoy speaking about politics, economics and social issues, and so these topics are entirely appropriate. They also are interested in the countries of the West, especially the United States, and so topics of intercultural and international import are perfectly acceptable subject matter.
5. Invitations to someone's home are a high sign of respect and honor; invitees should always accept, eat and rink plentifully, and arrive bearing gifts. Suggested gifts include watches, pens, lighters, electronic devices, cigarettes or cigars. Baseball caps, pins or scarves are acceptable pieces of apparel to offer as gifts, while flowers, soaps or perfumes are fine gifts to offer to a female host or the wife of a host. Children are usually present at dinners at home.
6. Although invitations for dinner may be issued for a specific time, guests usually take time (up to an hour) to actually gather before dinner.
7. Belarusians tend to offer toasts at dinners. The most common toast is given to one's health, but it is advisable that visitors learn how to offer at least one toast.
8. Whistling is inappropriate behavior as it denotes disapproval. Spitting in public, however, is not uncommon. In general, Belarusians possess a complex constellation of gestures, curses and practices that should be understood. Visitors should find a local to explain the local practices fully to them.
9. That said, foreigners can benefit from their status as outsiders by receiving preferential treatment and willing help from locals.
10. Business attire is formal and conservative, although not necessarily fashionable. Dress for a dinner invitation can extend from casual wear (blue jeans etc.) to a well-tailored suit. Regardless, layered clothing is advised since buildings are not always consistently (or properly) heated in the winter.
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