|
Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. The firm handshake is the standard greeting for men and women, upon meeting and again upon departure. Even children are encouraged to shake hands. When introduced to a woman, wait to see if see extends her hand before offering to shake. Hugging or embracing is possible among close friends and family. Specifically, in the German areas, women sometimes embrace, but men do not. In the French and Italian areas, both men and women embrace. The French also kiss each other twice on the cheek, while the Italians may kiss on both cheeks.
2. Always rise to be introduced to someone. Note also that most greetings take place at a close distance. Yelling hello across a room would be considered culturally inappropriate. Wait until the person or persons with whom you are meeting are in close proximity to you where a quiet and polite greeting can be exchanged.
3. One should use the formal form of address such as Mr. or Mrs. followed by a surname, unless invited to move to a first name basis. Younger people are more apt to move to less formal forms of address quickly, while children tend to address each other using first names . Among men, it is common for last names alone to be used in forms of address. Outside the personal sphere, however, it is advisable that professional and governmental titles be used. In business, titles are used more rarely in verbal communication although they are customarily used in written communications.
4. Polite behavior towards strangers is the norm is Switzerland. For example, in the German areas of Switzerland, men tip their hats when passing strangers on the street. Likewise, when entering or leaving a Swiss shop, it is customary to greet and say goodbye to the clerk.
5. Respect for the older generation is common and, indeed, to be expected in Switzerland. On public transport, younger people are likely to relinquish their seat to the elderly.
6. Inappropriate behavior in Switzerland includes talking with one's hands in one's pocket, sitting with one's ankle resting on the other knee, chewing gum in public, and backslapping. Note that it is customary for locals to admonish strangers for inappropriate street behavior. (Note that this is simply a generalization and should be regarded as such.)
7. In conversation, sports, sightseeing, positive aspects of local culture and society, as well as travel, are considered to be good topics of conversation. The Swiss tend to be well informed about cultural and political issues, and so one should expect honest and opinionated expression of ideas in this regard. One should, however, avoid personal questions and discussions about work.
8. Punctuality is the norm in this culture, so be sure to be consistently punctual for both business meetings and social occasions.
9. Dining is typically continental-style with the fork steadfastly held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand. Wrists should remain on the table at meals and one should never place one's hands in one's lap.
10. Toasting is a formal process and should be treated as such. After the host has proposed a toast, one should look directly at him or her and respond verbally, then clink glasses with everyone within reach at the table, prior to drinking.
11. When invited to dinner at a Swiss home, taking some sort of gift is suggested protocol. A bouquet of unwrapped flowers for your hostess is the preferred gift. Note that red roses, which are reserved for courting, or lilies, which are used at funerals, should likely be avoided in bouquets. Chocolates are another suggested item, especially in homes where children are present.
12. Dress is generally casual and should conform to the temperate climate. Business wear is more conservative; suits are the norm for both men and women. Women generally to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry, opting for a more natural look than other parts of Europe. (Naturally, this is simply a guide and not a rule of thumb about self-presentation.)
|