|
Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. Note that Ukraine is home to several ethnic groups, notably Ukrainians, ethnic Russians, Belarussians, and Poles, each with its own cultural traditions. Sensitivity to this diverse - yet related - collection of cultures is advised.
2. Shake hands, firmly but briefly, with everyone (including children) when introduced. It is also customary to shake hands once again upon your departure. Men should wait to see if women extend their hands in inter-gender meetings. In formal settings, local men may kiss the hands of women in greeting, but the replication of this practice by foreigners may not be well received. Note that it is impolite to reach over someone else's handshake. Also, avoid keeping your left hand in your pocket while shaking hands with your right.
3. Note that Ukrainians and Russians often greet a stranger by shaking hands and stating their last name, rather than uttering the polite phrase (i.e. "how do you do?"). It is advisable that you greet and respond in the same way.
4. The decision to address each other by first names may be decided by mutual consent, although the best practice is to err on the side of formality and use titles and surnames when first meeting someone.
5. Politics and other complicated issues, such as religion and culture, are acceptable topics of discussion in most European countries. The Ukranians, like other Europeans, tend to be well informed about politics and to have their own opinions. While conversation on such issues is not discouraged, visitors should not expect Eastern Europeans to be entirely approving of Western concepts, ideas and political viewpoints. Also, while Ukrainians may be deprecating about their own culture and nation, foreigners should not interpret their commentary as an invitation to criticize Ukraine. Suggested topics of conversation include sports, music, travel, and local culture.
6. The American "O.K." sign (thumb and forefinger touching in a circle) and any shaken-fist gesture will probably be interpreted as vulgar and thus should be avoided. One should also avoid placing one's feet on any furniture other than a footstool and avoid sitting with one's legs spread apart.
7. Western business practices are quickly becoming the norm across Europe, including such things as business lunches. One should not, however, enter into business discussions without some light introductory conversation, politesse and other such niceties. In this regard, it is acceptable to ask about your counterpart's family. If the lunch or dinner meeting is your idea, you should insist on payment being your responsibility.
8. It is a great honor to be invited to a Ukrainian home. It is a good idea to bring flowers, liquor, or a food item that is scarce as a gift to the host and hostess. Note that red roses are reserved for romantic situations in many cultures, while lilies are often associated with funerals. During meals, the host may invite you to eat additional portions. It is traditional in many European cultures to turn down the first invitation.
9. When eating, always use utensils. Note that very few items are eaten with the hands. Also, adhere to the European standard of the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand. Avoid the Americanized "cross over" where one uses the knife only to cut meat, while using the fork in the right hand otherwise. Place your utensils together on one side of the plate when you have finished eating. The best practice is to place your knife and fork together in the 4 o'clock position on your plate. Meanwhile, if you wish to pause between courses, cross your utensils on the plate.
10. Generally, Ukrainians dress in a casual but conservative manner, except at dinners or other more formal engagements. Conservative suits (dark in color with ties and white shirts) are usually worn by businessmen, while women's business attire consists of dark skirts and dresses. Discretion is advised in the realm of business, while trendy fashions may be more acceptable in other less formal domains of life.
|