Date: Fri 29-Jan-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANN

Quick Words:

cultures-customs-Bugay

Full Text:

Learning The Quirks And Customs Of Other Countries

BY ANN MARIE COHEN

The Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan "Finger Lickin' Good" translates to "Eat

Your Fingers Off" in Chinese. In Taiwan, the slogan "Come Alive With the Pepsi

Generation" is translated into "Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the

dead."

Many United States'companies are establishing businesses in other countries,

but are experiencing problems because American employees do not understand the

foreign culture, customs, and language. Newtown Middle School sixth grade

students from Mrs Susan Kurkul's social studies class, are studying

multicultural customs and how they relate to the business world.

Each student is assigned a country to research using the Internet, resource

books, and newspaper and magazine articles. Mrs Kurkul anticipates that her

students will gain an understanding of what makes the country they are

studying unique in our interdependent world.

Children commented on how the world somehow seemed smaller with the use of the

Internet and worldwide television broadcasts of CNN News. Jeanne Bugay

agreed,"Using the Internet enables students to log on to sites in foreign

countries that give current information and encourage global interaction. They

find the world isn't so big and distant after all."

Allison Hornak who studied Finland's customs found that it is considered bad

manners to talk with one's hands in one's pockets. Allison has enjoyed this

project because she feels "it is a good project, you can pretend that you are

talking with a company, but you are still learning... that makes it fun!"

Brad Andreasen learned about customs in Switzerland. Brad found that it would

not be proper to bring roses of any color to a business associate because

these flowers should be reserved for lovers. The Swiss are particularly

conscious of body posture -- avoid slouching and putting hands in pockets.

They also take considerable pride in their country's cleanliness, so littering

is definitely taboo.

Zach Lyon found that in Poland you are likely to conduct business after hours

at a bar or pub rather than be invited to the home. This is due to a general

housing shortage.

In Holland, Erin Goldey discovered the unique gesture of sucking one's thumb.

This signals that someone is not telling the truth. It is also considered rude

to get up during a meal to head for the restroom.

In Italy, Nicole Lebron learned if one's hand is wet or dirty, it is

considered good manners to shake one's finger or forearm.

Constance Peyres realized that in Bulgaria you could inadvertently get into

all sorts of trouble when conducting business. The signal for "no" is a

nodding of the head, up and down; and to indicate "yes" a back and forth

movement -- just the opposite of what Americans are accustomed to.

What ventures lie ahead for grade six students? Mrs Bugay plans to have

students "travel" to the Eastern Mediterranean in February and The Galapagos

Islands in March.