Column 1
What is one way to show respect when accepting something according to Mongolian customs?
Answer: One way to show respect is to use your right hand and hold your right elbow with your left hand or use both hands together.
Why is refusing or pushing something away considered a breach of etiquette in Mongolian culture?
Answer: Refusing or pushing something away is considered a breach of etiquette because it is a sign of disrespect and goes against cultural norms.
Why are hats important in Mongolian culture, and when is it considered disrespectful to wear one?
Answer: Hats are important in Mongolian culture, and it is considered disrespectful to wear one indoors, especially in a temple or ger.
What is the significance of not touching another person's hat in Mongolian customs?
Answer: Touching another person's hat is considered impolite, and it is better to avoid it to show respect for personal belongings.
What is the taboo about stepping on the threshold of a ger, and why is it important?
Answer: Stepping on the threshold of a ger is considered rude, and doing otherwise invites bad luck. It is important to adhere to this custom to avoid negative consequences.
According to the text, what is the dirtiest part of the body in Mongolian culture?
Answer: The bottom of the feet is considered the dirtiest part of the body.
How should one open the door flap when entering a ger, according to Mongolian customs?
Answer: According to Mongolian customs, one should open the door flap with their right hand, from the right side.
In a ger, where are visitors supposed to sit, and where does the host family sit?
Answer: Visitors are supposed to sit on the left, and the host family sits on the right inside a ger.
What are some disrespectful actions one should avoid inside a ger, according to the text?
Answer: Disrespectful actions to avoid include touching or leaning on the pillar, whistling, taking food with the left hand, throwing trash in a fire, standing or sitting in front or near the door, and rolling up sleeves.
What is the customary greeting when approaching a ger, and what does it mean?
Answer: The customary greeting is "Nokhoigo Khorioroi" ("Hold the dog"), even if there is no dog. It is a precautionary greeting as fierce dogs are often the first to appear when approaching a ger.
What should guests do when offered tea with milk and salt inside a ger?
Answer: Guests are expected to take at least one small piece or a sip of what is offered to them. To do otherwise is considered very rude.
According to Mongolian traditions, what is the common exchange of amenities when people meet?
Answer: The common exchange of amenities is passing snuff from their snuffboxes. It is considered rude to decline such an offer.
What is the significance of passing the snuffbox in Mongolian culture?
Answer: Passing the snuffbox is a common exchange of pleasantries and a traditional way of offering snuff to one another.
How should one apologize if accidentally stepping on someone's foot, according to the text?
Answer: One should apologize profusely and shake their hand if accidentally stepping on someone's foot.
What materials are snuffbox spoons made of, according to Mongolian traditions?
Answer: Snuffbox spoons are made of materials such as gold, silver, copper, ivory, or camel bone.
What eating utensils do Mongolians typically use, and how is meat passed around during meals?
Answer: Mongolians typically use spoons, forks, or their hands. Boiled meat is passed around in a large communal bowl with a knife.
What is the customary way to enter a ger, and why is it important to point your feet towards the door if spending the night?
Answer: The customary way to enter a ger is to open the door flap with the right hand, from the right side. Pointing your feet towards the door if spending the night is important to adhere to cultural norms.
Why is it considered rude to write a name with a red pen, according to Mongolian customs?
Answer: Writing a name with a red pen is considered rude, and red is often associated with negative connotations in Mongolian culture.
How should one respond when offered snuff from a snuffbox, according to the text?
Answer: To be respectful, one should nod their head or give another sign of admiration when offered snuff from a snuffbox.