Culture Vocabulary
Define Culture
The collection of shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and ways of life that define a group of people
Why is it important for advertisers to understand cultural differences when marketing products internationally?
Avoiding misinterpretations, ensures the message is consistent with local values and norms, and prevents offending the target audience.
In which country is it common for people to apologize even if they are not at fault, as a cultural norm of politeness?
Canada. In Canada, it’s common for people to say "sorry" as a way of expressing empathy, even if they are not personally responsible for a situation. This reflects the country's cultural emphasis on politeness and courtesy.
These Products are products that are not out of the ordinary for someone are are not ultimately important.
Profane products
Name 1 example of cultural adaptation in an advertisement?
Altering the ad’s content and/or visuals to align with local culture.
In which country is tipping considered rude and potentially offensive, as it is viewed as an insult to the service staff's professionalism?
a) Japan
b) Italy
c) Germany
d) United States
Japan. Tipping in Japan is seen as disrespectful to the worker as it implies their normal work and wage is not good enough.
These are products or services that are different from the norm, and are treated with great respect.
Sacred Products
What is "glocalization" in the context of international advertising?
Glocalization is the practice of adapting different marketing strategies to fit the local culture, language, and preferences of a specific market.
In which country is it considered a sign of respect to avoid making eye contact during a conversation, especially with elders or superiors?
a) Japan
b) India
c) Brazil
d) United States
India. In many parts of India, making direct eye contact with elders or figures of authority is a sign of disrespect.
This is what it's called when Western civilization shapes consumer culture worldwide.
Western Shadow
Is using humor when advertising to different cultures a good idea or a bad idea? Why?
Not usually a good idea. Humor may not translate well across cultures due to differences in language, social norms, or humor styles. What is considered funny in one culture may be confusing or offensive in another.
In which country do people regularly greet others with a "thumbs up" gesture, but the meaning can be offensive, as it can imply an obscene gesture?
a) Italy
b) Australia
c) Brazil
d) Greece
Greece. In Greece, the "thumbs up" gesture can often have an obscene meaning, similar to showing the middle finger in many other cultures.
Name 3 categories in which we can categorize different cultures. example:age
Gender, Country of origin, Hobbies, Religion, Physical attributes (height, eye/hair color), income, ect.
How does the concept of "power distance" influence advertising strategies in different cultures?
In high power distance cultures, ads may emphasize authority, status, and respect for hierarchy, while in low power distance cultures, ads tend to focus on equality, individual empowerment, and challenging authority.
In which country is it customary to gift a clock as a present, but it is considered a bad omen or symbol of bad luck?
a) China
b) Russia
c) Brazil
d) Spain
China. In China, gifting a clock is associated with death, as the word for "clock" sounds similar to the word for "end" or "funeral."