Languages
Which continent has the most languages?
Asia, with roughly 2,300 languages.
Which country believes that to greet a person, you have to lean in, touch your cheek against theirs and make a kissing sound on both sides of their face?
France
What country is renowned for chocolate?
Belgium. Although Germany rang in as the world's top exporter of chocolate in 2020, Belgium is still world-renowned for its chocolates, and it is a major chocolate manufacturing center. One of the most famous chocolate companies in the world, Godiva, makes its home in Brussels.
In Egypt, you have been invited to a meal at a family home. Towards the end of the meal you are very full. Your hostess offers you more food. What should you do?
A. Politely refuse
B. Accept and eat everything on your plate
C. Accept and take a small bite
D. Accept and ask if you can take it with you
C. Accept and take a small bite. In most of the Middle East you will always be offered more food. If you really don't want to eat anymore, take very little and leave it on your plate. It’s considered good manners to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show the host(ess) has fed you enough food.
In the U.S., Canada and most European countries, you're expected to arrive ___________ for appointments or meetings.
A. Early B. On time C. Late
B. On time.
According to dictionary entries, which language has the largest number of words (more than 200,000 words)?
English
Which country believes that to indicate deep respect and appreciation, you have to cup one fist with the other hand, and bring your hands towards your forehead and gently bow?
China
In what country would you find shish kebab as an everyday food?
Turkey. The cuisine of Turkey features shish kebab, roasted meat and vegetables cooked on a wood skewer over an open fire.
In what country is it a tradition to greet the person celebrating the birthday as well as the person’s family and other relatives?
The Netherlands
In the U.S. and Canada, you're supposed to do what if you plan to visit someone at home?
Call first.
What does the word “polyglot” mean?
A person who can speak multiple languages.
Which country believes that seeing a lone magpie is bad luck. If you see a lone magpie, you have to say "Good morning Mr. Magpie, how is your lady wife today"?
United Kingdom. One is for sorrow, two is for joy
What is the name of the buffet-style meal that serves multiple hot and cold dishes of various foods?
Smörgåsbord. It is a type of Scandinavian meal, originating in Sweden, served buffet-style with multiple hot and cold dishes of various foods on a table. Smörgåsbord became internationally known at the 1939 New York World's Fair when it was offered at the Swedish Pavilion "Three Crowns Restaurant".
In Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, never pass something to an older person or superior with only one hand; you're expected to use ____________ .
A. Right hand, B. Left hand, C. Both hands
In Peru, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Mexico, it is common to do what to someone you have just met for the first time?
Kiss.
What language doesn't have an alphabet?
Chinese language. Chinese characters do not constitute an alphabet or a compact syllabary. Rather, the writing system is roughly logosyllabic; that is, a character generally represents one syllable of spoken Chinese and may be a word on its own or a part of a polysyllabic word.
Which country believes that if you slurp your noodles or soup noisily, it conveys enjoyment and gratitude?
Japan. In many Asian cultures, slurping is a sign you appreciate the food.
What country does the word "mocha" come from?
Yemen. Other commonly used spellings are mochaccino and also mochachino. The name is derived from the city of Mocha, Yemen, which was one of the centres of early coffee trade. Like latte, the name is commonly shortened to just mocha.
In which country would you expect to see students knock on their desks after a particularly good lecture or presentation?
Germany. In Germany and Austria, many students would knock on their desks or a table to show appreciation for a good lecture or presentation. In these cultures this action serves as a form of applause in academic settings.
What is the first thing you should do when you come inside an Asian household?
Take off your shoes. It is considered rude to leave your shoes on. Oftentimes, the host would offer you an indoor shoes to wear instead.
Name a genderless language.
Chinese, Estonian, Finnish, Filipino, etc.
Which country believes that you should never point the soles of your feet towards a person or a sacred object, you shouldn't gesture towards anything with your foot, and do not step over someone who is sitting on the floor?
Thailand. The head is considered sacred in Thailand and should not be touched by hand. The feet are considered symbolically unclean and should not be used to point to a person or a thing, and the soles of the feet should not be directly exposed to another person when sitting down on the floor.
The authentic Italian version of mozzarella is prepared from the milk of which animal?
Water buffalo. Mozzarella di bufala is traditionally produced solely from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo. A whey starter is added from the previous batch that contains thermophilic bacteria, and the milk is left to ripen so the bacteria can multiply. Then, rennet is added to coagulate the milk.
Scenario: You're in South Korea for a business meeting. You present a gift to a business associate to thank him for his hospitality and to build the relationship. He refuses to accept the gift. You should:
A. Apologize for offending him.
B. Insist he takes the gift until it is accepted.
C. Quietly keep the gift.
B. Insist he takes the gift until it is accepted. In South Korea, expect some resistance when giving gifts. Not accepting a gift right away is considered good manners, so persistence is key!
True or False: In many countries, it is perfectly normal for men to be physically affectionate with each other.
TRUE! Men in foreign countries often greet each other in a variety of ways, from strong embraces to a kiss on the cheek. In India, it is common for men to hold hands as it means friendship. The distance and formality of American greetings is not always the norm.