Cultural Differences
Take one cookie? Ask for seconds? Shake hands or kiss? In our SIL branch in Mozambique we are a very diverse group. We have about 30 members from "overseas" and colleagues from several African countries. Just this month we have had our "Branch Conference." As part of conference, we planned a cross-cultural activity to understand each other better. We discussed hospitality customs in small groups. What do you do as a host? What do you do as a guest? What about unexpected guests? I was placed in the "American/Canadian" group. Mikael was placed in the "Swedish/Norwegian" group. We also had a "South African," "British," "Dutch/German," and an "African" group. We discussed our customs and expectations in our groups... and then got together to share our ways. In Holland, you may be invited for Coffee- just take ONE cookie! Don't ask for seconds. They will probably offer you another treat with a