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Hey Pandas, What Did You Learn About The Culture Of Another Country, Not From A Book? (Closed)
Cultural discoveries of foreign countries made through media that are not books. I was playing Fallout 3, and in the area of the Museum of History, I discovered that John Hancock was the first to sign the US declaration of independence, and it occurred to me why people ask for your John Hancock on the dotted line.
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#1
In some Muslim countries, when you're a woman and your husband dies, you are supposed to marry his brother. Found this out when my Gambian husband died. It sounds disgusting but no, it is not about that, it makes sense in a country without any form of social security.. As a lone woman with lots of kids and no income (many women there do not have paid jobs) this make sure you wil be cared for and your kids too. Also, this way the kids stay in the family. I politely declined the offer. Brother in law was relieved, he just got married a year before. But I know several men who have like 3 wives, only one chosen and the other ones elder ladies that survived his older brothers.
Final score:
31points
Ozean-eyes 3 years ago
Omg, I thought this tradition died several decades ago! I'm from a muslim country, and here we don't do this anymore. It's really sad that there are people who still have to. Life is unfair.
Al Upinya 3 years ago
Yea. F**k financial security/stability. Better off taking the rough road with your 7 kids after your hubs kicks.
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Rachel Gonzales 3 years ago
It’s the Leverate Law. It’s to keep the inheritance of the dead brother for his children.
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
You should read the book from Moçambican writer Paulina Chiziane...The First Wife,a Tale of Poligamy...it is hilarious !!
RELATED:
#2
Texans are just as crazy as they are made out to be. (I'm from Wales)
Final score:
27points
AnonymousApple 3 years ago (edited)
I live in Texas. Can confirm. Also: there is NO reason for us to be proud. JFC. As a queer person? We could do SO much better.
Octavia Hansen 3 years ago
Black Adder: "Have you been to Wales, Baldrick? It's full of big burly miners threatening you with close harmony." Yes, you gotta be crazy in Texas so you don't stand out. We greet EVERYBODY as they pass by, wave to strangers, share food & beer. Yup. That's us. And you can be one, too, or you can just be passing by. Everybody should be so lucky to visit TEXAS!
#3
I learned when in Paris to greet people with a hello or good morning, etc. BEFORE asking for directions or a question from a local. Got chastised by a cab driver during the entire ride! In retrospect, he was soooo right to school me. 'Merica we are rude generally, and self-absorbed.
Final score:
25points
Indosidius 3 years ago
I can relate. I went to Reunion Island as part of a joint military exercise, and learned that if you say in French 'Good day, I am from South Africa, I do not speak French, do you speak English?' The shop keepers are much more willing to help you.
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
Greeting before asking anything is actually considered polite in Europe as a rule...
Tricia Georgetti 3 years ago
I thought all people did this? I'm from NY and I always say hi first so does pretty much everyone I know. Not all Americans are rude and self absorbed.
Mistralok 3 years ago
French people are some of the kindest and most generous people in the world. When you go into a store, first say bonjour and chat for a moment or two before bringing up the business end of things. If not, then you are generally just considered to be another one of those rude pushy Americans and will be treated as such.
Queen Jackson. 3 years ago
Whenever you walk into an African parent’s home or your teachers classroom, always greet!
Adeline Bennett 3 years ago (edited)
Sorry, but no he wasn't right to chastise you. Correct you, yes but not chastise. You're not his kid. And I say this as someone who was raised to greet first.
Laura Kelly 3 years ago
I thought all people did this too. I'm from metro Atlanta, Georgia and I always speak to strangers before asking them anything. And that's how we do it here. Not all Americans need any lesson in manners.
Katrin Krueger 3 years ago
Interesting... from a German point of view, Americans are so friendly while here you are often ignored when entering a shop or squeezing past someone.
#4
That people in Paris are not rude if you make an attempt to speak to them in French. I visited 10 years ago and was warned about how rude they were, but when speaking with them, I greeted them in French explained I wasn't fluent and they then greeted me in English and were very friendly.
Final score:
22points
Ellen Ranks 3 years ago
Well. I speak French quite well but have very mixed experiences with Parisian people. The rude people seem to be the ones that interact with/ get bothered by tourists the most. Can't blame them.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I only have a bit of Quebecois French, and Parisians weren't really thrilled, but I did try ---- bonjour, etc.
Load More Replies... Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
There you go...being polite is always good sense when when travelling...
Donkey boi 3 years ago
My experience in Paris was that you couldn't win. You try to speak in French and they get the a**e for butchering the language. You don't try to speak French and they get the a**e because you're lazy and ignorant. Once outside Paris I found the French people to be some of the most charming people in Europe and with a great sense of humour.
Lien van Kaam 3 years ago
This was my exact experience. You just can't win
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MissCheezleFox1 3 years ago
Yes my french pals find it very amusing that the only thing i know how to say to them in french is "ah yes, horse cheese wand'
Lien van Kaam 3 years ago
I tried speaking with them in French they where very impantient and rude mostly ( I was like 18 years old and had French lessons in school and was nowhere near fluent but my friend was) It felt like it wasn't good enough
Jennifer .S 3 years ago
I've mad multiple experience attempting French in Paris (I'm not that bad either I got excellent grades in school) and still been met with attitude and rudeness and they just respond in Engish anyway
Miguel Figueroa Pagán 3 years ago
It was the same for me in Paris. Just try speaking some French and be polite and Parsons will help you
#5
I learned from my sister in law who lived in Romania that there you shouldn’t accept an offer to (for example) lunch until it has been made three times. If they genuinely want to have you for lunch they’ll keep asking. Otherwise it was just a courtesy and they ask only once. She once made the mistake of accepting straight away (before understanding this ‘rule’) and found her hosts soon disappeared for a while… running off to the shops to buy food!!
Final score:
20points
#6
Oh this one might be more fitting. I remember that they would dim or turn down the lights near the beaches close to turtle or tortoise (can't remember) season since when they crack out of their shells they follow the light of the stars and moon towards the ocean. Extra light sources can throw them off and cause dangerous situations. This is stuff I heard 26 years ago when I was 6 so can't attest to how accurate it is xD
Final score:
19points
Vinita Talaulikar 3 years ago
Accurate, Morjim Beach, North Goa, India - Olive Ridley turtles come to lay eggs. Dim lights on the beach.
Sarah Gerber 3 years ago
We go to Ormond Beach in Florida, and we are asked to not have the lights on in the rooms in the condo that facing the beach from May 1 to Oct 31. The turtles hatching on the beach head towards light, and people don't want them to go the wrong direction on their trek to the ocean.
HarriMissesScotland 3 years ago
That's even true in Florida. Hotel on the beach must dim their lights for egg laying and again for egg hatching.
#7
I learnt firsthand that Germans may seem unfriendly and harder to get to know, but once you're a friend, you're really in! It's hard to find more loyal friends than Germans!
Final score:
19points
Laura Mende (Human) 3 years ago
Yeah, can confirm. We Germans are reserved but willing to know new peoples and cultures and stuff. Keep talking to us! Keep asking! Once you crack our shell, we're nice! I swear!!!!!
Tamra Stiffler 3 years ago
I have a good friend in Hamburg. That guy is amazing. Super smart and funny as hell, and just a great human being. I hope to visit him someday.
#8
Not really about culture but I remember my first vacation to Crete a gorgeous Greek island that we should not kill cockroaches if we find them at the hotel because the smell they emit summons more if them. This info stuck with me my whole life even though we don't have them in my home country
Final score:
17points
Andrew Bridges 3 years ago
I checked in to my hotel room in Port Said, Egypt and the whole carpet got up and ran away. I've never seen so many roaches in one place before. Didn't sleep well that night.
censorshipsucks 3 years ago
Once had one in a hotel room in Durban that was like the size of the alien in Men in Black.
Queen Jackson. 3 years ago
I wanna know why. Shouldn’t that warn them to not go near wtf is wrong with roaches.
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
Believe me they are all over the World...kakkelakker...and come in all sizes,bigger in the Tropics..even some fly.Harmless,but you don´t want one flying down the front of your blouse !
Jon S. 3 years ago
I doubted this fact but apparently the cockroaches want to eat their dead comrade!
Magnus Eklund (Submission author) 3 years ago
Stockholm Sweden. You should be safe up here in Scandinavia :)
Load More Replies... #9
I am a great fan of the Portuguese inventiveness...There is NOTHING a kind neighbor or sr.Batista,living around the corner, cannot do if you find yourself without electricity or a leaking washing machine etc. during the week-end. Not lasting repair,but it will do till you get the proper tecnician. I remember I wanted to paper my husbands room while he was away..having stripped off the old paper I realized my ambition was bigger than my expertise....and went to my local cafe and begged for help.Long story short...by 6 pm the room was done to perfection...
Final score:
17points
#10
I just learned, (from my son): In the UK, there is a TV Tax The TV license fee is a tax on receiving live broadcast television. Broadcast receiving licenses were introduced by the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1904, and were made permanent by the 1924 act. When the BBC introduced television services in 1936, it was covered under the existing license. Since April 2021, the annual cost has been £159.00 for a color license and £53.50 for a black and white license. Income from the license is primarily used to fund the television, radio and online services of the BBC. Source: https://www.taxpayersalliance.com Wikipedia.org
Final score:
17points
Lili Octopus 3 years ago
The great side to this is that there is no advertisements on BBC channels. Except for upcoming programmes.
Ralph Kretschmer 3 years ago
We have something similar in Germany, so that public tv and radio is free from government influence.
APL 3 years ago (edited)
It's not a "tax". It's not collected by the government. The point is that the money pays for a national television service that is not paid for by the government or the corporations (either directly or by advertising). It might help you to know that the "taxpayers' alliance" is a privately-funded right-wing think-tank, not a grassroots organisation.
Danniee Gyrl (Submission author) 3 years ago
I did not know anything about this for the UK or other countries. I was reading up on it and I credited the source I found it on. I am not familiar with any of it. Thank you for letting me know
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Brian bell 3 years ago
We have a yearly TV/ Radio fee in Sweden as well. But no ads and some really good content.
Auntriarch 3 years ago
And it's the reason that UK TV programs are respected in other countries
Indosidius 3 years ago
It is the same in South Africa, with all the money going to fund the SABC.
Danniee Gyrl (Submission author) 3 years ago
Oh Wow...I will now stop complaining about just paying for internet alone...
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Sarah Richardson 3 years ago
It funds Channel 4 and all its subsidiaries too. Not too many people are aware of that one.
Rachknits 3 years ago
No it doesn't. Channel 4 is paid for by advertisers but remains a public company https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_4#:~:text=It%20is%20publicly%2Downed%20and,in%201990%20and%20came%20into
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Huddo's sister 3 years ago (edited)
In legal studies in high school, we studied the Australian case that changed the precedent, getting rid of the tv license.
#11
In the far east you must offer your business card with two hands, otherwise you look like a card dealer in a casino, and it's considered rude. Also, if you clink drinks glasses, yours must be lower than your host's.
Final score:
16points
Auntriarch 3 years ago
Proffer a coffee holding the cup with both hands. Once you have got used to to this, to give with one hand looks very gauche
Al Upinya 3 years ago
In the West if you drink from a cup using both hands you're mocked, ridiculed and degraded
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Nicole Normand 3 years ago
I'm not sure where "far east" is but it's the same in China and when they visit Canada, my husband use the same tradition.
Lili Octopus 3 years ago
To ensure you catch any of their drink that slops out in your glass. Cheers!
#12
I was playing Fallout 3, and in the area of the Museum of History, I discovered that John Hancock was the first to sign the US declaration of independence, and it occurred to me why people ask for your John Hancock on the dotted line.
Final score:
15points
Kathy Behunin 3 years ago
Largest on purpose so King George could read it easily..Remember they were committing treason so it was kind of in your face guesture.
Load More Replies... Nicole Normand 3 years ago
In French we say "Mets ta patte de mouche" literally translated to "Put your fly's paw" (AKA unreadable writing).
RandomFrog 3 years ago (edited)
We Learned this when the teacher was on a rant in fourth grade and at the end of the year when we signed yearbooks everybody was like hey can I get ur John Hancock
Indosidius (Submission author) 3 years ago
I am not a U.S. citizen. So for me it was a revelation, light bulb moment.
Load More Replies... Indosidius (Submission author) 3 years ago
So .. I must play Fallout 4 and search Boston ruins for this gravestone?
Load More Replies... #13
Being married to an Egyptian as a French chick... insha'Allah (if God wants / if it's God's will) means f**k no 90% of the time
Final score:
15points
#14
I have a friend from Morocco and she once was eating at my place and after dinner i wanted to trow the leftover bread in the bin. She told me that muslims never trow away bread out of respect for people whit hunger. In her family they fed it to ducks, deers (we have a deerpark were we live) and ofcourse on the roof for the birds. It filled me whit respect that they do this, do Ramadan and pay the Zikkat to help and think about hunger in the world. From that day (i was 10 years) till now (48) i never trow away bread and donate to foodbanks in my area.
Final score:
15points
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
WHho throws away food?!?! No no no. If you can't eat it, something can!
#15
How damn good the food is, even the fruit! Picked ripe and not carted across the country, wow so juicy. The butter! The cheese! the bread! Everything here in the US seems to be grown or made for cheapest possible prices, rather than for deliciousness. Except for what you can get from farmer's markets.
Final score:
14points
kcanded (Submission author) 3 years ago
Italy, France, Switzerland, if I'm remembering correctly.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Food in many US produce markets: it's not actually *ripe* when you get it. It's just aged after being picked unripe and traveling a few thousand kilometers/miles. And people wonder why we don't have cheaper produce.
kcanded (Submission author) 3 years ago
France is certainly one, the nectarines I ate there one summer?? Chef's kiss. Italy and Switzerland too.
Load More Replies... Jon S. 3 years ago
I live in the UK and didn't realise how bland our vegetables and fruit is until I went to Greece. Same with Iran.
kcanded (Submission author) 3 years ago
And there's nothing like roasting those veggies in some olive oil and salt and pepper!
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#16
The Spanish they speak in Ecuador is different for the Spanish you learn in Spanish class.
Final score:
14points
Rachel Gonzales 3 years ago
U.S. schools really need to start looking at our neighbors rather than across the ocean for a better dialect of Spanish. And no two countries speak it the same way. Americans are way more likely to meet Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Dominican folks, than Spaniards.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
In the 1980s, I *did* learn Central American (generic) Spanish ---- more or less "Mexico City".
Load More Replies... Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
my experience with Spanish spoken by a Spaniard (Spain) is that it is spoken faster and more staccato than South American Spanish which is softer and much easier to understand for a Portuguese speaker...However South American Spanish have many indigenous words inter-woven according to the country...Written Spanish is on the whole the same. All have dialects as well according to the regions.
Nicole Normand 3 years ago
Same with French. Quebec, New-Brunswick and other French places in Canada don't speak with the same accent. Obviously, the Europe French is different too. AND within those provinces, the differences are local. Same with France. My MIL and my husband don't have the same accent; one is from Paris and the other is from Thionville. His GM was from Luxembourg in Belgium and had a very different accent.
Alias Delfs 3 years ago
You know how Americans have different regional accents and speech patterns it the same for literally every where else
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
Who teaches the Spain of Madrid anywhere in the Americas? B/c in the 1980s, we learned ours as a generic sort of Central American pronunciation, and I wasn't aware anyone in Norht America taught the "Spain" version. Note: In school. In uni, my hubby got a minor in Spanish language and literature, and it's very proper Madrid, etc. even uses vosotros.
Phoenix (Submission author) 3 years ago (edited)
Puerdo de le baño=donde esta el baño (where is the bathroom) Prob messed up, correct me if I'm wrong.
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#17
When you're in Russia, you must take off any gloves that you have on to give a handshake to someone. Also, you can't shake someone's hand through a doorway to greet them; you must go out on the porch or they must come into the house.
Final score:
14points
loyalhufflepuff07 (Submission author) 3 years ago
Btw I learned this from my bishop who went on a church mission to Russia for 2 whole years
Nicole Normand 3 years ago (edited)
Here in Canada we also find it rude to shake hands with mittens, gloves, etc., even when it's -45°C.
#18
"Pura Vida" its a expression used in Costa Rica to express the enjoy of life , i had an wrong assumption that was a tourist thing,but afer living 4 years here thats clear people live and enjoy life and all aspects of life , late is never late , and it doesnt matter how rich or poor you are people always smiling and open souls to all situation!
Final score:
12points
#19
If you're drinking in South Korea, you must pour drinks with both hands, and when you clink glasses the younger person's glass must touch below the top of the older person's glass. Both of these actions show respect, and to do otherwise is considered rude.
Final score:
11points
#20
OK, another one about the French - I've lived in France (not Paris) for 8 years and despite receiving the diplômé de la langue at B2 level (which means I supposedly speak and understand French very, very well), when the French speak normally, they talk REALLY fast and I still don't understand half of what they say, because there's a nuance to the French language you won't get unless you are a native. But if I ask them to slow down, they generally accommodate me, and will even explain phrases to me so I'll know in the future. How cool is that??
Final score:
11points
David Furritus 3 years ago
I served with a couple of French people. One was Parisian and had a very strong accent, while the other was from Bordeux and you wouldn't know that he was French unless he either told you, or if he was speaking the language...
Charles Chamiux (Submission author) 3 years ago
You served what? And how does your experience relate to mine? So, give context pkease
Load More Replies... Magda Schulz 3 years ago
Oh and don't forget "le verlan", we literally invert words when speaking
Eris Ea 3 years ago
The same is for Argentina spanish, they talk X2 and almost singing.... LoL
Charles Chamiux (Submission author) 3 years ago
Spanish is so diversified by country and region that I'm not sure if it's possible to teach a universal Spanish. My basic school Spanish prolly wouldn't help me beyond hello and counting in most latino countries. I don't know how people for whom esl understand English or if we anglophones speak at an easy rate for nonanglophones to understand. German was easiest for me, then Italian (yay my Latin class-ancient dead language ) but the French take shortcuts to their own language that, unless you're born to it, you won't understand it.
Load More Replies... #21
Australians refer to people from the US as "Seppos" It's a shortened version of Septic Tank, which rhymes with Yank.
Final score:
10points
Natasha 3 years ago
Your posting name is trickquestion, is this a gag post to see what reaction you get? Im from Australia and have never heard this ??? This just seems insulting- to be compared to a septic tank - who are you hanging out with ? We love a good mix up of words but they are good humoured and show we like something/someone. This is just plain offensive.
Pink kitty 3 years ago
Never heard this term before. Is it new? I've heard 'yanks' before though
Al Upinya 3 years ago
Makes sense. In Spanish Mexicans call Americans gringos/gabachos and also call dumfuk pale Americans and brown Mexican-Americans this and sometimes throw in "pinche" first to emphasize American dumfukness. No one, and I mean 𝙉𝙊 𝙊𝙉𝙀 is immune from the non-political correctness of Mexico.
#22
Tipping in Japan is an insult. It’s considered to be paying for service you didn’t receive, like the host or wait staff did not meet your needs. Of course near the military base they got used to and welcomed it.
Final score:
10points
#23
In the Phillipines, it doesn’t matter how poor you are, if you have guests you provide the best that you can provide. Respect.
Final score:
10points
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
Strangely enough that is a trait most commonly found in so-called 3rd world countries....possibly because every-one has had an experience of fallen on hard times and you only survive if you come to-gether...and that translates into hospitality....
#24
Around the island Kawai, Hawaii, there is an island in which tourists aren't allowed to go. The reason for this is because there are people who are native to that island and they don't appreciate tourists. Just a little fun fact I learned on my trip there. (My tour guide also taught us a couple of magic tricks!!)
Final score:
9points
Tricia Georgetti 3 years ago
I watch the show Deadliest Catch its on in the US its about crab fisherman. Anyway they are doing a show now down in Hawaii also with a few of the same guys who are fishing down there during their off months. This weeks episode just showed this Island and I'm pretty sure they said it's off limits to almost everyone even if you live in Hawaii unless your native to Hawaii and know someone there. I'm not 100% so don't quote me on that.
#25
I learned that in some places in Europe the driving age is 18 and you have to pay 2,000€ for your license most places in the US you get your licence at 16 and it is maybe $50. In the US you get you licence early but can't drink till 21🤷🏼♂️
Final score:
9points
Tigerpacingthecage 3 years ago
It isn't really 2000 for the license alone, if you have someone to practice with it will be less expensive (you still have to go to a course together though and pay for that so the very least is about 400$) BUT if you don't have someone who can teach you it can easily cost 2-3000. You pay for lessons that are (imo) crazy expensive. Like 80$ for 45-50 minutes in some places (bigger cities are often more expensive compared to smaller ones). It's kind of weird that university is free but taking your drivers license is expensive. And they are pretty strict with who is considered fit to have one. If you have a mental illness for example (like adhd, bipolar disorder, any type of history of addiction etc)it will be harder and you will need a doctors approval.
Gnub 3 years ago (edited)
I think I'd prefer the American way on this topic. In some European countries the process of getting a license has become incredibly expensive, lengthy and absurdly difficult. It doesn't contribute to greater safety though, how common are lethal accidents during parallel parking on an inclined surface after all? My country does have a persistent problem with drunk driving and texting behind the wheel, and that is not something that's gonna be solved by harder driving tests.
Alias Delfs 3 years ago
Also America was made for cars not fir bikes or people but for cars and all the things we do for them is stupid screw that I’m moving to Europe
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Marc Van den Berg 3 years ago
It does not contribute to greater safety??? Do your research properly please.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
Apart from the cost, this is the same in Australia. You can get your learner's permit at 16, but can't get your license (and drive solo) until you are 18 in most states. Then the different states have different rules on probationary license. For example, in Victoria if you get your license at 21 and under, you get your P1/red Ps for the first year and P2/Green Ps for 3 years. If you get your license at 25 or under, you go straight onto green Ps. The Ps have certain regulations attached, like 0 alcohol limit, only using in built gps etc.
#26
I learned how friendly and generous Costa Ricans are. Always willing to help and share their culture with you. Love visiting over coffee (or sometimes beers) and learning about the history of the local neighbourhoods and country.
Final score:
8points
#27
Had a friend from the uk online come here for vacation in Florida. She said Americans are creepily friendly. Turns out where she lived people hardly talk to strangers and they don't do the little "hellos" or brief smiles to each other like we do here.
Final score:
8points
Brian bell 3 years ago
This! Americans are just friendly. Not creepy, not weird, just more friendly overall than in many other places I have been. It isn't that people are rude per se, but just much more stand offish or something (?) It is hard for people to bend their minds around as Americans are so hardcore with politics and issues, but they can talk for an hour to a perfect stranger at a gas station... Other places you just can't get anywhere in a conversation, they just die out. I currently live in Sweden. Lovely people, but good luck making friends!
Angelique Wolferink 3 years ago
That is not how i know the Brittish people. Even in London they are very polite and helpfull if you have a question.
E2U&U2 3 years ago (edited)
I think the difference is it's one thing to be helpful and polite for a necessary conversation, such as helping someone by answering a question or giving directions. In the US, strangers strike up conversations quickly. While keeping our noses in our cellphones does cut back on the need to talk to others, after a bit of time, it's awkward to be near other people and act like you don't see them. It's easier to acknowledge one another. Are you caught in a slow-moving line? Chit-chat with the people on either side of you. At the stadium for a ball game? Cheer and joke around with the people in the seats around you. Are you stuck at jury duty waiting for a panel? Make a friend for the day of the person sitting next to you and so on. Most people are comfortable having a conversation with a stranger. It passes the time and isn't seen as a big deal. Despite what you read on BP, most folks here are kind and friendly people who want the same things, be respected, have a place to call home and pay their bills, feel safe, and take care of their families. Yes, we can be crazy and rude and all that, but so can most everyone in the right circumstances.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
In a nation that is so heavily armed, it makes sense to be smiley-hello to everyone. Just in case. And that's what my mom (culture from another continent) taught me as a child.
Tricia Georgetti 3 years ago
No that is not why we say hello and are smiley. It's just a polite thing to do. As a society we are chatty so when you go out you never know who you may talk to and what kind of interesting conversations you may have with a stranger. It's not because we are worried someone may shoot us.
Load More Replies... #28
I've learned about various Tokyo districts like Shibuya and Kabukicho, which is sort of a Red Light District through Yakuza games. I also learned that Pachinko is really popular down there.
Final score:
7points
#29
My parents were missionaries to Alaska (before I was born/adopted) and the Turkish kids would come work at the fish canary during the summer. When ever the church held a dinner for them, they couldn't drink root beer because the Turkish kids thought it was alcohol.
Final score:
6points
#30
What I learned from my trip to Spain is that everything is later than in Germany. They get up later, eat later. There were literally no restaurants open when we wanted to have lunch at our usual time. That and the afternoon nap, everything just shuts down. But I also realised that Spanish people are more religious.They actually go to the church. Like, in northern Germany, where I come from, barely anyone goes. I'm muslim and I liked that, it reminded me of our Friday prayer.
Final score:
6points
#31
not sure if this fits here. a very long time ago, i was a facility manager which oversaw all the physical aspects of the building. we had hired an older man who was from one of the asian nations (sorry, can't remember which) for custodial services. he didn't speak english very well but during his interview he had shared that he had been a farmer but moved to u.s. to be w/his children/grandchildren. the shift was a night one and he didn't have any issue with that so hired! after several months, he started to asking if i and my son (who was around 5 yrs old then) would come to his house for dinner. since i didn't think that was appropriate i politely refused but at least once a month he would ask. finally, i gave in. at the time of the planned dinner my mom came up fora visit. the night of the dinner i did not feel well. i knew from one of the other staff members who shared his language that his wife was excited and had planned an extensive menu. so, the idea of not showing up because of what i was suspecting was a stomach bug was making me upset. at the last moment, i sent my mom and son to their home with a note saying that i was feeling ill but i hoped that they would understand and allow my mom to come in my place. the following monday (dinner was on saturday) came to work like normal and he greeted with such a grin and spoke so fast that i really didn't understand much of what he said and then he left for home. i asked his same language coworker what he had said and she told me that he was so honored to have been allowed to serve my mom and my son in his home. i explained to her what had happened and that was when she explained that in their culture when i sent my mom and my only son into their home it was the tantamount expression of how much trust i had for him since parents and male children (as she put it "in the old land" are revered). i always wished i could have understood his language and culture more as he was such a sweet man and his wife was just as kind.
Final score:
6points
#32
Russians don’t have middle names
Final score:
5points
Lara M 3 years ago
They do too. The middle name is a patronymic. The standard Russian naming convention is Name Patronymic Lastname. This one is outright wrong.
Laura Mende (Human) 3 years ago
You might be right, but I think the post is about the habit of Americans for example to give your kid more then one first name. Like Mary Anne Louise Smith, or Benjamin Thomas Miller. That is unknown to Russians.
Load More Replies... Eris Ea 3 years ago
TBH I never know what to put when I'm registering for a new website.... I put my 2 first and second name, and my 2 last names...... Is that right?
Nicole Normand 3 years ago
Everyone born in Quebec - until I don't know which year - had Joseph (M) or Marie (F) for a first name, then two other ones from the parents, one was usually the once who held you during your baptism. Crazy. It didn't stop in 1965 because I have all those names and so do my siblings (all older) and my parents.
Nicole Normand 3 years ago
My daughter doesn't have a middle name either (her brothers do) and her friends are always surprised by this - Canada.
Huddo's sister 3 years ago
All bar one of my siblings & I have a middle name- the youngest has two middle names!
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Terra Renee 3 years ago
Come to think of it, I haven't seen any Russian middle names. Long names, maybe that's why?
Babyoda42 (Submission author) 3 years ago
I just think it’s their culture. My friend says as standins in other places they use their father’s first name
Load More Replies... Babyoda42 (Submission author) 3 years ago
Not true. I have a Russian friend who is really kind. Sure, he can be annoying a times, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a soul. Rry to be more positive, and remember that everyone has a frikin soul
Load More Replies... #33
I went to England and was surprised the hotel asked me to turn in my key when I would leave for the day. It was so the cleaning staff could turn over my room while I was out. I found it odd I had to do that. Didn't they have a master key?
Final score:
5points
Karina 3 years ago
nope, never heard of it. usually staff has a key, too. even had a few encounters where I slept in at a hotel and cleaning staff just barged in to clean the room, even with a do not disturb sign hanging visibly from the door handle. really weird.
Load More Replies... 
#35
I'm American, and I learned that in Korea there are not different foods designated to different meals. My ex gf is from Korea and cooked the most amazing food all the time, and I never thought about what she cooked when, I just ate it all with a whole lot of gratitude, but one day I mentioned how much I love cooking breakfast specifically, because while I'm good at cooking most types of food, I've got the most energy and focus in the early mornings before anyone is awake, so I got better at breakfast foods. She told me that it was one of the things she found interesting about the US, there being different foods designated for different meals, because in Korea that wasn't really a thing. I learned a lot from her about Korean culture, and we're still close friends now, (it's in the international lesbian contract that we remain friends), and I still learn more pretty much everytime we talk, particularly since she moved back to Korea recently. I learned about other cultures from her too since she traveled the world and is a polyglot. Coolest person ever.
Final score:
5points
#36
Almost everything, LOL. Mom's fam is from another culture, and the rituals of greetings, respectful treatment/courtesy, food, hospitality, attitudes... It's insane how different it is when I stop to think about it, and compare it to my dad's fam.
Final score:
4points
#37
China only has one time zone
Final score:
4points
Nicole Normand 3 years ago
Yes, and it's really useful when you have to travel many places like we did.
#39
Learnt from a neighbour that doing the thumbs up doesn't always mean well done. In some cultures it means F**K you
Final score:
3points
#40
When my husband and I went to China for the first time (him to work, me to visit), at the first supper the host - the president of the U. - gave a speech and got me to stand up, which was translated for me to understand. Then everybody else got up and started clapping. Apparently, I got a standing ovation for following my husband to China and support him in his work. For them, that's precious.
Final score:
2points
South Monk 3 years ago
Erm... its also a signal for everyone in the company to avoid mentioning or inviting your husband to red light stuff... depends on company and bosses/businesses too though. They would respect you even more if you were to have sired several boy or males for your husband.
#41
My mother is Russian so whenever I would get home from somewhere, I would have to change all my clothes, because its the "street clothes" they are dirty, I've been all over the place, etc, "how dare I sit on my bed" when I was younger it used to bother me alot but now I get the logic of it. I don't consider it part of the Russian culture specifically, but of the slavic in general (most probably).Whenever celebrating someones birthday bring flowers for the mother (they gave birth). If you are a guest never come empty handed.
Final score:
2points
#42
That most of the Japanese people under 50" doesn't know the atrocious things their government/military did! They are as much to blame as the Germans at the time, but Germany have historical memory of that and in Japan they don't teach that in school
Final score:
1point
Al Upinya 3 years ago
Because people are told by their govts to forget their pasts because they're so terrible and they're forced by govt to be politically correct and taught to be fake nice then that's when people who have accepted political correctness turn ugly and violent from being repressed into fake people because they can't be themselves
#43
My husband said when he lived in Kyoto for 4 months, he and his fellow international students would go out for drinks from time to time. Apparently there are places in Japan that, with a large group, will leave the bottle at the table so the guests can pour each other drinks. Some would have bottles dedicated to certain customers who were regulars. Makes sense when you consider in Japan that it is bad manners to pour yourself a drink because it is the responsibility of a good host to make sure their guests glasses are always full.
Final score:
1point
#44
After spending many years as an engineer with British Merchant Navy, there is not enough space
Final score:
0points
#45
A culture from another country? Goat cheese?
Final score:
-4points
kathryn stretton 3 years ago
Goat cheese is very nice, and widely available in European countries and Asian countries, that know of due to eating it in many countries myself. Pretty sure it's eaten a lot in any country where goats are common.
What do you think ?
marianne eliza 3 years ago (edited)
I was an exchange student in West Germany in 1976. My host family had an older father. Just the right age to have been involved in WWII in some form or other. The daughter of the host family firmly advised me of the differences between Germans and what she and the rest of her family and all her Aryan looking classmates called "second class citizens". I still think about that. I did not keep in touch. I believe her father may have been a party member. The problem still runs deep in that country.
Indosidius (Post author) 3 years ago
Good day Pandas. This was my first ever submission, and what a turnout it was. Thanks for posting what you have learned, and also for teaching me a few things.
marianne eliza 3 years ago (edited)
I was an exchange student in West Germany in 1976. My host family had an older father. Just the right age to have been involved in WWII in some form or other. The daughter of the host family firmly advised me of the differences between Germans and what she and the rest of her family and all her Aryan looking classmates called "second class citizens". I still think about that. I did not keep in touch. I believe her father may have been a party member. The problem still runs deep in that country.
Indosidius (Post author) 3 years ago
Good day Pandas. This was my first ever submission, and what a turnout it was. Thanks for posting what you have learned, and also for teaching me a few things.
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