Making Generalizations
Situation Generalization Example
Greeting customs Many Asians tend to follow the bow with a
handshake.
Personal space People in South America tend to stand
quite close to each other.
Social distance In the Middle East, they usually stand even
closer.
Kissing etiquette You should generally only kiss people you
know well.
Gift-giving in China Chinese people will often refuse your gift
several times before accepting.
National festivals Many countries typically celebrate their
independence with parades and fireworks.
Birthdays In most Western cultures, people
commonly have a birthday cake and blow
out candles.
Visiting someone's house In Japan, guests are expected to take off
their shoes before entering.
Dining etiquette In France, people generally take their time
eating and enjoy long meals.
Tipping culture In the U.S., customers normally tip waiters
around 15-20% of the bill.
Punctuality Germans tend to be very punctual and
expect others to be on time.