cultural taboos in spain

In many cases, social bonds serve to guarantee agreements and may even replace written contracts. Spanish people enjoy a style of appetizer and snack known as tapas. Decisions are not necessarily reached. With that said, as a traveler, you must know the things that are considered taboos in the Latam country that you intend to visit. As the original representative of the Spanish language, the country harbours literary treasures that date back hundreds of years. In particular, winters are mild and summers are hot in the coastal regions, with high rainfall in the Cantabrian area. It is seasoned with saffron and various spices. The stylish fashion, incredible architecture, delicious food, colorful rhythms, and richness of Spanish culture are guaranteed to mesmerize you. Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the left. Click here to learn more about our cultural awareness webinars. Most young people in Spain are fluent in or at least have a good understanding of English but some older people may require the use of an interpreter. Of all the traditions of music and dance in Spain, the most famous and popular is the Flamenco guitar that accompanies another traditional and popular art form, the Flamenco dance. Its known for having processions that commemorate the Passion of Christ. Cultural Clues, Communication Guidelines for SPAIN About 17% of the population speak Catalan, 7% speak Galician and 2% speak Basque. At meetings you may find that several people are speaking at once and interruptions are common. Spain is a very religious country with a large number of churches and other sacred places. Spain now has some of the highest proportions of young people going on to higher education in Europe. Whats the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino? The tourists not only bring foreign currency to the country, they also brought the democratic, political and social values of Western Europe. The best thing to do is to research in advance before you go somewhere so you know what the cultural etiquette rules will be before you arrive. They are often dictated by religious or cultural beliefs about what is okay and what is not okay. It is impolite to waste food. Use utensils to eat most food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is important that you stay in touch with your Spanish counterparts, helping to implement what has been agreed during the business discussions. www.commisceo-global.com. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. They receive gifts and theres colorful parades in the cities where they celebrate their long awaited arrival. Unfortunately, cultural, religious and food taboos are different around the world. Do not plan anything for a Tuesday 13th as this is seen as an unlucky date. Share this: It is important therefore that you should never appear intrusive, but always be available. Below, Ill provide examples of each type of taboo. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Cultural Clues, Do's and Taboos for SPAIN! The most significant barriers for women entering the workplace do not include social norms, but rather chronic high unemployment and lack of part-time jobs. However, the number of smoke-free places is gradually increasing. Hispanic/Latinx | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness As Spain is a hierarchical country, final decisions are only made by the most senior managers in the company. Language barriers can make communicating with providers difficult, or even impossible, particularly when a person is seeking counseling for sensitive or uniquely . Spain has a long history of art and culture which was severely affected during Francos dictatorship (1939-1975) when many artists were forced to pursue their craft in exile. Don Quixote is considered the best example of Spanish literature and language. It is recommended that you show an interest in learning about life in Spain, while providing them with the resources and information they need to reach their objectives. Punctuality is not highly important in Spain. On the one hand, there are the bigger and newer, or reformed, industries that have received large amounts of foreign investment and have adopted modern, international management techniques. Again, this is a huge difference from the US where most service workers rely on tips and tipping is a requirement almost anywhere . Cultural taboos in Spain include being overly friendly or engaging in close body contact with someone, such as hugging or patting someones back, who isnt a close friend or family member. Although the majority of the population speaks Spanish or Castellano, they speak other native languages there. Therefore, try to eat everything on your plate. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. You may never actually meet the person who ultimately makes the decision. During Holy Week, processions take place when participants wear a capirote which is a pointed hat of conical form and is part of the uniform of some brotherhoods and fraternities. They are raised to have respect for their elders and to observe family values and obedience. There is no concept of a middle name although the first name is sometimes a composite of two names - eg: Jos Luis. Certain Spanish traditions evolved into their own Latin American version. October 12: Spain's National Day / Columbus Day commemorates when Columbus landed in the New World in 1492 (N), November 1: All Saints Day (Fiesta de Todos los Santos) (N). It is not essential to bring things when visiting Spaniards. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. Although many consider themselves 'Spanish', many also consider themselves a Catalan, Basque or Galician first. Well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Salvador Dal, and Joan Mir are Spanish. Galicia, for example, is famed for its seafood, including dishes of baby eels and Vizcayan-style codfish; Catalonia is renowned for meat and vegetable casseroles; and Valencia is the homeland of paella, a rice dish made with seafood, meats, and vegetables. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. Prepare for your trip to Spain with useful vocabulary and next-level Spanish abilities. Spanish social values and attitudes were modernized as its people came increasingly into contact with the outside world and the country was opened up to the outside world. An initial introduction at business and social meetings would usually mean a formal handshake, while maintaining direct eye contact with your host. I strongly believe there are more creative ways to solve the issues our world is facing and I like doing my part in any way I can. There are also many topics that are considered inappropriate for polite conversation, including bullfighting, gender roles, the Spanish Civil War, politics and religion. Having said this, most Spanish men are usually willing to accept a lunch or dinner invitation from an overseas businesswoman. Learn More. Captain James Cook learned about taboos on his 18th Century exploratory trips through the pacific and brought the term back to England. Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Spain - culture, greetings, gestures, etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more. While some taboos are legally enforceable, others are simply considered to be poor taste. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020). People are living longer and having less children. It is rude to toss it in their direction. A food taboo is something forbidden or considered inappropriate in relation to food, drink and eating. Most people will introduce themselves using only their first names. The Origin and History of the Spanish Paella. They tend to talk over one glass for a long time. Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. Coffee is drunk in large amounts in Spain. The most widely eaten meats are pork, chicken, and beef, but in much of the country lamb is eaten on special occasions. At the same time, they also become more culturally aware, learn skills and knowledge that are valuable in their business culture in Spain. Politics 4. If you need to give an object to someone, pass it to them. Do not talk about religion. It is always important to follow-up after the completion of a business deal to express thanks and to reinforce the personal relationships that have been created. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. It is a short nap Spanish people take in the early afternoon. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Tennis player Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, set high standards for their competitors around the world. A synonym of taboo is prohibition. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Hand your card so the Spanish side faces the recipient. The climate in Spain is for the most part Mediterranean. Soft drinks, both domestic and imported, are widely available. Pack your bags and join me for an insightful Introduction to Spanish culture, traditions, and beliefs! This familiarity with Spanish traditions makes you contextualize, absorb vocabulary and idioms, and become more confident in your language skills. Men have no fear of personal space with other men in an informal situation and they will often greet or say good-bye with a hug (abrazo). Standing too far away during conversation or moving the hands a lot while speaking is also not appropriate, even if the Spanish person models the behavior. [online] Available at: https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide [Accessed ENTER DATE]. Religious festivals and parades are also very common. In Spanish business culture, hierarchy and position are valued highly and it is advisable to arrange meetings between representatives of an equivalent position and professional status. The female traditionally wears a flouncy red dress and dances to the music holding in her hand castanets, (small concave pieces of wood in two parts joined by chord) which are clicked as the dancer twirls and stamps her feet. ), Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries, Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers, 10 Best Spanish Learning Programs for Kids in 2023. Spaniards do not like to lose face, so they will not necessarily say that they do not understand something, particularly if you are not speaking Spanish. The Franco regime sought to preserve what it understood as Spains long-standing traditions and to impose a strict Roman Catholic morality on the country. Enjoy subscriber-only access to this articles pdf. This will avoid any issues with siesta breaks, when the foreign business traveller is unfamiliar with the working practices of a particular business. Any action items should be followed up quickly, to ensure that the partnership does not lose momentum and establish a pattern of credibility and operational expectations. Say hello and goodbye when entering any shop or establishment. Greet people when they enter an elevator/lift. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas. However, the situation is not so bright when it comes to the student-teacher ratio in the school-age population. Traditionally, the family has been the basis of the social structure, including the nuclear and the extended family, which provide both social and financial support. Breaking Cultural "Taboos" About the Body and Gender: Brazilian Students' Emancipation From a Thematic Perspective of School Physical Education Cyntia Emanuele Souza Lima 1, Emmanuelle Cynthia da Silva Ferreira 1, Luiz Sanches Neto 1,2* and Luciana Venncio 1,2 Nowadays, various government initiatives are in place to promote equal opportunities. When invited to a home for dinner it is customary to give the host or hostess a gift: a good bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates and/or a dessert. Wine is the most popular drink served at dinner, usually a Rioja or Valdepenas. However, in the last two decades, womens role in Spanish society has changed dramatically and many more are entering university education and moving into professions which were formerly dominated by men. Discover Everything You Need to Know About Spanish Architecture in this informative blog post. There is also a large portion of Atheists and a small percentage of Jewish people. Share your European work/study experiences. When dealing with the Spanish, extreme patience and respect for their culture is required for successful negotiations. Money Don't ask people how much they make, nor how much they pay for rent. Acquaintances say hi to each other the first time with a handshake and keep it simple. Eating out in Spain is exceptionally popular and generally considered to be part of the national culture. Everyday desserts are usually a piece of fruit or dairy product, whereas cakes, large flans and puddings tend to be reserved for special occasions. Being aware will not just make your trip stress-free but you will not offend the locals as well. The country contains 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla on the North African coast) and each region has its own institutional statute. Lunch, which is the main meal of the day, is eaten between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. It may also help you decide what level of computer skills you can expect from your Spanish business associate. Your email address will not be published. | 8 Cultural taboos Although the Spanish are usually open and tolerant to other cultures, there are some issues that are best avoided in casual conversation or business encounters. They provide an excellent learning environment and support you in developing advanced fluency. The information from the following section should help you decide whether you need to bring an interpreter with your or whether you can rely on the language skills of your host. Cultural Taboos - A cultural taboo is something that is considered inappropriate to do or discuss within a specific cultural or sub-cultural group. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Spain we have published an expert Report on Spanish Society, Culture & Business. Cultural, religious and food taboos are not mutually exclusive. Other traditions like the running of the bulls of San Fermn in Pamplona, and the tomato fights of la Tomatina are experiences that draw millions of people and tourists to celebrate Spanish culture. Do not wear a hat while seated at a table The predominant religion in Spain is Catholicism. In Islam, things that are banned are called Haram. What are some cultural taboos in Spain? - Answers It is important to understand the strong regional cultures and identities that exist in Spain. The education of children is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen but nursery and pre-school facilities are widely available. Spain produces large quantities of high-quality olive oil and wine. Businesswomen travelling to Spain will however be treated with respect. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors with my dogs. Therefore, you should make sure you are conducting negotiations with the person who has decision-making authority within the company. Thus, taboos and euphemisms serve a rather significant purpose in a society as it works like. Otherwise, dishes are likely to be flavoured with such spices as tarragon and saffron. This makes taboo very difficult for new immigrants to a society. Spaniards enjoy tapas as an afternoon snack, which is a selection of different foods served hot . The most obvious, especially for foreign visitors, is the organization of the day and the scheduling of meals. March 20: Monday after Saint Joseph's day (R) Extremadura and Madrid. In Spain, decisions are usually not made during meetings, which tend to be mainly for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Start a conversation about sports with this practical Guide to Spanish Sports Vocabulary. To understand the Spanish way of life better, we're sharing 18 important aspects that influence Spanish culture, customs, and traditions. The country is home to beloved museums of classical and contemporary art that pay homage to Spanish culture, traditions, and history. Do not leave immediately after a meal is finished. Lunch, rather than dinner, is usually the best time for a business meal, beginning between 1pm and 2pm. Photo of the Four Towers Business Area in Madrid, by Octavian Rosca on Unsplash. Many tourists are very curious to see it and view it as a fascinating insight into Spanish culture, but it is also a stain on the country's reputation for others. Get inspired with this empowering list of 12 contemporary Spanish Female Artists that are redefining Spain's art scene. You may be shown to a particular seat. Learn to prepare some varieties of Spanish tapas, Christian Spain from the Muslim invasion to about 1260, Castilian institutions, society, and culture, Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia, 12761479, The Golden Age in architecture and painting, The French invasion and the War of Independence, 180814, Moderates, progressives, and the generals, The Revolution of 1868 and the Republic of 1873, Primo de Rivera (192330) and the Second Republic (193136), The administration of Felipe Gonzlez, 198296, Spain at the beginning of the 21st century, Zapatero and a new generation of Socialist leadership, Economic recovery and Catalonian independence, Which Country Is Larger By Population? Spanish is the second tongue of people who speak Basque, Catalan, Valencian, and Galician. Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. By law, the service charge is included in the bill in Spanish restaurants, hotels, etc. A formal contract will be drawn up at a later date. Traditionally it was followed by a napthe famous siestabut, because most people now commute between home and work, this custom is in decline. The country is home to beloved museums of classical and contemporary art that pay homage to Spanish culture, traditions, and history. When visiting someones house, bring gifts that can be shared (for example, wine, chocolates or pastries). A cultural taboo is something that is considered inappropriate within a cultural group. Spanish people are very heavy smokers compared to the rest of Europe, so smoking is widely accepted in public places. wars, politics and religion. The section is divided into three parts: general education, foreign language competence and cultural awareness. Traditionally . Always bear in mind that social bonds must be built first, before business can be discussed. The internationalization of culture also can be seen in a variety of other ways. The structure and size of a traditional Spanish family has changed over time. Spaniards place great emphasis on trust and honesty, so this should be given serious consideration before arranging a first meeting. Such is the case of Semana Santa. They usually stem from the religions founding documents (such as the Bible, Torah, or Quran) and include rules designed to protect civil behavior and hygiene. However, gift giving on birthdays (. All meals of the day commence later in Spain than what people are familiar with in the English-speaking West. Senior managers tend to be far removed from more junior colleagues. This is a cultural phenomenon and often indicates genuine interest in the discussion. Make sure all your printed material is available in both English and Spanish. 6 Cultural Norms in Spain - Simply Sevilla Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Another cultural norm in Spain is to not tip. Some traditional pieces worth highlighting are: Spain is known for having a thriving fashion industry. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: Language Religion and beliefs Culture & society Social etiquette and customs Although there might be some regional variations, there are usually a number of typical characteristics that you should be aware of when conducting business in that country.
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