Very original, which is explained ancient history Erina - so in the old days the Celts called this country. We still do not know much about these mysterious inhabitants of Albion, who subsequently mixed with the warlike conquerors of Roman origin. However, echoes of the ancient traditions and customs of Ireland have survived to our time, which will be of great interest to all tourists.

The most unusual traditions of Ireland

If you are going to the country, it is worth learning more about the cultural characteristics and customs of the Irish. Some of the brightest traditions of Ireland are:

  1. Children's birthday upside down. Until now, the old custom has been preserved on the birthday of turning the little birthday boy upside down and lightly tapping his head on the floor - as many times as he was years old, plus one.
  2. "Borrowed Days". So the Irish call the first three days of April, in which the weather is often just terrible. According to legend, once a mythical cow roamed Ireland in early April, which no one wanted to milk or slaughter for meat. Then an angry April took 3 cold days from Mart to finish off the animal.

  3. The custom of St. Brigitte. The tradition, which continued until the 1920s, was that on February 1 - St. Brigid's Day, coinciding with the beginning of spring and Imbolg (an ancient pagan feast) - couples in love would come to Teltown in County May and officially marry, simply walking towards each other. If then the man and the woman realized that they had made a mistake in choosing a partner, all they had to do was to arrive a year later and in the same place and at the same time disperse in different directions: this was equivalent to an official divorce.

  4. "Straw Boys". In the western regions of the country, there is a custom that allows young people to come to uninvited. The only condition is a straw hat that completely hides the face, and sometimes a straw coat. They have fun at the wedding feast, pester young girls and dance with them, and after the wedding they disappear without a trace so as not to be recognized.

  5. . Irish husbands usually did not help their wives, otherwise they could be called "old women" and ridiculed even for simply washing dishes. However, once a year on January 6, they completely freed their wives from household duties, and they went to the pub to have fun.

  6. "Heather Sunday". People went to the swamps to look for heather on this very day, and often found not only him, but also their soul mate.

  7. Pub etiquette. In Ireland, it is customary for each participant in the feast to pay in turn for the general orders of the entire company. If someone refuses to do this, the reputation of a miser will follow not only him, but even his offspring. On a birthday, all guests treat the birthday boy with a drink, and not vice versa.

  8. Lack of tactile contact. Irish men do not like extra touching and can only hug at football. Quite in the traditions of Ireland, the original greeting is the index finger raised up at the meeting.

  9. tobacco ban. Residents of the country do not welcome smoking in public places - cafes, cinemas, restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies.

Socialization takes place in schools, in churches, through electronic and print media, as well as in voluntary youth organizations. Special attention given to education and literacy. 98 percent of the population aged fifteen and over can read and write. Most of the children at the age of four attend Kindergarten and all five-year-olds are in elementary school.

Ireland has over 3,000 primary schools where about 500,000 children study. Most elementary schools are affiliated with the Catholic Church, the schools receive funding from the state, and the state also pays the salaries of most teachers.

After primary education, which includes the education of 370,000 students, education begins in secondary, vocational and general education schools.

Higher education

Third level education includes universities, colleges of technology and general education colleges. All of them are self-governing, but mostly they work at the expense of the state. About 50 percent of young people attend some form of tertiary education, half of which go on to further education.

It is famous all over the world for its universities, among which are the famous University of Dublin (Trinity College), the National University of Ireland, the University and City University in Dublin.

Etiquette in Ireland

The general rules of secular etiquette are applied in various ethnic, class and religious categories of people. Loud, boisterous and boastful behavior is discouraged. Strangers look directly at each other in public places and often say "hello" as a sign of greeting.

Outside official organizations, congratulations are often said out loud and loudly, but are not accompanied by a handshake or a kiss. People prefer to keep interpersonal space around them. In Ireland, tactile contact between people is not welcome, or this is extremely rare.

Generosity and reciprocity are key values ​​in social relationships. Often people go together to pubs to drink alcohol, but it is not customary to drink alone here.

As you know, the United Kingdom (The United Kingdom) consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is important not only in terms of geography; one must remember the strong sense of national pride inherent in each of these peoples.

The words English and British mean completely different things. A resident of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland can be called a British (although many of them do not like it), but by no means an Englishman.

An Englishman is only a resident of England. Inhabitants of Scotland are called Scots (Scots), Wales - Welsh (Welsh), and Northern Ireland - Irish (Irish). Never call a Scotsman, Welshman or Irishman an Englishman.

In turn, although the United Kingdom is part of the European Union, the British do not like to be called Europeans. This is important when discussing issues relating to the European Union.

It is also worth remembering that Northern Ireland borders the Republic of Ireland - this is different countries. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, Ireland is not. It would be a mistake and almost an insult to call a resident of Ireland a British.

What are they?

Each of the countries that make up the United Kingdom has its own history, culture and ancestral language. Separatist sentiments are quite strong in them, so be sensitive when discussing these issues and do not bring this topic up first.

The British are quite restrained in behavior, especially compared to representatives of the United States or the southern countries of Europe. As it is right, they do without violent gestures and exaggerated emotions. They do not tolerate familiarity, so do not rush to put your hand on your shoulder or hug new acquaintances by the waist.

Have you had to participate in business meetings with the British? What do you remember, what surprised you? Tell us about it in the comments!

Even though people in the United States of America and the UK speak the same language, communicating with clients or colleagues in England requires being aware of some of the subtle differences between North American and British business practices.

Regions, customs and accents.

England is only one part of a large area known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Much of the UK's international business is conducted through England. Britain refers to the island that contains England, Wales and Scotland. And although the British tend to refer to the fact that all immigrants from the UK call themselves British (Brits), this term is not appreciated by many Welsh (Welsh), Irish and Scots. Despite the fact that the countries of the United Kingdom are members of the European Union, the British do not consider themselves Europeans. This is important to keep in mind when discussing issues related to the EU.

Northern Ireland shares an island (Éire) with the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, unlike Ireland. It is wrong and insulting to refer to someone from the Republic of Ireland (also known as Éire, Southern Ireland or the Irish Free State) as British.

Each of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) has a different history, culture and ancestral languages. There are also separatist tendencies that distinguish each of the regions from each other, so be respectful of the ethnic heritage of your colleagues or potential clients. The distribution of British powers continues for last decade. The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh opened in 1999, as did the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff.

In the UK, a person's personal life is mostly a closed topic of conversation in the workplace. Do not try to ask your British colleagues about their personal problems while you are at work. Even the question of where a person is from (which is obvious to other people from the UK because of the accent) may seem intrusive, reckless and out of place to your foreign business partner. The truth is that friendship with the English is very special and rare in business, so don't try to be overly friendly during contract negotiations.

While there is a "Standard Oxbridge" (standard Oxford and Cambridge accent) or "BBC English accent" that most foreigners recognize, there are also many other common English accents and dialects. Just 10 minutes from London, the pronunciation starts to change. There are more than 30 dialects in the UK alone, including Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, as well as accents of the western part of the country, eastern England, Birmingham (better known as "Brummy" or "Brummie"), south Wales, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cornwall, Cumberland and Devonshire.

Punctuality, business meetings and local time.

Always be punctual. In London this can be a challenge due to heavy traffic, so always try to leave enough time to get to your destination. It is advisable to clarify the exact date and time of your meeting a few days in advance and do not forget to confirm your presence upon arrival. In the UK, there are set rules for almost everything that gives a sense of stability in the lives of local residents. The British are great with time and can sometimes be overly concerned about deadlines and results.

In England there are no days off due to national holidays, but in the UK workers have a total of several weeks of public holidays, including bank holidays. Visit site kissboworshakehands.com to learn more about public holidays in 100 countries around the world. The British use Greenwich Mean Time, also known as GMT.

Negotiation.

To begin with, a verbal agreement can be considered mandatory, and then you need to sign a confirmation of acceptance. Basically, only the largest transactions require legal procedures. Be careful when recommending that you contact a lawyer ("attorney" - a lawyer in the United States, "solicitor" - in the United Kingdom).

The best way to connect with senior management is through third parties. The hierarchy in business has the following structure: the managing director is equivalent to the US CEO (CEO), the director (corporate vice president), the divisional officers, deputy directors and managers.

Businessmen are generally more interested in getting results in a short period of time than in the long term. Brits don't necessarily view change as something positive. In general, the British do not often show their excitement, passion or other emotions (except for football matches). Try also to remain discreet in communication. In the same way, the British refrain from making extravagant demands on any product or business plan.

Some British leaders see their foreign counterparts as condescending or overly demeaning. To stay up to the mark in the eyes of your British colleagues, do your best to avoid this opinion of yourself. Avoid pushing the product. In the UK, the decision-making process is slow, so take your time and don't rush your British counterparts. Let the British leaders with whom you are negotiating decide when to end the meeting and don't stay long after that. This way you will create a worthy impression.

While, for example, American leaders are known for their directness, the British are even more direct. Don't be offended if you don't immediately get a straight answer whether your offer is good or not.

Avoid the typical conversation starter: "What do you do?" The Briton may find this question too personal. Avoid controversial topics like politics or religion and don't start comparing work ethic. Speak in complete sentences. Many foreign leaders, in particular those of the United States, have a habit of starting a sentence by allowing themselves to be interrupted before even finishing the main idea.
At the same time, the British are often self-critical, so when communicating with them, avoid any criticism - just listen. Likewise, remain as discreet as possible if they share their complaints with you. The British often apologize, even for minor inconveniences. They also have a habit of adding a question at the end of a sentence. For example: "The weather is beautiful today, isn't it?"

Formal and informal business meetings.

Since punctuality is a characteristic British trait, it is natural that it is especially important in business relationships. In most cases, the people you meet will always arrive on time. Always warn if you are late even for 5 minutes.

How the meeting will take place will depend on the composition and number of people. If all participants in the interview are at the same level, then as a rule, there will be a free exchange of ideas and opinions. If a person of higher status is present at the meeting, then he is given most of the speech. Basically, the meetings will have a fairly official character and a specific purpose. There is a short period of time before the official start when you can have a little chat with the people present.

If you are making a presentation, then avoid excessive claims and demands. Make sure your presentation and the materials provided in it are professional and well thought out. Be prepared to back up your report with facts and figures, as British people rely on facts, not emotions, to make decisions. Maintain eye contact and don't get too close to the person's privacy. After the meeting, it is advisable to send your partners a letter summarizing the meeting, describing what was decided and what further steps need to be taken.

Business breakfasts in hotels are becoming more common and more like a modern continental breakfast, avoiding large traditional breakfasts containing eggs, bacon, sausage, smoked fish and so on. Lunch is usually in the afternoon, between noon and 2:00 pm. A standard business lunch often involves a light meal in a pub. But if you dine with management, then most likely this will happen in the best restaurants or a special dining room for the authorities. In most restaurants, the time for dinner is usually from 19:00 to 23:00.

In the pub, don't skip your turn at the so-called "drinking circle" (when everyone buys drinks for their entire group). When you meet after hours, don't bring up the topic of work until your British counterparts do, otherwise you might be considered boring. Do not invite your business partner to non-business events until you know him or her well enough.

Parliament recently passed legislation to ban smoking in closed public places in England, including pubs. Just like in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the traditional thick layer of smoke in pubs is now another English tradition left behind. If you smoke (and if it's legal), always offer cigarettes to your conversation partners before you smoke yourself.

More tips on British etiquette.

Business attire:

* The business suit has a conservative style.

* Men must wear dark business suits.

* Women must wear either a business suit or a conservative dress.

Greetings:

* Shake hands with everyone when they arrive.

* Maintain eye contact while greeting.

Appeals:

* Only physicians and clergy use their professional or academic titles in business.

* Most people use Mr, Mrs or Miss with the last names of the people they are addressing. (The words Mr. (Mr) and Mrs. (Mrs) in the United Kingdom do not require a period after their spelling, since they are not abbreviations.)

* If a person has been knighted, then he is called "sir" with his first and last name or just his first name.

Business Cards:

* Business cards are exchanged at the first meeting without an official ritual.

*Received business card from your business partner can be removed by briefly looking at her. It is not necessary to study all the information at once.

Business gifts:

*Gifts are not part of business culture.

* If you want to give a gift, then make sure it is small in size and tasteful.

* Desk supplies, stationery with your company logo, or books about your country are good gifts.

* An invitation to dinner can also be considered as a gift.


Compliance with formalities is the way of life of the English. The British pay attention to details first. Even when you write letters, strictly observe all the subtleties. Never address anyone by their first name unless you have received their express permission to do so. Understanding titles and ranks is very important, but never award an honorary title to yourself.

The British are quite strict about dating. When meeting with the British, it is very important who will be introduced first. For example, in a business setting, priority will be given to the client, since he is the more important person.

The clothes of business people in England are strict, women in the service wear suits or dresses, men wear suits and ties.

When entering the building, gloves are taken off. Talking about business with an Englishman after the end of the working day is considered bad form. For him, all talk about work stops with the end of the working day. This rule also applies during dinner with your business partner.

The British are very serious about the rules of conduct at the table. Therefore, read and try to follow the rules adopted in this country.

Never put your hands on the table, keep them on your knees.

Do not remove knives and forks from plates, as knife stands are not used in England.

Do not transfer instruments from one hand to another. The knife should always be in the right hand, the fork in the left; their ends are facing the plate.

Since various vegetables are served at the same time as meat dishes, prick a small piece of meat on a fork and use a knife to put vegetables on it.

Do not address strangers at the table if you are not introduced to them.

Do not kiss the hand of a woman and do not shake the hand of a man. Don't give public compliments such as, "Your dress is beautiful." This will be regarded as the greatest faux pas.

At the table it is not customary to talk with individuals. Everyone should listen to whoever is speaking, and you, in turn, speak in a way that will be heard by everyone.

If you are invited to dinner, you must definitely appear in a tuxedo, and for an official evening - in a tailcoat.

Wishing to pass for a gentleman, never say this word: call the Scots and Irish "British", but in no case - "English".

In a restaurant, tips are discreetly placed under the edge of the plate.

Never start talking about business until the dishes are ordered, unless, of course, one of your partners himself starts a conversation on this topic.

If you want to let the waiter know that you have finished your meal, place the knife and fork side by side. If you're just taking a break from eating, put your knife and fork crosswise.

The French are extremely nationalistic. They are sensitive to the use of English or German during business meetings and are reluctant to learn any foreign language themselves. The French are proud of their national traditions. One of the main advantages is french cuisine which is a matter of national pride. If, while in France, you begin to praise any dish or drink, this will only be welcome.

It is not customary to leave food on a plate, and if you want to salt the dish to your liking, you should know that this can be regarded as disrespectful to the hosts.

The French often like to argue, they are very emotional, their temperament is reflected not only in conversation, but also in facial expressions and gestures. They like to judge others, but at the same time they perceive criticism in their address painfully. If you are in France, then never forget about it.

In France, great importance is attached to various forms of politeness. The Frenchman, receiving you at his home, will always let you go ahead at the door, and you do not have to thank him for this.

The common address to men is "monsieur", to unmarried women - "mademoiselle", to married women - "madame". At work, it is customary for all women, without exception, to be addressed as "madam." You can only call by name if you have been given permission to do so. When meeting men, as a rule, they shake hands.

Traditional greetings ("hello", "good afternoon" and so on) should be supplemented with "monsieur", "madame" or a proper name.

When you finish your meal, ask for the bill. If you disagree with the amount, express it quietly. In many restaurants, the menu says: "Prices include tips." If there is no such indication, you need to add 10 percent to the bill. If you liked the service, you can also tip if it is included in the price.

In "good taste" restaurants, the bill is served on a plate under a napkin to hide the amount from prying eyes. In this case, the money is placed under the same napkin.

Germany

Like the French, the Germans are proud of their country, its national traditions, and respect its history.

In Germany, when meeting, the first one is supposed to be the one who is at a higher service level. In a formal setting, the word "represent" is used: "Herr Schmidt, I want to introduce Frau such and such."

In other situations, they say: "Herr Schmidt, I want to introduce you to Frau ..." Less significant person should be more significant.

In Germany, it is customary to give the title of everyone you talk to. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify all the titles of business partners even before the start of negotiations. If the title is unknown, then you can address it like this: "Herr Doktor". The error here is minimal, the word "doctor" is used quite widely in the country. When talking to a German, do not keep your hands in your pockets - this is considered the height of disrespect.

A married woman is given the title of her husband ("Frau Doktor") or addressed as "Gnadige Frau" (gracious empress). For girls - "Gnadiges Fraulein", because simply "Fraulein" is called only maids or saleswomen in the store.

The Germans have a habit of painting both business and privacy by day and by hour. Punctuality and strict regulation affect everywhere. Particular attention in Germany will be paid to your punctuality.

Tipping in a restaurant or cafe can not be given - they are already included in the cost of your lunch or dinner. But if you still want to give them, then round up the tip to the full amount.

The main meal is lunch. Schoolchildren and many working people go home for lunch every day for an hour and a half.

For business meetings, lunch is most often used. At the table, the Germans always hold the fork in their left hand, and the knife in their right. Never take your hands off the table. When an American is not using a knife, he puts his left hand on his knees. But if you're eating European style, both wrists should be touching the table.
Our businessmen usually come with gifts, but you should not expect reciprocal gifts, here they are not accepted in business communication.

In Germany, you can not touch on the topic of the Second World War.

The Germans dress strictly. Men are not necessarily required to wear a dark suit, as in other countries, but trousers for women are still excluded. All shops close at 17:30 and on Saturday at noon. Once a month, on the so-called "Long Saturday", shops are open until two o'clock.

When you arrive at an Italian airport, don't try to carry your suitcase yourself. If for some reason you are not met, call your partners. To do this, you need to have a trifle, or tokens, or the most common - a phone card. After 18.30, as well as on weekends and holidays, the cost of calls is half the price. You can buy a card at any magazine or tobacco kiosk, at airports, at telephone exchanges.

Do not try to stop a free taxi yourself. If you are in a hotel, ask the receptionist to call a taxi - it will arrive in a few minutes. If you are on the street, go to the nearest cafe and contact its owner. Such services are provided free of charge or for a very moderate fee.

When getting into a taxi, take the back seat. It is not customary to sit next to the driver here. Pay strictly according to the meter or a little more, but not much - Italians do not respect those who litter with money. On the train, make a purely symbolic offer to your neighbor to have a bite to eat with you.

Refrain from accepting the same invitation from fellow travelers, limiting yourself to the wish "Buon appetito".

Acquaintances first inquire about the health of children, and only then about their own.

Japan
The whole life of the Japanese is full of various ceremonies and is subject to strict protocol. When they meet, they exchange business cards in order to be able to find out their position in society relative to each other. After receiving your card, the first thing the Japanese will look at is what company you work for and what position you hold. He will determine the status of your company in relation to his own and, based on this, choose a course of action.

A business card in Japan is your "face", your "second self", so you need to handle it very carefully. If you give a Japanese man a crumpled, dirty business card (albeit with an apology), then his opinion of you will not be the highest.

It is best to keep business cards in a special wallet, where each card has its own pocket. One side of your business card should have English text printed on it, and the other side should have English text printed on it. Japanese. When you want to give a Japanese a small gift, give it with both hands as a sign of deep respect. This is especially important when meeting with a person who occupies a high position. If your interlocutor occupies a lower position than you, then it is better to accept his business card with one hand, otherwise you may embarrass him. After receiving the card, carefully read what is written on it. If you skim your eyes over the card, you will thereby emphasize the insignificance of the owner of the business card for you. In response, you must definitely give your business card, otherwise it may offend your Japanese partner.

We emphasize once again - in Japan one must be extremely polite.

Before entering a Japanese house, you must take off your shoes. Instead of shaking hands, the Japanese bow low. It is not customary to sit cross-legged here: this is a sign that the thoughts and statements of the interlocutor do not interest you.

When meeting the Japanese, you need to call full name and last name. The word "master" in Japan replaces the prefix "san" at the end of the word, that is, add "san" after the surname, for example, Ivanov-san.

Japanese businessmen prefer to establish business contacts not through phone calls or letters, but through an intermediary.

In this case, the mediator must be well known to both parties.

If the case is successfully completed, the intermediary must be rewarded financially or he must be provided with a counter service.

Talking about work after the end of the working day in Japan is not forbidden.

Lastly, try to avoid talking about World War II.

USA
When you come to the United States, never forget the so-called "American dream." A man who has worked hard, though not always righteous, who has amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune or made an amazing career - this is the ultimate dream of almost all Americans.

The biggest American value that really deserves attention is individual freedom. Americans are just crazy good sense words, on the inviolability of his personality. They constantly defend their rights in court and will not let anyone offend themselves with impunity.

Americans also value hard work, frugality, enterprise, sobriety, self-improvement, and pragmatism.

American business etiquette is characterized by utilitarianism, disregard for detail, clarity and simplicity in communication. If you want to succeed in the American business world, you will have to follow certain rules, learn all the intricacies of American business.

The Americans themselves believe that they are well versed in the business of any country. But in business meetings, they will not provide all the information, although they themselves will expect you to do business the American way.

South Korea
Koreans are a proud nation, and therefore they painfully perceive any encroachment on their dignity.

Smoking in the presence of elders or seniors is not accepted.

After a business meeting, you will probably be invited to a restaurant, where they will persuade you to try some exotic dish. Even if you are not ready for this, try to eat at least a small piece.

 Clothes in China are not attached of great importance. A suit with a tie is required only at official receptions.

Muslim countries of the Near and Middle East
Muslim countries are characterized by general rules of etiquette, due to religious beliefs.

Five times a day in Muslim countries, work is interrupted for prayer (prayer). If you are not a Muslim, then you do not have to pray, but you should treat your Muslim partner with respect and do not set up business meetings during prayer times.

During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, work stops at noon. Thursday and Friday are holidays for Muslims.

When you come to the house of a Muslim, do not be surprised if he kisses you on both cheeks - this is the national custom. Moreover, you must return the same and also greet him with a kiss.

Remember that Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.

In Pakistan and some other Islamic countries, they also eat with their hands, or rather, they use only their right hand. The left one is considered so unclean that even if you accidentally touch food with it, the owner will immediately order the dish of food to be taken away from the table. Note, however, that this does not apply to a vessel with water.

When meeting on the street, Muslims confine themselves to shaking hands.

In the countries of the Middle East, disparaging remarks about women are completely unacceptable (the harem is considered an honorable and holy thing, and a woman, as a spouse and mother, is surrounded by special honors, despite the fact that she is not allowed to sit at the same table with guests).

In Muslim countries, it is better not to touch on topics related to politics and religion.

When you have an appointment for a business meeting, you must definitely arrive on time, and the owner can afford to be a little late.

As in China, one side of the business card is printed with text on English language and the other in the local language.

Australia
Arriving in Australia, before going through customs, throw out the canned goods, rolls, half-eaten sandwiches and even fruit seeds you brought with you into large trash cans located in front of the customs counters. If you don't follow this advice, you could be fined $50,000.

Australians are a sports nation, so if you start talking about sports, they will gladly keep the conversation going. Another favorite topic of conversation is rest.

Like Russians, Australians love alcoholic drinks. Their wines rival the quality of French wines, so don't forget to compliment them when you taste Australian wine. Going to visit the Australians, grab a small souvenir. Australians do not attach much importance to clothing and dress simply.

Ireland
In Ireland, they prefer to dress very simply, so when you decide to visit this country, do not take exquisite outfits and expensive fur coats with you.

When heading to Ireland on a business trip, you should know that the Irish, unlike the Germans and the British, are optional. They may be late for a business meeting, but you should not express your displeasure about this. By the way, it is customary to arrange business meetings in bars. If you hail a taxi, sit in the front seat. Sitting in the back seat means insulting the driver. In Ireland, all taxis are owned by private owners.

Irish shops charge a 10% tax on all shoppers, but you as a foreigner will be refunded this money. Do not forget to ask the seller for a special return receipt and then present it to the special service at the airport.