Theme: extra linguistic issues in cross cultural communities

Theme: EXTRA LINGUISTIC ISSUES IN CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES (Attitudes, rituals and traditions)

This video is about extra linguistic issues:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT3Adjs3rGM&list=TLPQMTEwNTIwMjKWCGBCB5Kgrw&index=2

Each society in the world has its own cultural traditions that identify their heritage and makes them uniquely different. But some people, especially those new to a foreign country expect the locals to act and behave as they do.
Like language, cultural traditions identify a person’s heritage. Cultural traditions and customs are ingrained in a person. They are practices and beliefs that are learned since birth. Thus, people from another country should not think that what they consider sensible and polite behavior, facial expressions, hand gestures and cultural practices in their country are perceived similarly in another.
Unique Cultural Traditions Around The World
In order not to be considered disrespectful or rude when you’re visiting another country, learn some of the unique cultural traditions and customs around the world.
1. Choose the flowers you give to a Russian
If you have Russian business associates or friends, be careful of the flowers you give them. Avoid flowers with yellow colors as they represent a break-up of a relationship or deceit. Red carnations are taboo as well because these are flowers presented to veterans who survived the war and on the graves of those who have left this earth.
2. Be careful of what you give to Chinese colleagues
While China has opened its doors to the West, the cultural traditions of the Chinese will never be erased. They are one of the oldest civilizations in the world, so you have to understand that their cultural traditions were developed for millennia and handed down from generation to generation. Majority of the Chinese are superstitious as well and attach meanings to various things. When presenting your Chinese friends with flowers, avoid using white, which they associate with ghosts and death. In the United States, white flowers symbolize innocence and purity. Likewise, avoid flowers with thorny stems. Other things that are not good gifts for the Chinese are:
Clock. Its name in Chinese (sòng zhōng, meaning send clock) sounds like sòng zhōng or funeral rite. It is also taken to mean that time is running out, or life and relationship can end.