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Call 1: Arturo and Jettrin
Host: Good morning, world. This Is Millicent McKay in Brussels with today’s worldwide Cultural Literacy Update. If you’re new to the program, here’s the format: In this studio, three people take your phone calls and answer your questions about etiquette in their countries. Today’s guests are Jettrin from Thailand, Nadia from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Sujeet from Nepal. We’re all first-name here, so let me welcome Jettrin, Nadia, and Sujeet.
Jettrin: Sawatdee Khrab, Millicent. Good morning! I’m Jettrin from Thailand.
Nadia: Hello! It’s nice to be with you. I’m Nadia from Dubai.
Sujeet: And good morning, Millicent, Jettrin, and Nadia. Sujeet ere from Nepal.
Host: OK. Let’s get started. I see our first caller is on the line. Hello, Arturo from Montevideo. You’re on the air.
Arturo: Good morning, actually, good evening. It’s 10:30 at night here in Montevideo. Here’s my question. I’m traveling on business to Thailand next month, and I’ll be working with Thai business managers from my company. What should I know?
Jettrin: Hello, Arturo. Jettrin here. Just a couple of things: First, a taboo: Don’t touch anyone’s head, not even a child’s
Arturo: Hmm? Well, I don’t ordinarily touch people’s head, but if you don’t mind my asking, what’s wrong with touching someone’s head?
Jettrin: Well, we believe the head is where the person’s soul lives. So it’s very disrespectful and offensive to touch a person’s head.
Arturo: Any other tips?
Jettrin: Well, when you are seated, be sure not to cross your legs in such a way that others can see the bottom of your foot.
Arturo: Actually, I knew that. But don’t worry. It’s good to be reminded. I do have one more specific question before I hang up.
Jettrin: Sure. What’s that?
Arturo: In Uruguay, it’s customary to shake hands, and I know Thai people greet each other with the wai. Will it seem impolite for a foreigner to do the wai? And what happens if I don’t do it right?
Call 1: Arturo and Jettrin
Host: Good morning, world. This Is Millicent McKay in Brussels with today’s worldwide Cultural Literacy Update. If you’re new to the program, here’s the format: In this studio, three people take your phone calls and answer your questions about etiquette in their countries. Today’s guests are Jettrin from Thailand, Nadia from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Sujeet from Nepal. We’re all first-name here, so let me welcome Jettrin, Nadia, and Sujeet.
Jettrin: Sawatdee Khrab, Millicent. Good morning! I’m Jettrin from Thailand.
Nadia: Hello! It’s nice to be with you. I’m Nadia from Dubai.
Sujeet: And good morning, Millicent, Jettrin, and Nadia. Sujeet ere from Nepal.
Host: OK. Let’s get started. I see our first caller is on the line. Hello, Arturo from Montevideo. You’re on the air.
Arturo: Good morning, actually, good evening. It’s 10:30 at night here in Montevideo. Here’s my question. I’m traveling on business to Thailand next month, and I’ll be working with Thai business managers from my company. What should I know?
Jettrin: Hello, Arturo. Jettrin here. Just a couple of things: First, a taboo: Don’t touch anyone’s head, not even a child’s
Arturo: Hmm? Well, I don’t ordinarily touch people’s head, but if you don’t mind my asking, what’s wrong with touching someone’s head?
Jettrin: Well, we believe the head is where the person’s soul lives. So it’s very disrespectful and offensive to touch a person’s head.
Arturo: Any other tips?
Jettrin: Well, when you are seated, be sure not to cross your legs in such a way that others can see the bottom of your foot.
Arturo: Actually, I knew that. But don’t worry. It’s good to be reminded. I do have one more specific question before I hang up.
Jettrin: Sure. What’s that?
Arturo: In Uruguay, it’s customary to shake hands, and I know Thai people greet each other with the wai. Will it seem impolite for a foreigner to do the wai? And what happens if I don’t do it right?