How to avoid offending people from different cultures when travelling?
This is an 'indivisible problem' about travelling. Sometimes what we may consider at home to be normal would be abnormal where we are. So, we need to be selective about the things we say. Keeping quiet and not interacting with locals may make it difficult to get the full experience of the travel/ make the trip more difficult and too much interaction may lead to something offensive being said.
Hence, my question, how exactly do we 'fit in' when visiting different places?
P.s: I do know we should do a quick google search about the place before travelling, but I often feel there are some unsaid/ unwritten rule of topics which are not said that we must pick up on.
Best Answer
There surely must be some general principle which can be applied to anywhere you go
I've been to 41 countries (so far) and in my opinion there are few things that make this quite easy:
- Be respectful of the other culture. The worst thing you can do is to point out all the things they are doing wrong (in your unqualified opinion) or try to preach your own values or opinions.
- No one expects a foreigner to get everything right. As long as you honestly try, you are good.
- Be friendly, smile, laugh and/or be apologetic if you think it's needed. Do NOT be demanding or arrogant.
- Learning a few phrases like "thank you" "good morning" or "one beer please" go a long way, regardless of how badly you butcher them. It shows respect and that you are trying. Use "thank you" A LOT.
- Learn some simple hand gestures. It's good to read up before your trip which gestures may be considered offensive, but even if you get it wrong, they'll probably just laugh about it.
- If in doubt ask (by whatever means available). Example: If you want to take a photo of a person or a shop, ask permission. This changes the perception from "why is this foreign weirdo photographing me" to "Great, they really like my stuff".
Most cultures put a lot of value in hospitality and most people are delighted to meet foreigners and help/support if they can. Oddly enough, the most difficult situations for me are "heavily touristic" areas since it's an odd power dynamic and the culture is neither the local nor the foreign one.
One example if I may. A few years ago my wife and I were on a night walk in Dubai. We ended up under a bridge in a fairly romantic spot so we were holding hands and cuddling which was probably more PDA than would be appropriate in Dubai. A boat comes by with a few heavily veiled woman wearing burkas. One sees us and her eyes light up and she gives as a big old heart sign with both hands!
Mutual respect is all that's needed.
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How can we avoid offending other cultures?
Here are our top ten tips for effective cross-cultural communication:How can we be respectful of other cultures while traveling?
How to Be Respectful of Other Cultures While TravelingHow can you prepare yourself for cultural differences before you leave?
5 ways to embrace cultural differences in your trip- Study the culture of your destination beforehand. ...
- Converse with someone who has traveled there before. ...
- Respect the local culture. ...
- Maintain good communication. ...
- Have empathy.
Why is it important to understand another culture when traveling?
Embracing different cultures through travel allows you to experience what it's like to be a part of a community other than your own. It also gives you cultural awareness and acceptance, which can help break down cultural barriers while interacting with people of different backgrounds.HOW CAN YOU AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE FROM A DIFFERENT CULTURE?
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