Nowadays, various government initiatives are in place to promote equal opportunities. Spanish culture is known for having well-known musical melodies and rhythms. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Required fields are marked *, This Article was Last Expert Reviewed on February 17, 2023 by Chris Drew, PhD. Often, written statements are not given as much importance as in, for instance, the UK or Germany. Spain is a very diverse country and each region has its own unique character and distinctive atmosphere. Updated: 30/04/2023 - 14:40 WATCH: Belly dancer Yousha Hussain breaks taboos in Pakistan around professional dance In Pakistan, Yousha Hussain has a unique passion - he is training to be a belly. The variety of languages contributes to a diverse Spanish culture that draws the attention of millions of tourists from all corners of the world. Spains powerful empire began when Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492 which led to the colonisation of most of South and Central America, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean and much of what is now the USA. Spaniards tend to work well in teams with managers seeing themselves as team players, even though there is usually a closed-door approach to management. In Spain, people often choose their own table at a restaurant instead of waiting to be seated. Modern and classical artists often mix Flamenco and other traditional Spanish music with modern beats. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors with my dogs. Taboos are technically defined as a practice "proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable." But what makes something taboo isn't as concrete. The breathtaking architecture, delicious food, the kind and warm people, and the astonishing celebrations are all worth honoring. To celebrate New Year, people in Spain eat a grape for each month of the year for good luck. Acquaintances say hi to each other the first time with a handshake and keep it simple. There is also a large portion of Atheists and a small percentage of Jewish people. It is important though that female business travellers dress and behave in a professional manner at all times. Since 2010, the number of women in management and board positions in the country has also increased. Firstly, Spain is the birthplace of the second most spoken language around the world. Spanish music genres vary according to region. There are also a large number of Spanish rock musicians, but few of these have achieved much recognition outside the country. The article series #Cultural #Clues, Do's & #Taboos' is a brief synopsis of #conversation #guidelines, #tips for successful #communication, and #strategies for #business that will help . Feelings and relationships play much more of an important role for Spaniards than facts and the personal relationships should be your primary focus. Do not start eating until the host or person who invited everyone indicates it is time to start. Elegant accessories are important for both men and women. Furthermore, today the use of information technology is spreading fast. Children in Spain are highly prized and doted upon by parents and extended family. Roman and Celtic influence is evident in the varied styles of Spanish music and dancing. Generally, the Spanish are a very open and communicative people ; they value highly their families, personal relationships and cultural traditions. Call a Catalan a Spaniard or disrespect a Basque, and well, you may learn a few swear words in a new language. A cultural taboo is something that is considered inappropriate within a cultural group. The Spanish are superstitious about the number 13. Coming up close to Spanish traditions and native speakers enables you to understand the origin of the language and its surrounding context. Spain subsequently began to lag behind Britain, France and Germany both politically and economically. A religious taboo is something that is banned by a religion. Expat guide to Spanish Culture and Traditions - HousingAnywhere 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. (Image from: www.lastingimpressions.wordpress.com) 7. Money 2. Therefore, try to eat everything on your plate. The country is also known for other groundbreaking athletes and champions. The most well-known bar food, known as tapas, usually consists of prepared dishes, many of which are quite elaborate and are often smaller versions of main-course dishes. At that time, Spain was one of the worlds major powers with significant overseas activities. The Spanish enjoy meals as a social activity and do not necessarily expect to discuss business at the table. Although many consider themselves 'Spanish', many also consider themselves a Catalan, Basque or Galician first. If you need to give an object to someone, pass it to them. Always bear in mind that social bonds must be built first, before business can be discussed. In the rural farming areas, the tradition of women as the homemakers tends to be more obvious although women and men often share the labour on the land in support of one another. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in formal occasion as a general rule. A taboo is something you shouldn't do, this could be a gesture of something as simple as a handshake. It may also help you decide what level of computer skills you can expect from your Spanish business associate. Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash, Forming a human tower at a festival in Igualada. 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. Not all businesspeople speak English, so it is wise to check if you should hire an interpreter. To be honest, I wish this changed! Do not talk about religion. TABOOS In Mexico: Avoid These Topics!! | Spring Languages Languages in Spain: How Many Languages Are Spoken in Spain? Did you know about business culture in Spain? Historically, the royal family is at the top of the social strata in Spain which is embodied by the titled nobility and aristocracy. Particularly, Spanish traditions are unique and have influenced the culture of Latin American countries. Spaniards place great emphasis on trust and honesty, so this should be given serious consideration before arranging a first meeting. It is impolite to waste food. The Spanish are particularly famed for their Paella, a recipe which is said to have its origins in Valencia which lies on the south eastern coast. Numerous works have been written about the Spanish Civil War which raged from 1936 to 1939. July 25: St James' Day (Santiago Apostol) (R) Basque Country and Navarre. Using the "come here" gesture like Americans do when you stick out your index finger and curl it in, have a much different meaning in Spain. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. It is better to decline a large portion or second serving rather than leaving food on your plate. It is acceptable for a woman to make a toast. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. For the business matters to be discussed during a meeting, it is important to follow a set agenda so that the discussion does not stray too far from the topic. http://www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/business_etiquette_and_business_culture_in_spain/. Heres a list of other popular Spanish dances: Did you know Flamenco and Sardana are considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Spanish culture is very-well represented in literature. We asked our readers to tell us . Food is a strong foundation of Spanish culture. When arranging the initial meeting, it is advisable to choose a time around mid-morning. In Spanish culture, youre expected to bring a gift when youre invited to someones house for dinner. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. But while on the trip, it is a must to maintain etiquette and respect local cultures to fully enjoy the tour. It is best not to protest someone paying for you, even out of, Spaniards are renowned for being welcoming and generous people. Young, unmarried women have become more independent and are migrating to cities for education or work. However, it is important that sensitivity is shown towards the pride that the Spanish feel in being able to handle things independently. Las procesiones (processions) are a prominent tradition of Spain that dates back to the 16 century. Family is an important part of life and changes within the family institution also affect business culture in Spain. These fritters aremade of flour-based batter that is piped into extremely hot fat and fried, then rolled in cinnamon-laced sugar, resulting in a treat that is sweet and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. Spain - Culture, Customs & Etiquette If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Thus, taboos and euphemisms serve a rather significant purpose in a society as it works like. Seekprofessional input on your specific circumstances. Everyday desserts are usually a piece of fruit or dairy product, whereas cakes, large flans and puddings tend to be reserved for special occasions. Spanish people have 2 names and 2 surnames; the first surname belongs to the father and the second to the mother. Especially when dealing with outsiders, Spaniards will often insist that everything is in perfect order, even when this is not the case. Well-known artists like Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Salvador Dal, and Joan Mir are Spanish. Present your business card to the receptionist upon arriving. In Spain, decisions are usually not made during meetings, which tend to be mainly for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Tennis player Rafael Nadal and Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, set high standards for their competitors around the world. Certain Spanish traditions evolved into their own Latin American version. Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with whom they do business. Although the standard of educational services in Spain is not very high compared to other Western European countries, it is gradually improving. There are also a considerable number of religious schools, which often offer a high quality of education. So, watching non-verbal clues is crucial for the success of negotiations. You see, Spain is a diverse, multicultural country made up of 17 regions. 6 Unique Festivals in Spain You Wont Find Anywhere Else, 29 Cool and Catchy Spanish Phrases To Use With Friends [+Audio], A Fun Kids Guide to Opposites in Spanish (Free Lesson and Activities), 3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce, Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try! Allow your counterpart to initiate and guide the conversation and be considerate in how you present your opinions. Each region has its own traditions, food, art, and cultural etiquette. During the history of Spain, there have been long periods where different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and Christians. It is seasoned with saffron and various spices. Spaniards expect both sides to strictly adhere to the terms of a contract. In Spain, education serves as an important instrument in national integration by promoting equal opportunities as well as democratic, social and cultural-values. Unfortunately, cultural, religious and food taboos are different around the world. They are often dictated by religious or cultural beliefs about what is okay and what is not okay. 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. Spain is a complex cultural mix. In 2020, Spain ranked eighth in the EU for gender equality. Even if you are joking, stay away from any implication that Spanish people hardly work or are always late. You will gain an understanding of a number of key areas including: Language Religion and beliefs Culture & society Social etiquette and customs Another favourite is the Tapas, which is an assortment of appetizers which may be hot or cold. The blend of Arab, Roman, Jewish, and Mediterranean cuisine uses top ingredients and flavors. The first meeting is generally formal and is used as a means to get to know each other. Some cultural taboos get their cues from religions that are dominant within a cultural group. Portuguese Culture - Do's and Don'ts Cultural Atlas Copyright 2023 Helpful Professor. In business settings, it is recommended that you address your counterparts with seor, seora or seorita for men, women or unmarried women respectively. While tastes and dishes vary throughout this large country, there are some common characteristics. Enjoy subscriber-only access to this articles pdf. Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other on the shoulder. Meeting etiquette - Business Culture 1 Jan. 2020 https://commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/afghanistan-guide, Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. (2020, January 1) Afghanistan - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. However, in the expansion of a modern, democratic society, the boundaries between the traditional upper classes have widened with social standing measured by achievement in areas of business, culture and public services. Spain is a large country with many regions each having their own version of traditional cuisine. In the large cities the Cathedrals are almost museums. It is usually eaten in bars whilst socialising with friends and family. If receiving a gift it should be opened immediately in the presence of the giver. The second largest religion of Spain is Islam due to recent arrivals of African and Middle Eastern refugees. This is a normal way of doing business in Spain that affects everyone, and you should not let it put you off or make you feel disadvantaged. Open gifts immediately upon receiving them so you can remark on the gift and thank the giver in person. American fast-food chains have franchises in all the major cities, and much of the television programming and many of the popular films are foreign, the bulk of the programs and films being from the United States. People are usually served bottled water or are expected to purchase a beverage, such as a small beer (. Yet most often both superstitions and taboos have a cultural background. Secondly, it is home to fascinating Spanish culture and traditions. Paella - the quintessentially Spanish dish. The stylish fashion, incredible architecture, delicious food, colorful rhythms, and richness of Spanish culture are guaranteed to mesmerize you. From Andalusia comes gazpacho, a delicious cold soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and cucumber, while the cattle-producing region of Castile boasts succulent roasts and air-dried hams. Spain has extensive coastlines, such that fish and seafood are a major natural resource and primary ingredient in many traditional dishes; olive oil is an essential ingredient for all Spanish cooking. Northern and mountainous regions, the climate is tougher and it is usual to see snow from the winter months until the end of spring. Legislation has been in place since 2007 to ensure equality in the terms and conditions of employment. Because of the reluctance among Spaniards to reveal bad news, it is advisable to have where possible, a network of independent, disinterested contacts that can check or interpret what you are being told. El Da de Reyes Magos (Day of the Three Kings) is widely celebrated across the country and is a favorite holiday for children. Product samples, demonstrations and working examples of your services should also be used where appropriate. It is important to begin negotiations only after you have developed a personal relationship and a certain level of trust with your Spanish counterparts. They can be something you do, a day . Again, this is a huge difference from the US where most service workers rely on tips and tipping is a requirement almost anywhere . | 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. Pack your bags and join me for an insightful Introduction to Spanish culture, traditions, and beliefs! He played a key role in the design of whimsical and complex architectural masterpieces in the Catalan city such as La Sagrada Familia and Parc Gell. Since the 1960s Spanish culture, particularly the youth culture, has increasingly become part of a homogeneous, heavily American-influenced international culture. 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. 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. Remain standing until invited to sit down. It is therefore recommended that you provide a printout of the executive summary of your presentation in Spanish. When dealing with the Spanish, extreme patience and respect for their culture is required for successful negotiations. If you are travelling with your pet within the European Union, you will need to obtain a Pet Passport indicating the origin of the pet and certifying that the pet has received appropriate vaccinations: 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. Basic Etiquette. Spanish food is frequently thought to be very spicy, but, apart from a few dishes that contain small amounts of a mild chili pepper, the most piquant ingredient in general use is paprika. Guide to El Salvador and Salvadorian culture, society, language, etiquette, customs, manners and protocol. Some traditions are more a cultural event rather than a religious one. Everything You Need to Know About Spanish Architecture, History of Don Quixote and Miguel de Cervantes. Supper, a lighter meal, is also taken late, between 9:00 and 10:00 pm, or even later during the hot summer months. Businesswomen travelling to Spain will however be treated with respect. It is not essential to bring things when visiting Spaniards. Greetings and introductions are a fundamental particularity of Spanish culture. 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. Don Quixote is considered the best example of Spanish literature and language. Click here to learn more about our cultural awareness webinars. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. Spanish culture has contributed powerfully to the evolution of the Spanish language. Spanish fiestas (festivals) are large celebrations and carnivals devoted to a specific Saint or City. When a Spanish family moves to a new house they need to buy a new broom. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Not much tipping. Decision-making is held at the top of the company, since this is a hierarchical country. In sociology, youll learn that taboos are just one of four types of norm (you might come across these if youre studying AP Sociology). http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-spain.html. Required fields are marked *, With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Each person has typically two first names and one last name they use. All meals of the day commence later in Spain than what people are familiar with in the English-speaking West. Everyone usually embraces before departing. Avoid getting too drunk at a meal. Having said this, most Spanish men are usually willing to accept a lunch or dinner invitation from an overseas businesswoman. Bars, which are open all day, generally serve food as well as drink, and it is a widespread custom to go for a snack before meals, especially on non-working days. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. [email protected] +44 0330 027 0207 or +1 (818) 532-6908 . Some of the holidays are national throughout Spain and marked (N) others are regional (R), 'Catalonia is not Spain' is something you may hear some Catalans shout at demonstrations. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the right forearm of the other person. Learn what makes them special in this interesting article about Spanish Dances. You may be shown to a particular seat. Spains official soccer team won the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Unemployment rate: 17.8% (Apr 2017) Eurostat, GDP per capita: 26,528.49 USD (2016) World Bank, Gross domestic product: 1.232 trillion USD (2016) World Bank, Government debt: 99.4% of GDP (2016) Eurostat, GDP growth rate: 3.2% annual change (2016) World Bank. These fiestas have traditional foods, fireworks, dancing, handmade decorations, parades, concerts, and theater. When setting up a meeting, it is recommended to make appointments in advance and confirm them by letter, fax or email just before your arrival. Wine is the most popular drink served at dinner, usually a Rioja or Valdepenas.
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