Hotspots: Invitations and Gifts
Back to: Training Session: Critical Situations in Intercultural Contexts
In intercultural communication there are lots of opportunities for irritation and misunderstanding. Hotspots are situations that frequently cause communication problems. Consequently, it is useful to know typical hotspots and their pitfalls in order to handle them sensitively and carefully. When you know hotspots you are prepared to potential communication traps and you are able to improve your intercultural communication skills1 [weglot-image en=“/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hotspots.png“ de=“/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hotspots_de.png“ it=“/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hotspots_it.png“ sl=“/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hotspots_sl.png“ gr=“/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hotspots_gr.png“]
We would like to define some typical hotspots, the problems they might cause and methods to deal with them.
Invitations and Gifts
Imagine you work with a family of refugees from a Middle East country. You helped them to deal with the local authorities and organised their access to language classes.
The father warmly thanks you for your support and adds „I would like to invite you to our accommodation“.
Comfreak, pixabay
- Is the invitation serious? You should pay attention if a fixed date and time is named. If not, it is possible that the invitation was just expressed as a sign of politeness.
- How would the invitor react if you turn down the invitation? In some cases this can be seen as affront.
- How formal/non-formal is the invitation?
- Will the hosts offer a meal?
- How are the norms and expectations regarding punctuality?
- For how long should you stay? Too short or too extended visits may cause irritation.
- Is it expected that you bring gifts?
- Which kind of gift will be welcome, which might cause problems? Please think about religious rules or superstition. In some East Asian countries, for example, the number „4“ sounds similar to the word for „death“. Thus, visitors should avoid to bring four flowers or a set of four items as a gift.
- If you receive a gift yourself, is it expected that you give anything back?
- If you are invited to a restaurant: How are the modalities of paying? Who pays? Is it expected to pay jointly or separately? Are there different expectations towards men and women?