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Localization: Training and Development in Greece

by Jen Weaver  

Ah, Greece. Financial troubles aside, this country is known for fantastic food and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. Kick back at your desk with some fresh olives and feta as we explore common cultural facts about the Greeks and their expectations when it comes to training and development.

Test Your Knowledge of Greek Culture

1. What board game is considered a national pastime?
2. True or False. Aristotle was Plato's teacher.

Quick Tips for Training & Development in Greece¹:

• Greeks tend to be physically and emotionally demonstrative. It's customary to hug, kiss, or show other signs of physical affection to friends and loved ones in public. Don't be surprised if your Greek counterparts breech your personal space bubble.
• Surprise, surprise, Greek is the official language in Greece and is written in the Greek alphabet. Romanian, not English, is the second most commonly spoken language, so be sure to come prepared with translated materials--and likely an interpreter--when training in this culture.
• For business meetings, it's ideal to have your business card translated, English on the front, Greek on the back, and present it to your counterpart with the Greek side facing up.
• Objective facts will not take precedence over subjective feelings or ideological beliefs. As such, it's important to establish relationships before attempting any negotiations or drastic changes within an organization. Group consensus is huge in this culture.
• An individual's social position gives security and structure to the individual, so be mindful of social cues in public interactions or business meetings. For example, the senior members of a group are typically afforded higher levels of respect and are served first at meals.
• It is not necessary to set an ending time for appointments as it's considered more important to complete the objective or build a good connection than to end the meeting promptly. Always arrive on time for meetings, but your Greek counterparts will likely have a more relaxed view of punctuality.
• Older generations of Greeks signify "no" with an upward head nod. This can be confusing as many members of the younger generations have started using the American head movements to indicate "yes" and "no." When in doubt, clarify their response.

Answers to the Questions from Above:

1. Backgammon.
2. False. Plato was Aristotle's teacher.

References:

 ¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

 

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training and Development in Egypt

by Jen Weaver  

Many events in Egypt's history have had an impact on tourism, but your business needs may still require training and development in Egypt. Let's explore some common cultural facts about Egyptians and their expectations when it comes to training and development. 

Test Your Knowledge of Egyptian Culture:

1. Is Arabic read from right to left or left to right?
2. True or False? Egypt is one of the most westernized countries in the Middle East.
3. The terms "Upper Egypt" and "Lower Egypt" are oriented to the flow of what famous river?

Quick Tips for Training & Development in Egypt¹:

• Never show the soles of your feet, as this is offensive to Arab culture. Be mindful of this when selecting images or when sitting in meetings. In westernized culture, sitting with your legs crossed is a casual and relaxed pose, but it's perceived as impolite in Egypt since the bottoms of your feet may show.
• The left hand is considered unclean, so avoid gesturing with your left hand whenever possible, and always use your right hand when eating and handling "clean" objects such as offering gifts or exchanging business cards. The "thumbs up" gesture is also seen as rude.
• The Islamic Sabbath is on Friday. The typical workweek runs Saturday through Wednesday. Be sure to clarify the class schedule when training in Egypt.
• While Arabic is the official language, many executives speak English or French as well. Translation will likely be required for any in-country training materials.
• The Islamic faith is the primary source of truth; then personal feelings or facts are considered. Be careful not to speak against the Islamic faith, as about 90% of the population is Muslim.
• Family contributes to an individual's core identity, and Egyptians receive honor, dignity, and security through their family unit. These three values are highly respected in Egyptian culture, so be mindful of them to avoid embarrassing your contact and risking the relationship.
• It's a common Arab business practice to keep foreigners waiting for meetings, especially since Egyptian culture does not value punctuality. It may be wise to either schedule only one meeting per day when first getting to know your Egyptian client or team, or allow a large buffer between meetings in case they are delayed. You will likely need an Egyptian agent to do business in Egypt who can also work as an advocate to help you navigate through your meetings.
• Egyptian humor is often self-deprecating, but be careful not to join in. Only an Egyptian can make fun of Egypt. 

Answers to Trivia:

1. Since Arabic is read from right to left, Arabic-language training materials start on the back page or back cover of the book unlike an English version. Make sure your handbooks or manuals have colorful illustrated back covers to engage readers.
2. True. Even so, business interactions with individual executives may range from westernized to traditional.
3. The Nile. Surprisingly enough, this puts Lower Egypt in the north of the country and Upper Egypt  in the south on the Sudan border.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

 

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training and Development in Ecuador

by Jen Weaver  

¡Hola! Let's journey down to South America and explore some common cultural facts about Ecuadorians and their expectations when it comes to training and development. 

Test Your Knowledge of Ecuadorian Culture:

1. True or False. Ecuador is South America's second largest producer of oil.
2. What is the official language of Ecuador?
3. What currency is used in Ecuador?

 Tips for Training & Development in Ecuador¹

• Don't discuss other Spanish-speaking countries with Ecuadorians. Ecuador lost half its land to Peru in 1941 in an invasion supported by the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. Ecuador was previously conquered by Spain and has also faced many border disputes with Colombia. Similarly, be careful not to exhibit a sense of American superiority, as many Ecuadorians are sensitive to this attitude.
• Ecuadorians tend to make decisions on a case-by-case basis rather than using universal laws or standards to guide behavior. Accordingly, an individual's faith or personal feelings may be viewed as "truth" independent of facts or data. Research alone will not gain buy-in from Ecuadorian learners; you must engage them on an ideological or emotional level.
• Family gives Ecuadorians a sense of stability, but personal achievement and individual status are more important than the success of a group as a whole.
• Despite government efforts to promote punctuality, most Ecuadorians view arriving 15 to 20 minutes late as still being on time. As a foreigner, you are expected to be prompt to all business meetings.
• At the executive level, many business professionals arrive at the office after 9:00 a.m. Keep this in mind and avoid scheduling meetings or classes before 10:00 a.m., if possible.
• Address Ecuadorian contacts by their professional title or formal name until invited to do otherwise.
• Ecuadorian time is the same as Eastern Standard Time, so if you're traveling there from the United States, you may be tempted to schedule meetings the same day that you arrive. However, allow yourself at least a day to acclimate if training on location in Quito--not for the time difference but for the high altitude.

Trivia Answers:

1. True.
2. Spanish. English is commonly used in business settings, plus there are many indigenous languages still used by the Amerindian population. Be sure to clarify the language needs of your audience before finalizing training materials.
3. The United States Dollar.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

 

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training and Development in Denmark

by Jen Weaver  

Today's foray into cultural insights takes us to the Scandinavian nation of Denmark. Let's explore some common cultural facts about this kingdom (Hint, hint!) and its citizens' expectations when it comes to training and development.

Test your knowledge of Denmark's culture:

1. True or False. Denmark is considered one of the least-corrupt countries in the world.
2. Chileans live in Chile. Colombians live in Colombia. What do you call the people of Denmark?
3. True or False. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy.

Quick Tips for Training & Development in Denmark¹:

• Many Danes work at keeping their public and private lives separate. The common perspective is "work to live," not "live to work," and they may resist overtime or discussing business matters outside of the workplace. For this reason, your Danish counterparts may limit or do away with small talk.
• Danes are often slow at making major decisions, so be prepared with all pertinent details and a generous waiting period while they deliberate.
• The Danish people tend to be independent and may seek individual achievement over group success. Keep this in mind when establishing group activities.
• While Danish is the official language, English is taught in schools and is the predominant second language. Most Danes will be excited to speak English with you, but complex training topics may be best covered in Danish.
• Danes are typically found to have a high tolerance for risk and a low index of uncertainty avoidance. Individuals are encouraged to take risks to establish themselves and develop strong self-images.
• Punctuality is highly valued, as late starts communicate incompetence and poor time management.
• Jokes may not translate well, as Danish humor is very dry and often considered out of place in business settings.
• The American greeting "How are you?" is culturally understood as a pleasantry in the States and is answered with "Doing well!" or "Fine." In Denmark, this question will be interpreted as an actual inquiry into how an individual is doing. A more appropriate greeting is "It's a pleasure to meet you."
• Gesturer beware! The American hand gesture for "okay" is considered an insult.

Trivia Answers:

1. True. But even so, many Danes do not regard rules as inflexible and enjoy finding ways to get around regulations.
2. Danes.
3. True. The Queen or the King is a symbolic leader; the Prime Minister is the head of government as chosen by the Parliament.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training & Development in the Czech Republic

by Jen Weaver  

Frequently ruled by outsiders in its history, the Czech Republic now faces happier times. Let's take a jaunt over to Central Europe and explore some common cultural facts about the Czech people and their expectations when it comes to training and development.

Test Your Knowledge of Czech Culture:

1. True or False. Bohemia is another name for a section of the Czech Republic.
2. Is "Czech" the English or Czech spelling of the name of their language?
3. True or False. Budweiser beer was named after a town in the Czech Republic.

Quick Tips for Training & Development in the Czech Republic¹:

• The Czech Republic is fairly young as a free state, a designation achieved in 1993, and it joined the European Union in 2004.
• Remain alert on the roads; many drivers tend to be erratic. Pick-pocketing on the street is also quite common.
• Czechs identify truth through both feelings and objective facts. The ideologies of humanitarianism and democracy also hold prominent roles in day-to-day decisions.
• Czechs value personal achievement and are motivated by individual recognition. As such, formal degrees are respected, so be sure to mention your educational background and even include it on your business card.
• While relationships are highly valued, it's often a slow process to build deep friendships. Allocate time for chit-chat so your students can get to know you. Part of building relationships is asking questions about each other's family.
• Another fun family topic is dogs, as the Czech people are particularly fond of this furry friend. Dogs are even allowed in many restaurants.
• The eldest or highest-ranked person will enter the room first. If there is a tie, the male counterpart will enter before the female.
• Many Czechs feel that past Communist rule has robbed them of many years' worth of profits. This may cause high-even unrealistic-expectations on returns, so be mindful when making agreements or establishing future goals.
• If training directly in Prague, you may be able to avoid hiring a Czech translator, but it's recommended even within the city.
• A typical Czech holiday is four weeks annually, with peak travel times from mid-July to mid-August. When possible, avoid scheduling classes during those months.
• Decision-making is a slow, methodical process.

Knowledge Test Answers:

1. True. The easternmost part is Bohemia, and the westernmost part is known as Moravia.
2. English. This spelling came via the Polish language. The Czechs call it "Česká."
3. True. The town was Budweis, now called Ceské Budéjovice. The Czechs are known for making extraordinary beers, and any beer drinker would be happy to discuss the topic.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

***

Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training & Development in the Czech Republic

by Jen Weaver  

Frequently ruled by outsiders in its history, the Czech Republic now faces happier times. Let's take a jaunt over to Central Europe and explore some common cultural facts about the Czech people and their expectations when it comes to T&D.

Test Your Knowledge of Czech Culture:

1. True or False. Bohemia is another name for a section of the Czech Republic.
2. Is "Czech" the English or Czech spelling of the name of their language?
3. True or False. Budweiser beer was named after a town in the Czech Republic.

Quick Tips for Training & Development in the Czech Republic¹:

• The Czech Republic is fairly young as a free state, a designation achieved in 1993, and it joined the European Union in 2004.
• Remain alert on the roads; many drivers tend to be erratic. Pick-pocketing on the street is also quite common.
• Czechs identify truth through both feelings and objective facts. The ideologies of humanitarianism and democracy also hold prominent roles in day-to-day decisions.
• Czechs value personal achievement and are motivated by individual recognition. As such, formal degrees are respected, so be sure to mention your educational background and even include it on your business card.
• While relationships are highly valued, it's often a slow process to build deep friendships. Allocate time for chit-chat so your students can get to know you. Part of building relationships is asking questions about each other's family.
• Another fun family topic is dogs, as the Czech people are particularly fond of this furry friend. Dogs are even allowed in many restaurants.
• The eldest or highest-ranked person will enter the room first. If there is a tie, the male counterpart will enter before the female.
• Many Czechs feel that past Communist rule has robbed them of many years' worth of profits. This may cause high-even unrealistic-expectations on returns, so be mindful when making agreements or establishing future goals.
• If training directly in Prague, you may be able to avoid hiring a Czech translator, but it's recommended even within the city.
• A typical Czech holiday is four weeks annually, with peak travel times from mid-July to mid-August. When possible, avoid scheduling classes during those months.
• Decision-making is a slow, methodical process.

Knowledge Test Answers:

1. True. The easternmost part is Bohemia, and the westernmost part is known as Moravia.
2. English. This spelling came via the Polish language. The Czechs call it "Česká."
3. True. The town was Budweis, now called Ceské Budéjovice. The Czechs are known for making extraordinary beers, and any beer drinker would be happy to discuss the topic.

References:

 ¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

***

Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training & Development in Costa Rica

by Jen Weaver  

Take a few minutes over this morning's café con leche to learn about the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Let's explore some common cultural facts about Costa Ricans and their expectations when it comes to training and development.

Pop Quiz (no Googling the answer):

1. True or False? Costa Rica means "Rich Coast."
2. True or False? Costa Rica is the wealthiest country in Central America.

Quick Tips for Training & Development in Costa Rica¹:

• Costa Ricans often refer to themselves as Ticos, a name based on their tendency to add tico to the end of words to imply fondness.
• English is commonly spoken in business settings, but translating materials into Spanish is still the preference. Spanish is the official language, but a small percentage of people also speak Caribbean Creole English and a handful of local dialects.
• As is common in many Latin American cultures, Costa Ricans interpret facts through feelings and may use their faith (86% are Catholic) as the foundation of truth.
• More than citizens of many other countries, Costa Ricans believe in the value and equality of all people and emphasize the dignity of work independent of social class.
• Many Costa Ricans exhibit a strong sense of group responsibility and favoritism toward family and close relationships.
• Sociologists describe Costa Ricans as being high in uncertainty avoidance. They rely on strict rules to limit risk and avoid change and conflict when possible. To keep from losing face, Ticos may provide indirect answers rather than offer a less-than-preferable response.
• Decisions are made by group consensus, so be sure to allow additional time for these discussions and deliberations.
• Timelines and deadlines are seen as suggestions rather than hard dates, causing late payments to be a common occurrence. Be tolerant of and anticipate delays.

Pop Quiz Answers:

1. True.
2. False. Panama is the wealthiest nation in Central America.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

***

Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training & Development in Colombia

by Jen Weaver  

Continuing on our journey around the world, today we arrive in the Republic of Colombia. Let's explore some common cultural facts about Colombians and their expectations when it comes to training and development.

Test your knowledge of Colombian culture with the Fun-Fact questions below:

1. What is the difference between Colombia and Columbia?
2. True or False. Colombia is named after Christopher Columbus, even though he never set foot on Colombian soil.
3. What are hormigas culonas?

Quick Tips for Training & Development in Colombia¹:

• Introductions and greetings can take a long time in Colombia and include many polite questions about one's family, health, and travels. Be mindful of this, and refrain from cutting these interactions short, as this is considered impolite.
• Colombia's official language is Spanish, and English is not widely spoken, so translation must be a priority.
• While the threat of kidnapping has greatly diminished, it is still a risk for foreign visitors. Take appropriate precautions if training on location.
• Because of the country's high altitude, be prepared to give your body time to adjust if you come from lower land areas.
• Colombians tend to interpret truth through feelings and are typically risk-averse and hesitant towards change. Be sure to craft your training materials with these factors in mind.
• This country has a high masculinity index and may be rigid regarding gender roles in the workplace. Consider the impact of this perspective when giving examples or selecting images for your training materials.
• Foreigners are expected to be on time for business meetings, while their Colombian counterparts may arrive 20 minutes late and still be considered "on time." Priority is given to meeting objectives and building relationships rather than to starting or ending promptly.
• The further you move inland, the more formality you can expect in attire and business interactions. Coastal areas are more casual. No matter the location, do not address anyone by his or her first name unless invited to do so.

Fun-Fact Answers:

1. Colombia is a South American country. Columbia is a university in New York.
2. True. The first Europeans to arrive in Colombia were led by Alonso de Ojeda in 1499.
3. Big-bottomed ants served as a salty snack.
     

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training and Development in China

by Jen Weaver  

As humorous as the translation blunder in the image below may be, the warning is worth noting as we consider training and development in China. Let's explore some common cultural facts about the Chinese and their expectations when it comes to training and development.

 

Test your knowledge of Chinese culture with the Fun-Fact questions below:

1. What are the two primary spoken languages in China?
2. What are the two written languages Chinese languages?

Quick Tips for Training & Development in China¹:

• In many ways, China is still a hierarchical society and age is respected. The oldest person should be given deference by the younger ones in the group. If you're conducting a class with multiple trainers, the elder trainer should initiate the class.
• Internet censorship is common and may impede access to your online classrooms, so be sure to test this access in advance.
• Avoid scheduling classes during the lunar New Year. This is China's most important nationwide weeklong holiday.
• Truth is defined by one's personal feelings along with Communist beliefs.
• China is primarily a collectivist culture. Decisions are made by the leadership, and members must follow their lead.
• You must be punctual for both business and social meetings.
• The Chinese write the date with the year, then the month, then the day. For example, March 2, 2014, is written as 14.03.02.
• Receive a business card with two hands; review it carefully and set it down on the table in front of you. Do not write on it or put it in your wallet or pocket. That is considered rude.
• Dramatic hand movements or body language may be considered distracting to your audience, as they are uncommon in Chinese culture.
• In general, many Chinese people will find it difficult to say "no", as they don't want to disappoint you or lose face. Be sensitive to hints of difficulties, and make sure to set reasonable expectations. Deadlines are commonly regarded as flexible, so be clear in setting them, and allow buffer time as needed.

Fun-Fact Answers:

1. Mandarin and Cantonese.
2. Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese. While many business executives are fluent in English, give careful consideration to the benefits of localizing and translating your materials.

Developing Training & Development materials for use in China? Contact Jen Weaver with Carmazzi Global Solutions for a free consultation.

References:

¹Morrison, Terri, & Conaway, Wayne A. (2006). Kiss, bow, or shake hands (2nd ed.). Avon: Adams Media.

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.

Localization: Training & Development in Chile

by Jen Weaver  

If you're like me, winter's cold weather and icy winds are becoming a bit tiresome. So, this week let's head down south and enjoy the warm weather of a Chilean summer as we explore some common cultural facts about Chileans and their expectations when it comes to training and development. 

Test your knowledge of Chilean culture with the Fun-Fact questions below:

1. Who is Condorito?
2. True or False? Chile is almost as long as California.
3. True or False? To fit the entire country on a TV screen, weather maps have to divide the country into three parts.

 Quick Tips for Training & Development in Chile¹:

• Chile's official language is Spanish, although English is spoken by many well-educated professionals. It's highly recommended to translate and localize your training materials to make the greatest impact on Chilean learners.
• Natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, abound in this country. Some visitors also experience altitude sickness when traveling in certain cities. Keep this in mind if you're conducting a class onsite.
• In negotiations, most Chileans place importance on emotions rather than facts, and truth is often considered subjective.
• As in many Latin American cultures, family is of great significance to Chileans. It's important not to bring dishonor on one's loved ones, and familial ties may mean the difference between professional success and failure.
• Relationships and friendships are essential for business, so it's important to build rapport with your students when initiating a new class.
• North Americans and Europeans are expected to be punctual for business meetings, but Chilean participants may arrive late.
• The business culture is more formal than in many other Latin American countries. Do not address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Many younger Chileans will promptly extend this invitation upon meeting you. Business dress code is closer to European formal than American business attire.
• Citizens in many countries, including Chile, write the date with the day first, then the month, then the year. For example, February 4, 2014, is written 4.2.14 or 4/2/14.
• Chilean summer holidays are in January and February, so it's best to avoid scheduling classes in those months, if at all possible.

Fun-Fact Answers:

1. Condorito (Little Condor in Spanish) is a famous cartoon condor created by Chilean René Ríos Boettiger. Condorito is the Spanish-speaker equivalent of Mickey Mouse.
     
2. True
3. True

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Developing international training and development materials? Contact Jen at Carmazzi Global Solutions.