8 strange things that are normal in other cultures

12/31/2018

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Culture Story: 8 strange things that are normal in other cultures

Laws and traditions that are typical for one country can be shocking for the other. One and the same gesture can mean different things in different cultures. Are you ready to be surprised?

#1 Show your thumb instead of index finger in Malaysia

In Malaysia, you can use your index finger to point on animals or things. It is rude to point on people with it. Instead, Malaysians use thumb.

#2 In Korea people are considered to be born at the age of one

Moreover, a person is thought to become older not on their birthday but on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

#3 Touching heads in Thailand

The head is the most important part of the body where the soul lives. So, only family members are allowed to touch one's head. If a stranger does it, it will be considered rude.

#4 Red ink in Korea

Red is not used to write people's names, while this color is a symbol of death. People in Korea avoid using it.

#5 Taking a taxi in Australia

If you travel alone and take a taxi in Australia, Netherlands or Ireland sit in the front seat of a car. Sitting on the backseat is considered to be impolite in these countries.

#6 Eating in Thailand and China

If you eat up all your dish, it'll mean that you are still hungry.

#7 Saying 'Please' and 'Thank you' in India

These phrases are very offensive for a person from India. If you thank your friends and family members for their help it means you are surprised and didn't expect them to do so.

#8 Compliments in Norway

In this country people usually pay compliments only to express their true admiration. In other cases, compliments can be considered as flattery.

And what about you? How does it strike you? Do you have any thoughts or ideas to share ? You are welcome to do so in the comments below!

#Culture #funny #knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

39 Comments

Sanjoy Adhikari

what is said about India is not totally true

ramonamoncpa

Please vet your info before posting!.... some of these so-called traditions your posting here are misleading/untrue!

Yvonne Patterson

I am Australian and most people sit in the back seat in a taxi.

ninakamwene

Interesting customs. In Kenya my tribe the Kikuyus, expect you eat when you come to the home. It is rude to the woman of the home if you say no. Ahsante sana=Thank you very much.

Jennifer Dyster

Gender difference. Its ok for men to sot in the front seat but women don' t usually. (I am an Australian in my sixties)

lmoores

Pointing fingers at people is considered rude in western culture. I am from Australia and have never heard of riding in the back of a taxi as being considered ride. In fact most everyone here rides in the back.

Scott

Not too sure about these "traditions". I think a number of them are false.

Deborah Cole

I live in Ireland and it has never been deemed rude to sit in the back of a taxi if you are traveling alone

Vimala Padmaraj

Sanjoy Adhikari, I AGREE.

Leila Menon

please and thankyou are not offensive in India.

Leila Menon

Please and thankyou are not offensive in India.

Mel Stubbs

If I'm travelling alone in Australia, I usually sit in the front seat of a taxi

john duckett

I normally sit in the front seat but sit in the back if you prefer to avoid overly chatty drivers. Such as the one who made a detour so he could show me where he used to live. And kept the metre running.

Elsy O. Stromberg

It's rude for a stranger to touch someone's head in the U.S. as well. I'd be pretty upset if a stranger touched my head.

Margaret White

I have always sat in the front seat of taxis in country towns but not in the big cities.

Allison Aspden

Some misleading statements - about behaviours & traditions in other countries.

Anita Sharma

Who authenticated the info? Humbug

Jo-Carol Ropp

I found out in Taiwan about leaving a small portion of food on your plate to indicate satiation. Having been raised in the ‘clean your plate’ style, I got some very strange looks—and my hosts kept ordering more food!

Blairly21

ninakamwene, I would love to visit Kenya. I have had an enormous interest in Kenya for over 60 years. I would love to know more about your cuisine.

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