Passage 1Wrap up Your Visit with the Perfect GiftSection A “It is better to give than to receive”; “Never look a gift horse in the mouth”; “Beware of Greeks (ancient, of course) bearing gifts”. Gifts are a fundamental element of culture and our lives as social creatures. They are also an important part of our business relationships. There are occasions when giving a gift surpasses spoken communication, since the message it offers can cut through barriers of language and cultural diversity. Present a simple gift to your host in a foreign country and chances are he or she will understand you perfectly, though you may not understand a single word of each other’s languages. It can convey a wealth of meaning about your appreciation of their hospitality and the importance you place upon the relationship. Combine the act of giving with some knowledge of and sensitivity to the culture of the recipient and you have an invaluable chance to earn respect and lay the foundations of a durable and mutually beneficial business relationship. For all countries, take account of climate, especially in regard to clothing. Some gifts can be ruined by extremely hot or humid climate, possibly causing their receiver considerable anguish. Consider the kinds of products that are abundant in the country concerned and try for something that is uncommon there. Think about the level of language skills: a book with hundreds of pages of English text may be at best useless, at worst embarrassing, to a person with limited English. Inform yourself as much as possible about local customs, rules and etiquette, especially to do with wrapping, presenting, superstitions, taboos and, importantly, customs and quarantine regulations. The following is a brief account of the etiquette of gift-giving in some countries of Asia and the Middle East.Section B Hong Kong Chinese greatly appreciate simple greeting cards, though obviously they will not refuse small tokens of friendship in the form of gifts. Books with plenty of illustrations are most appreciated in Indonesia. Inappropriate items: alcohol, products made from pigs, warm clothing. Ties and cuff links are not commonly worn. In Iran, short-sleeved shirts and any visual representation of naked or partially dressed people, male or female, are highly inappropriate. Don’t bother with ties, videos or records. As in all Islamic countries, there is a strict taboo on any pork products. Respecting the Arab tradition, gifts should endeavor to praise the recipient in Iraq and should never be of an order that cannot reasonably be reciprocated. Avoid certain color combinations: red, white and black (colors of the Nazi flag); and red, green and black (the Palestinian flag) in Israel. Gifts are normally exchanged at the beginning of meetings with Japanese and should be given and received with both hands. It is seen as impolite to give an unwrapped gift. The emphasis should be on high quality, though not necessarily expensive, items. When in Jordan, it is preferable, but not vital, to avoid green in packaging. Normal Arab customs apply so no alcohol, pork, women’s clothing etc. Arabs generally do not greatly appreciate handcrafts in wood, fabric or pottery. Gifts should ideally appear valuable. Again, the exchange should be made with both hands in Korea. Also, similar to Japan, is the emphasis on presentation. Do not use red ink to write the names of the recipients. It is worth remembering that it is customary for a gift given to a company to be shared out around the office concerned, so items that lend themselves to this practice—like a bottle of good whisky—are very well received. Laos has virtually no cultural taboo items. It would be difficult to offend with virtually any gift. Business contacts in the People’s Republic of China are keen recipients of good Scotch whisky and American cigarettes, to the point where it is almost obligatory to take some along when you go there. Or, if not obligatory, it certainly helps to warm relations. Do not open gifts in the presence of the giver in the Philippines. Not recommended are items alluding to religion. Many people are Catholic and many others Moslems. This also means literature and art with any possible suggestions of lewdness or racism are to be strictly avoided. For Thailand, gifts should not be wrapped or packaged in black. Modest gifts, like ties, scarves and key rings, are much appreciated. Traditionally, sharp objects like knives or even letter openers are not given as gifts. No special gift-giving customs in Vietnam, but the Vietnamese are enthusiastic gift givers and like very much to receive them as well. Liquor and wine can be problematic, for reasons pertaining to Vietnamese tastes rather than morality or religion. Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet. There are important details to consider when 1______ Some cultures have prohibitions on animal products such as those from 2______ Others have political aversions to specific 3______ because of their use on certain countries’ flags. Similarly, Thais do not like gifts with 4______ wrappings, and in Korea it is suggested that name tags written in red should be avoided. But presentation is not only restricted to what wrappings or pen you use. In Japan care should also be taken in selecting gifts that are of good 5______.
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