EDUCATION
MACEDONIAN CULTURE A Macedonian may not always tell you when they have been insulted or what has upset them, but may instead become cold towards you or difficult to contact. If you notice this or realise you have offended them, be sure to make amends as soon as possible. Open apologies and sincere remorse are generally accepted and respected (depending on the circumstance). However, reluctance to do so can be interpreted as a sign of arrogance, and further jeopardise a relationship. It is expected that people act more formal and respectful around their elders. For example, one would refrain from swearing or telling rude jokes. Macedonians have quite a relaxed view of time. It is common to be late for meetings and other events to run over time. Do not leave two windows open in a room. There is a cultural belief in Macedonia that when wind passes through a room, it will cause people to get sick. Macedonians generally stay up quite late and may socialise into the later hours of the night. People are expected to make regular direct eye contact throughout conversation. People may point with their fingers. It is also common to indicate the location of something by making a gesture with one’s head and eyes in the direction of the object.
MACEDONIA
32 October 2017 Volume 25, No. 4
NEPALESE CULTURE
HUNGARIAN CULTURE
There is a strong emphasis on cleanliness in Nepal, influenced by social and religious customs. Certain actions, objects and body parts are considered particularly pure or impure. For example, the head is understood to be the purest part of the body, whilst the feet are the dirtiest.
Hungarians tend to be quite individualistic, meaning that the interests of oneself and one’s immediate family take priority. Hungarians rely on their close friends and family for support. For many Hungarians, close friends and family will be the first people they reach out to in a time of need, rather than the broader community or institutions.
Elders are always shown a heightened amount of respect and are treated more formally. Objects should be passed, offered and received with the right hand only or both hands together. The left hand is considered ‘unclean’ and is reserved for performing unhygienic activities, like cleaning. It is considered disrespectful to use your left hand when communicating with somebody; all gestures should also be made with the right hand primarily. The best approach to communication is to be respectful and gracious. Be patient and prepare to listen. If offering criticism or addressing a problem, do so directly to the person it concerns whilst keeping your approach soft and out of the view of others. Do not complement a baby by saying it looks healthy or fat. There is a belief that this will bring sickness upon it. Do not belittle a Nepalese person for having a strong accent. It is okay to ask someone to repeat themselves, but be sensitive to the isolation an accent barrier can create.
NEPAL
Hungarians often pride themselves on using proper etiquette and expect others to do the same. Calling someone by their first name before being invited to do so is considered rude. Many Hungarians find whistling, humming or singing in public impolite. Always cover your mouth when yawning. Hungarians tend to be direct communicators. They will freely express their opinion or disagreement. It also is not uncommon for Hungarians to ask personal questions early on in the conversation. At times, this can come across as blunt, but it is not ill-intended. Hungarians often express themselves with emotion and passion. They will usually use stories, anecdotes and jokes to prove their points in the conversation. They may also raise their voice when conversing with others since there is a tendency for people to talk all at once.
HUNGARY
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