Different people from different cultures have different concept of being polite.
Devyn Kavhi, a freshman from Hawaii majoring in ICS, said, “Courteous, respectful to others. I think these two attitudes are important to have when being polite to people because it shown them that they matter and they are important.”
Ki Ng, a freshman from Hong Kong, also shared her opinion. “For me, I think one aspect of being polite in life is when other people are talking, be quiet if you have nothing to say. Don’t stay beside them and make a lot of noise.”
Let’s take a look at which details in language and behavior people should pay attention in order to be polite.
- When somebody talks with you, look at their eyes. Don’t look somewhere else or at your watch frequently. If you are in rush, tell them directly.
- When sitting close to others, don’t cross your legs and have the sole of your foot face them.
- When passing something like a knife or scissors to someone, make sure the sharp side is not facing them.
- If you are the last person to enter or leave a room, close the door.
- When you have to leave a class or a meeting midway, shut the door softly.
- When passing something to another person, if there is someone sitting between you two, pass the thing behind that person instead of in front of him/her.
- Be on time or little bit early.
- When you do something wrong, don’t make excuses. Apologize for your mistakes and resolve to not do them again.
- When parking the car, leave enough space between yours and the next. Give the cars beside to yours enough space for people to open the door and get in.
- Don’t visit others very early in the morning or late at night.
- When other people criticize you, listen first instead of refute immediately. You may learn something from others’ criticism.
- No matter if the door is open or closed, before you enter someone’s room or office, knock on the door to let the people in the room know you are there.
- When you get up, try to avoid letting the chair rub against floor because it makes a loud, unpleasant sound.
On the website Lifehack, there is a list of how to act politely in 20 different countries. Here’s a sampling of what the site suggests people be aware of as they travel or spend time around people of other cultures:
Japan
When dealing with Japanese clients, be sure to dress fairly conservatively, and make sure you bow lower than they do upon meeting them. Accept gifts with both hands (and open them later, not in front of the giver), and never blow your nose at the dining table. Avoid asking and answering direct questions: it’s better to imply rather than ask, and to answer with vagueness during conversations.
Sweden
Keep personal distance and don’t touch people when you talk to them. To ensure proper table manners, never discuss religion or politics, and try to maintain a level of quiet dignity. Silences during conversations are not considered uncomfortable, and it’s better to be a bit quiet, rather than overly verbose.
Mexico
When meeting others, women should initiate handshakes with men, but all people should avoid making too much eye contact; that can be seen as aggressive and belligerent behavior. If sharing a meal with others, keep your elbows off the table and try to avoid burping at all costs. Keep your hands off your hips, and make sure you never make the “okay” sign with your hand: it’s vulgar.
Germany
Much like Scandinavian people, Germans tend to be reserved and polite. Ensure that handshakes are firm, and always address people with Mr. or Mrs. followed by their surname (“Herr” or “Frau” if you’re confident that you’ll pronounce them well). Decent table manners are of great importance, and be sure to say “please” and “thank you” often.
China
Be generous with saying “thank you” when someone does anything from pouring you tea to offering you a gift, and if or when you receive a gift, take it with both hands. If someone makes a comment about your weight/appearance/idiosyncrasy, try not to take it as offensive: it’s merely an observation on their part.
Pakistan
Be sure to dress modestly (especially if you’re female), and if you go out for a meal, eat with your right hand; the left is considered unclean. Sit on your left hand if you need to, but keep it away from your food. Don’t show anyone the bottom of your shoe, and try not to touch anyone with your feet.
France
Be sure to say “please” and “thank you” often, and always thank people for their time. If you need help at a shop, apologize to the staff for bothering them with a question, and be sure to thank them before you leave. Make sure that you chew with your mouth closed during meals, don’t speak when your mouth is full, and for goodness’ sake, don’t slurp anything!
Korea
Don’t be offended if a Korean woman merely nods instead of offering her hand to shake, and don’t extend yours to her. Never touch a Korean person while talking to them (unless you’re on very friendly terms), and maintain a respectable distance: personal space is rather vital. Try to avoid talking too much during meals, and offer to pay even if you know that the other party is treating you.
Argentina
This is a country in which people will lean in close when they speak to you, and touch you often during a conversation. Pulling away is considered rude and “cold”, so be prepared to sacrifice your own personal space for the sake of social courtesy. Maintain strong eye contact, and don’t put your hands on your hips.
The Netherlands
Shake hands with everyone, ensuring that you smile and make eye contact while doing so. Make appointments for meetings and social functions well in advance (like, a couple of weeks in advance), and be punctual when you show up. Feel free to bring gifts such as chocolate or flowers when visiting people.
Russia
Don’t smile at strangers or they’ll think you’re deranged, and when paying for items, place your money on the counter rather than trying to hand it directly to the cashier.
Nepal
It’s best to dress modestly when traveling around Nepal, and if you end up exchanging gifts with others, never do so with your left hand. When it comes to sharing meals, use utensils so you avoid contaminating anything with implements that may have touched your mouth, and take care to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s home, or a temple.