Etiquette in Europe
Etiquette in Europe is not uniform. Even within the
Despite this heterogeneity, many points of etiquette have spread through Europe and many features are shared. The ancient Roman Empire is a historical source, and the cosmopolitan royalty and also nobility were effective in spreading etiquette throughout Europe. For example, in the Palace of Versailles, where French nobility was concentrated, a complicated etiquette was developed.
Language and forms of address
It is never acceptable to write an anonymous letter or one that purports to be signed by somebody other than the writer (but does not make that clear).
Many languages use different 2nd person pronouns to denote formality or familiarity when addressing people (the T–V distinction). This also applies in common phrases such as "How are you?".[2] The use of an inappropriately familiar form may be seen as derogatory, insulting or even aggressive. Conversely, forms that are inappropriately formal may be seen as impolitely snobbish[3] or distant.
The way politeness is expressed varies greatly with language and region. For example, addressing a person with an honorific or title may be expected in some languages, but seen as intrusive or too formal in others.
In many parts of Europe, using someone's first name also denotes a certain level of friendship. In social interactions with strangers, the last name and/or more
Flowers
In some countries, such as in Italy,
Hats, sunglasses and coats
Among many segments of the European population, for example, in the United Kingdom, it is often considered impolite to wear a hat, other head covering or sunglasses indoors, especially in churches, schools, private homes and respected public institutions. In churches, however, ladies are exempt from this rule.
Wearing coats, boots or other outer garments inside someone's home is often frowned upon as well. Sitting down to eat at table wearing a hat or coat etc. is even worse. Also one should remove one's hat when showing deference. Removing one's hat is also a form of respectful greeting: the origin of this is that knights were expected to remove their helmets when meeting their king; not doing so would be a sign of mistrust and hostility.[7]
Money
Talking or asking about one's personal wealth, possessions or success in business is widely viewed as vulgar. People will rarely say how much money they make or have in the bank nor will they request such information from someone else. It is impolite to ask colleagues about their salary and in some places of work it is forbidden.[8] Even elsewhere, for example where government employees' salaries are publicly known, it is still considered extremely rude to ask individuals how much they earn.
Exposure
In
See also
- Dutch customs and etiquette
- Etiquette in Africa
- Etiquette in Asia
- Etiquette in Australia and New Zealand
- Etiquette in Canada and the United States
- Etiquette in Japan
- Etiquette in Latin America
- Etiquette in the Middle East
References
- ISBN 1-85359-737-6.
- ISBN 0-415-25522-8.
- ISBN 0-8130-1828-5.
- ^ Cultural Tips Archived May 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ [Mitschke & Tano (2011). Espaces:Rendez-vous avec le monde francophone. pg.308.]
- ^ thisisFINLAND: With free, high-quality education for all
- ^ Turunen, Ari, Partanen, Markus. Uusi ulkokultaisen käytöksen kirja. Atena, Jyväskylä, 2007. S. 34.
- ^ De Belg laat niet graag in zijn loonzakje kijken Archived 2006-11-10 at the Wayback Machine