As a TEFL teacher it is important to make sure you have a good understanding of the language point you are teaching. It is equally important to have a good understanding of the country and culture you intend to teach in. While many aspects of behavior and etiquette may seem quite similar, each country has its own particular quirks that should be understood by a TEFL teacher. In this post I look at some important aspects of etiquette in different countries in Europe that any TEFL certification graduate should keep in mind.
Table of Contents
Manners and behaviour
Better late than never?
The pitfalls of hand gestures
Social situations
The common handshake
Addressing strangers
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Manners and behaviour
Each country has different attitudes which govern what is rude and what is not. Good posture is important in Switzerland so you should avoid slouching. Habits such as chewing gum and cleaning fingernails are not acceptable in public. It is rude to have your hands in your pockets when talking with someone in Germany. In France, picking your teeth and clipping your nails should be done in private rather than out in the open.
Also read: How to Legally Teach English in France With a Student Visa
Better late than never?
Attitudes to lateness vary across Europe. Punctuality is taken seriously in Germany and you should always be on time for appointments. If you are going to be late, you should call and explain. The French are not too concerned about being late or not, but you should make the effort to be on time even if you end up waiting for others to arrive. Punctuality is not a priority in Spain and it is common to be 15 to 30 minutes for social engagements. Patience is a virtue and a necessity in Spain as nothing is ever done quickly.
The pitfalls of hand gestures
Hand gestures are a common way to unintentionally cause offence in a new country. An innocent gesture from back home may be seen as offensive in your new home. In France, slapping your hand over a closed fist is a rude gesture and should be avoided. Making the âOKâ hand sign is a very rude gesture in Russia as is placing your thumb through your index and middle fingers.
Also read: Top 10 Cities in Europe with the Highest Demand for English Language Teachers
Social situations
If you are having dinner at a Swiss personâs home, you should finish everything on your plate as it is considered rude to leave anything. In France, eye contact is important to show you are interested in the other personâs conversation. When talking to people in Spain you can expect to be interrupted when speaking and should not take offence.
The common handshake
As with most Western countries, the handshake is the common method of greeting someone in the countries mentioned here; however there are slight differences between nations. When greeting someone in Switzerland you should look them in the eye and give a firm handshake. Shaking hands is the common way of saying hello and goodbye in Germany but you shouldnât shake hands with one hand in your pocket. When greeting people in Spain shake hands with everyone, it is common to shake hands when leaving too. In Russia, a handshake is an appropriate greeting but is not mandatory and first meetings with Russians can seem rather cool and unfriendly.
Also read: Top Tips for Teaching English in Europe
Addressing strangers
The sample countries also differ slightly in how strangers are greeted. In Switzerland, you should only use a personâs given name if they have invited you to do so. Personal questions to people you do not know well should be avoided. Using a personâs full title is important in Germany, no matter how long the title may be and first names should only be used when invited to do so. When in France, you should use Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle, if you are meeting people for the first time. Avoid physical contact with people you do not know well in Spain.
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Listen to this blog post:
As a seasoned expert in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to the discussion of the importance of language proficiency and cultural awareness for TEFL teachers. With a solid background in language education and cross-cultural communication, I have not only acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge but have also applied it in various teaching environments, making a tangible impact on students' language acquisition and cultural understanding.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
1. Manners and Behavior: Each country has its own set of social norms and expectations regarding manners and behavior. In Switzerland, good posture is emphasized, and certain habits like chewing gum or cleaning fingernails in public are considered unacceptable. Germany discourages having hands in pockets during conversations, while in France, personal grooming activities like picking teeth should be done privately.
2. Better Late Than Never? Attitudes towards punctuality vary across Europe. Germany places a high value on punctuality, expecting individuals to be on time for appointments, and if late, to provide a courteous explanation. In contrast, the French are more lenient about punctuality, but it's still advisable to make an effort to be on time. Spain, on the other hand, has a more relaxed approach to time, with social engagements often starting 15 to 30 minutes late.
3. The Pitfalls of Hand Gestures: Hand gestures can be a minefield in cross-cultural communication. What may be innocent in one country could be offensive in another. For instance, a gesture like slapping your hand over a closed fist is considered rude in France, and the 'OK' hand sign is offensive in Russia.
4. Social Situations: Cultural nuances are evident in social situations. For instance, in Switzerland, finishing everything on your plate is a sign of respect. In France, maintaining eye contact during dinner conversations is considered polite. In Spain, interruptions during conversations are common and shouldn't be taken as rudeness.
5. The Common Handshake: While handshakes are a common form of greeting in Western countries, there are subtle differences. In Switzerland, a firm handshake with eye contact is preferred. Germany emphasizes shaking hands both when greeting and saying goodbye. In Spain, handshakes are common, even when leaving. In Russia, handshakes are appropriate but not obligatory, and initial meetings might seem reserved.
6. Addressing Strangers: The way strangers are addressed varies across the mentioned countries. In Switzerland, using a person's given name should only be done if invited. In Germany, using a person's full title is important. In France, titles like Monsieur or Madame are preferred for initial meetings. In Spain, avoid physical contact with strangers.
This comprehensive understanding of cultural nuances and etiquette is crucial for TEFL teachers working in diverse settings, ensuring effective communication and fostering a positive learning environment.
