Brazil - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Brazil - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
Language in Brazil
Language is one of the strongest elements of Brazil's national unity. Portuguese is spoken by nearly 100 percent of the population. There is about as much difference between the Portuguese spoken in Brazil and that spoken in Portugal as between the English spoken in the United States and that spoken in the United Kingdom. Within Brazil, there are no dialects of Portuguese, but only moderate regional variation in accent, vocabulary, and use of personal nouns, pronouns, and verb conjugations. Variations tend to diminish as a result of mass media, especially national television networks that are viewed by the majority of Brazilians.
Brazilian Society & Culture
. Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.
. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called 'mestizos'.
. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines.
Brazilian Family Values
. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
The Brazilian Class System
. Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil.
. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence.
. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged.
. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc.
. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour.
Etiquette and Customs in Brazil
Meeting Etiquette
. Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact.
. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.
. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift.
. Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.
. Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours.
. Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts.
. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a Brazilian's house
. Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner.
. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering.
. Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.
Labels: Brazil - Language, Culture and more....
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posted by Brazil Guy @ 12:02 AM,
