Social Customs Essay Research Paper SOCIAL CUSTOMSEvery

Social Customs Essay, Research Paper

SOCIAL CUSTOMS

Every country has it’s own social customs and gestures. Ireland has its share of social customs that differ from the United States, but for the most part the countries are relatively similar. Friendliness and hospitality have always been the hallmark of the Irish people. People in Ireland react to strangers very politely, as you would expect in most parts of the United States. The attitude toward foreigners in Ireland is reasonably friendly, and welcoming, as opposed to being hostile. In Ireland people greet each other much like they do in the United States. In a social setting, a handshake is appropriate when greeting another man, when greeting a woman a hug is appropriate.

The manners in Ireland follow the United States almost exclusively. Entering or leaving a room in Ireland is much like entering or leaving a room in the United States. When entering and greeting a person, it is considered good manners to shake a man’s hand, or offer a woman a hug, but beyond that, when exiting a room, there is no bowing or nodding. Do not go overboard, the Irish aren’t physically effusive. “If an Irish person refers to you by your last name, do the same, generally in a social situation they switch quickly to using your first name.”1 Other than this using a name for an introduction follows the usual Mr., or Mrs., when referring to an adult. In a non-formal setting, such as a social atmosphere, referring to someone by his or her first name is completely acceptable.1

In the part of Ireland researched, social customs do not dictate where or when people are expected to sit in a social or business setting; however it would be advised when in a business situation not to be seated until asked. There are no hand gestures, facial expressions, or phrases noted that would be considered rude in Ireland that would not be considered rude in the United States. This also works in the reverse direction, where, such hand gestures, facial expressions, and phrases that would be considered rude in the United States will also be taken as rude in Ireland.

When speaking to a person from Ireland, you would stand just as you would when speaking to an American in the United States. A relaxed manner, and a reasonable distance are the norm.

While in a restaurant in Ireland you would signal a waiter in the same manner that you would in the United States. The customary tip in Ireland is 10 to 15 percent. Many hotels and restaurants add this in the form of a service charge indicated on the menu or bill.2 It is not customary to tip in pubs unless you have table service, in which case a small tip is advised. Tipping taxi drivers, porters, hairdressers, etc., is customary, but not obligatory.2

To refuse an invitation is viewed much like it would be in the United States. If it were necessary to decline an invitation, it would not be viewed offensively. When refusing an invitation, you would use a polite manner, as would be expected in any country, usually explaining the reasons for your absence. Eye contact is important when communicating in Ireland, as would be in any country. When conversing with someone it is appropriate to maintain eye contact, not allowing your eyes to wonder, and give the impression of disinterest. When non-verbally communicating, nodding your head is acceptable, where as when disagreeing shaking your head is acceptable.1

When in a social or business setting, there is no information alluding to inappropriate subjects. However, you should most likely exercise your best judgment, and refrain from talking about personal matters or opinions. There is no social hierarchy in the social structure of Ireland. The former colonial power shows no apparent power in present Ireland.

CONCEPTS OF TIME

Time is expressed in Ireland in the same way it is expressed in the United States. There is no deviation. Banks are generally open 10AM-3PM, Monday-Friday (closed for an hour midday). Shops are open from 9AM, or 9:30AM until 5:30PM, or 6PM, Monday-Saturday. Many towns have one weeknight for late shopping, usually Thursday or Friday, when shops remain open until 8PM, or 9PM.2 People in Ireland view business appointments very seriously in Ireland. “Be prompt, but allow your Irish counterpart the leeway to be late.”3 Avoid appointments in June or August (vacations), and around holidays.

CLOTHING and FOOD

Irish clothing is much like that of the United States. Proper business attire consists of a suit and tie while casual clothing is a decision based on one’s personal preference. The color of choice is green, which represents the rolling green pastures of Ireland.4 Men wear kilts on special occasions to recognize the dress of their ancestors.5 These kilts are much like skirts that reach to the knees. They are often made of either wool or cotton, and display a plaid pattern. Most men wear their kilts on St. Patrick’s Day. Attitude towards human body odors is parallel to that of the United States. Irish people eat three meals a day, much like Americans. The food is also much of the same. Contrary to popular belief, corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes are not eaten on a regular basis. However, when you move away from the large cities of Dublin and Galway, the way food is presented is in some ways different. For example, when ordering a tuna salad sandwich, one would anticipate t