Learn a Language and Get Some Table Manners

Oct. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Anyone who has ever eaten in a foreign culture without knowing much of the language probably found it an uncomfortable experience at times. As well as the awkward pauses in the conversation you might also have found it difficult to understand the local table manners and customs.
What if Someone Sneezes at the Table?
In most if not all English speaking countries you would say `bless you´ and get a `thank you´ in response when you sneeze at the dinner table or elsewhere. Try saying the same thing translated to the local language and you will most likely leave everyone a bit confused. The reactions and responses to http://www.listenandlearnusa.com/language/trivia/sneezes_around_the_world.php sneezes around the world are wide and varied. In some countries the response will be similar to the English one but in others it is very different and may involve wishing you good health, love and money or something elseentirely.
To Belch or Not?
In some cultures the appreciation you show for the food by burping will be very welcome while in others you may be seen as you being rather rude.  Just learning the language isn’t going to help you very much on its own but it will let you ask someone from the country for some advice.
Turn Up on Time?
If you are taking http://www.listenandlearnusa.com/spanish/ Spanish lessons in order to go to Latin America you are possibly expecting to find somewhere with a more relaxed concept of timekeeping. This is generally the case but there are also people who are rather stricter on this issue. If you are in doubt you should turn up on time, at least on the first occasion. If no one else get there for another half an hour then at least you have an idea at what time to turn up the next time.  
Talking at the Table
You were probably taught not to talk with your mouth full, and this is pretty good advice wherever you are in the world. However, in some countries the dinner table is a place for the best conversation of the day while in others it is for eating with a minimum of chat. Following the lead of the locals is the best idea, although when you take http://www.listenandlearnusa.com/french/toronto/ French classes in Toronto or anywhere else in North America you will probably discover that the French culture values dinner conversation highly. Spanish and Italian meal times can also be moments for relaxing and getting into a long chat about any subject under the sun.

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