Etiquette and Cultural Deafness

The above exercise wear is inappropriate outdoor and indoor attire for many activities and in many countries, yet cluelessly worn by women as appropriate attire in numerous places…. Educate Yourself: Research the customs, traditions, and values of the places you plan to visit. Leverage online resources, including personal travel vlogs, for firsthand insights.

Cultural Differences: Silent Barriers

Imagine this: you’re at an airport, and you walk into the restroom only to see people washing their feet in the sink. Or you’re exploring the streets of Egypt dressed in tight shorts and a crop top or wearing a short skirt and a tube top in India—only to feel out of place or even attract unwanted attention. Perhaps you’re in Italy, frustrated because you can’t find American-style deep-dish pizza or fast-food hamburgers.

These are real scenarios I’ve actually witnessed:

1. At the airport, travelers from Saudi Arabia en route to Tajikistan via Kuwait prepared for afternoon prayers by washing their feet, as is customary in mosques. 
2. On the streets of India, some visitors strolled in what could only be described as “beachwear,” puzzled by the persistent stares and catcalls from local men.
3. And in Italy, an Instagrammer expressed disappointment over the lack of Americanized food options.

These moments serve as reminders of the importance of cultural awareness and respect when travelling. Understanding local customs, dress codes, and traditions can enhance your experience and help you engage meaningfully with the places you visit.

What is Cultural Deafness?

Cultural deafness refers to the inability to understand or appreciate cultural differences. It often arises from a lack of awareness and can lead to misunderstandings when cultural norms, customs, and traditions are not researched or respected.

Viewing one’s culture as superior can lead to judgment of other cultures based on personal norms and values. You can’t, and really shouldn’t, expect your pizza in Italy to taste like your local pizza parlor’s pizza, if you’re not already living in Italy.

Why Does Cultural Deafness Happen?

Several factors contribute to cultural deafness:

• Ethnocentrism: Viewing one’s culture as superior can lead to judgment of other cultures based on personal norms and values.
• Lack of Research: Failing to study a destination's culture can result in missed opportunities to appreciate local customs and beliefs.
• Stereotyping: Making broad assumptions about groups based on limited information or preconceived ideas can hinder meaningful intercultural interactions.
• Communication Barriers: Language differences, nonverbal cues, and cultural nuances can create misunderstandings.

How to Overcome Cultural Deafness

To combat cultural deafness, it’s essential to develop cultural competence. Here’s how:

• Be Open-Minded: Embrace cultural differences with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Ask Questions: Speak to others who have travelled to your destination and learn from their experiences and motivations.
• Practice Empathy and Patience: Strive to understand different perspectives. Cultural competence is a skill that develops over time.
• Educate Yourself: Research the customs, traditions, and values of the places you plan to visit. Leverage online resources, including personal travel vlogs, for firsthand insights.

I recently came across two fascinating social media accounts that highlight cultural and linguistic differences in the United States and United Kingdom. 

• Steve Ford, a native English teacher with over 30 years of experience, runs @englishwithsteveford, where he helps people understand the nuances of the English language and its regional variations. For instance, he explains how the British term "courgette" translates to "zucchini" in both the U.S., and I must say Australia too, showcasing subtle yet important linguistic distinctions. 
• Meanwhile, @landontalks, hosted by Landon Bryant, dives into the unique customs of the Deep South in the United States, from funeral procession etiquette — where it's customary to pay respects even if you didn’t know the deceased — to the pre-Thanksgiving cousin meetings, which are navigated carefully to avoid upsetting your “meemaw” (grandmother). 

These creators brilliantly illustrate how language and culture shape everyday life, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in cross-cultural communication. Well worth following!

Navigating Cultural Differences: Solutions for Real-Life Scenarios

Traveling to different parts of the world often presents cultural surprises, and knowing how to navigate them respectfully can make all the difference. Let’s revisit the scenarios above and explore thoughtful solutions to each:

• Washing Feet in an Airport Sink : For Muslims, washing feet is part of the ritual purification (wudu) before prayers. This practice is essential in preparation for spiritual activities, even in unconventional settings like an airport.
• Solution: I am actually very surprised that this particular airport in Kuwait – an Islamic country, did not have a designated wudu area for their customers. Perhaps that could be a consideration of airport management at Jezerra Airways.
• Wearing Inappropriate Attire in Conservative Countries: In countries like Egypt and India, modesty in clothing is deeply rooted in cultural and religious values. Revealing clothing may be perceived as disrespectful or out of place, drawing unwanted attention.
• Solution: Before travelling, research the cultural norms for clothing. Pack modest attire like long skirts, loose pants, and tops with sleeves for conservative regions Smartraveller.gov.au says this about dressing in Egypt during Ramadan: “Dress conservatively. Knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable for women, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.” 
• Expecting Americanized Food in Italy: Italian cuisine is a point of national pride, with authentic dishes often far removed from American adaptations. Expecting fast food or American-style pizza misses the essence of Italy’s culinary heritage.
• Solution: Embrace the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. Research traditional dining and approach it with an open mind. If you crave familiarity, seek international dining options, but don’t let this limit your experience of Italy’s rich culinary culture.

We Hear You!

By cultivating cultural competence, we can bridge gaps in understanding and celebrate the diversity that makes travel so enriching. After all, it’s the differences in culture that make exploring the world so tantalizing and exciting!

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi.

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia