Countries and Their Customs

Cheyenne Weber

Kiribati

Tobacco is a highly valued gift for a botaki to

village elders. Usually not wrapped, just given to the

unimane in charge.

Custom One

To point to something or indicate what is needed,

people in Kiribati use their noses, never their

fingers, it is considered rude. You are supposed to

raise your head up and point with your nose, even

scrunch it up to indicate what you are indicating to.

Custom Two

“Ten” is followed by a name for a man. “Nei” is

followed by a name for a woman.

It is just like a title, similar to Mr. and Mrs.

Custom Three

In Kiribati, the people speak English. So there is no

translation.

Hello, my name is Cheyenne. Welcome to my presentation

and thank you for coming. I will be talking to you today

about the business customs of Kiribati.

However some words used in Kiribati mean certain things

to us. For instance: • ‘Botaki’ means formal meeting. • ‘Unimane’ means elder man.

Translations

Somalia

Drinking is not allowed. The smoking age in

Somalia is 20 and it is somewhat enforced.

Custom One

It is best to never eat, hand something to someone,

or shake hands with your left hand.

Custom Two

Punctuality is very important, especially in

business situations. However in social situations, it is

okay and sometimes even expected to be a little late.

Custom Three

In Somalia, the people mostly speak Somali.

Hello, my name is Cheyenne. Welcome to my presentation and thank

you for coming. I will be talking to you today about the business customs

of Kiribati.

•Hello, magacayga waa Cheyenne. Welcome to my bandhigga iyo aad

ugu mahad naqayaa for soo socda. Waxaan idiin la hadli doona oo ku

saabsan caadooyinka ganacsiga ee Soomaaliya ee.

Thank you for your business

•Waad ku mahadsan tahay ganacsiga

Goodbye, I will see you soon

•Nabad gelyo, ayaan aad ugu dhakhsaha badan arki doonaa

Translations

Zimbabwe

Women should avoid wearing overly expensive

accessories, dresses/skirts that are above knee

length, and sleeveless attire.

Custom One

Direct eye contact in business is an indication of

honesty. Indirect eye contact is considered rude.

Custom Two

It is best to give business cards with the right

hand. Sometimes two hands are used as well.

Custom Three

In Zimbabwe, the people mostly speak English and Shona.

Hello, my name is Cheyenne. Welcome to my presentation

and thank you for coming. I will be talking to you today

about the business customs of Zimbabwe. (No translation in

English.)

Here are some English words translated into Shona:

• Hello- Mhoro

• What’s your name?- Unonzani

• I don’t understand- Handisi kunyaso nzwisisa

Translations