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Spain -
Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
(taken from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/spain-country-profile.html)
Facts and
Statistics
Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of
Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North
Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France
Capital: Madrid
Climate: temperate; clear, hot summers in interior,
more moderate and cloudy along coast;
cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast
Population: 40,280,780 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: composite of Mediterranean and Nordic
types
Religions: Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%
Government: parliamentary monarchy
The Spanish Language
The official language is Spanish,
also called Castilian, and is the first language of over 72% of the population.
Galician is spoken in the region of Galicia and Basque by increasing numbers of
the population of Euskadi, the Spanish Basque Country. Catalan is
spoken in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, and the closely-related Valencian
in the Valencia region. All these languages have official regional status.
Other minority languages including Aragonese and Asturian are not officially
recognised.
Why not learn some useful Spanish
phrases?
Spanish Society & Culture
Spanish Family
Values
. The family is the basis of the social structure and includes both the
nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides both a social and a
financial support network.
. Today, it is less common than previously for family members to work in a
family business, as personal preferences are important and university education
is general
. The structure and the size of the family vary, but generally, people
live until longer lives, have fewer children than before, and fewer people live
in their homes with extended family.
. Familial networks have become less tight. The greatest changes have
occurred inside families, between men and woman, and the parents and children
because the values that inspire these relations have changed.
Machismo
. Machismo is the word for male dominance, and the culture of old men who
created it has changed dramatically.
. Spain is a very equalitarian society, the birth rate is the one of the
lowest in Europe, and women are present at university and work.
Religion in Spain
. The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although
different religious beliefs are accepted.
. During the history of Spain, there have been long periods of where
different religious groups have coexisted, including Muslims, Jews and
Christians.
. Still some traditions manifest more like a cultural event than a
religious one.
. During Holy Week, many participants of the processions wear peaked,
black hats as the sign of a penitent and walk barefoot, carrying a burden of
some kind.
. Religious history is apparent in every small town, where the most
grandiose building is typically the church. In the large cities the Cathedrals
are almost museums.
Etiquette & Customs in Spain
Meeting Etiquette
. When introduced expect to shake hands.
. Once a relationship is established, men may embrace and pat each other
on the shoulder.
. Female friends kiss each other on both cheeks, starting with the
left.
. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name when in
formal occasion as a general rule.
. Many men use a two-handed shake where the left hand is placed on the
right forearm of the other person.
Dining Etiquette
. If invited to a Spaniard's home, you can bring chocolates, pastries, or
cakes; wine, liqueur, or brandy; or flowers to the hostess.
. If you know your hosts have children, they may be included in the
evening, so a small gift for them is always appreciated. .
Table manners
. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a
particular seat.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on
the edge of the table.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
. Use utensils to eat most food. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and
fork.
. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate
with the fork over the knife.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. It is acceptable for a woman to make a toast.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel
on your plate, tines facing up, with the handles facing to the right.
. Do not get up until the guest of honour does.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Relationships &
Communication
. The Spanish prefer to do business with those they know and trust.
. It is important that you spend sufficient time letting your business
colleagues get to know you.
. Once you develop a relationship, it will prevail even if you switch
companies, since your Spanish business colleagues' allegiance will be to you
rather than the company you represent.
. Face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone
communication.
. The way you present yourself is of critical importance when dealing with
Spaniards.
. It is best to display modesty when describing your achievements and
accomplishments.
. Communication is formal and follows rules of protocol.
. Avoid confrontation if at all possible. Spaniards do not like to
publicly admit that they are incorrect.
. Trust and personal relationships are the cornerstone of business.
. Spaniards, like many societies, are concerned that they look good in the
eyes of others and try to avoid looking foolish at all times.
Business Negotiation
. Spaniards place great importance on the character of the person with
whom they do business.
. Hierarchy and rank are important. You should deal with people of similar
rank to your own.
. Decision-making is held at the top of the company, since this is a
hierarchical country. You may never actually meet the person who ultimately
makes the decision.
. You may be interrupted while you are speaking. This is not an insult, it
merely means the person is interested in what you are saying.
. Spaniards do not like to lose face, so they will not necessarily say
that they do not understand something, particularly if you are not speaking
Spanish. You must be adept at discerning body language.
. Spaniards are very thorough. They will review every minute detail to
make certain it is understood.
. First you must reach an oral understanding. A formal contract will be
drawn up at a later date.
. Spaniards expect both sides to strictly adhere to the terms of a
contract.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in advance, preferably by
telephone or fax. Reconfirm in writing or by telephone the week before.
. You should try to arrive on time for meetings.
. The first meeting is generally formal and is used to get to know each
other. Do not be surprised if no business is actually conducted during the
first meeting.
. Agendas are often used but not always needed to be followed too
strict.
. Make sure all your printed material is available in both English and
Spanish.
. Not all businesspeople speak English, so it is wise to check if you
should hire an interpreter.
. Several people may speak at once. You may be interrupted while you are
speaking.
. Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and
to exchange ideas.
. Most Spaniards do not give their opinion at meetings. Therefore, it is
important to watch their non-verbal communication.
Dress Etiquette
. Business dress is stylish yet, conservative.
. Dress as you would in the rest of Europe.
. Elegant accessories are important for both men and women.
Business Cards
. Present your business card to the receptionist upon
arriving.
. Have one side of your card translated into Spanish.
. Hand your card so the Spanish side faces the recipient.
Links and Information about Spain
* Currency - the currency of Spain is the Euro. Use the free currency
converter to compare to dollars, GBP, etc.
* Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for Spain.
* Translation Services - do you need a Spanish Translation
Service?
* News - check out all the latest Google
news on Spain.
* Intercultural Know-how - use the Intercultural
Business Communication tool for tips on doing business in Spain.
* Dialling Code - the international dialling code is +34.
* Time - Spain is +1 GMT.
* Management - for information about being a manager in Spain
visit the free Management
in Spain guide.
* Hotels - for accomodation see Hotel Reservations in Spain.
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