Marigold Harding, Contributor

HARDING

IN A few weeks, Jamaica will host some of the games in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and we will have visitors from different countries. We might observe certain behavioural patterns different from our culture; they too will make the same observations about us.

Customs dictate that Latin Americans and some Europeans engage in casual touching more than the Americans do. Jamaicans do engage in casual touching, especially during conversation. So, if someone touches your arm in conversation, do not take offence. In Arab countries, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, a man may even find a male friend taking his hand as they walk. Don't misconstrue their gestures, but don't try to copy them if ever you are touring their country.

Besides familiarising yourself with the history, government, religion and language of any country you visit here are some courtesies that should assist in making a smoother travel internationally.

Try and adjust your cultural lens and be sensitive to local customs. Behave politely, show respect, express interest in the country and its people.

Greet others appropriately. Be prepared to shake hands frequently in Europe and to bow in Asia.

Pay close attention to your grooming and the standard of dress in the country.

Be open-minded and do not criticise customs in the host country.

Be familiar with gift-giving customs, they vary from one country to another.

Do not immediately call a person by his or her first name.

Respect the dietary customs of the country.

Understand the currency.

Latin America

Latin Americans are very polite, effusive and warm. Male friends embrace in what is known as the 'embrazo' or a warm hug. Close female friends will greet each other with a light kiss on both cheeks.

Remember too that Latinos have two surnames, the first from their father and the second from their mother. Use the first when addressing the person. For example, Senor Edwardo Perez Montaldo is addressed as Senor Edwardo Perez.

Western Europe

The standard greeting for both men and women is the handshake, though you should wait for the woman to extend her hand first. Chocolates and flowers are appreciated as a gift while red roses usually indicate amorous intent.

Eastern Europe

Handshake is the typical form of greeting. They are a bit more formal and should always be addressed by their titles and surnames unless they request otherwise. Being invited to a social occasion in a private home is considered an honour in most Eastern European cultures and quests should take a gift of flowers or chocolates. Avoid yellow flowers as these are associated with mourning.

Middle East

Israel: A warm handshake is the standard Israeli greeting. Women favour conservative suits and dresses; men wear slacks and open -neck shirts to work. Flowers and candy is an appropriate gift when invited to an Israeli home.

Asia

The forms of courtesies may vary from place to place. But there are certain underlying principles. These are respect for the elderly, personal humility, regard for authority, meticulous avoidance of controversy or confrontation. It is also good manners to address persons by their business or professional titles.

In Japan, be prepared to bow from the waist, arms straight by your sides. People in Hong Kong shake hands both on meeting and leaving.

In Moslem Countries

Avoid using the left hand, which is considered symbolically unclean when shaking or eating.

When seated in a chair, keep both feet on the floor and never show the soles of your feet.

Don't touch anyone on the head, which is considered scared.

Do not ask a Moslem man about his wife or his daughters.

Wear only long pants and skirts.

In public places don't kiss or hold hands with your travelling companions.

When visiting a mosque, remove your shoes before entering and leave them outside. Do not cross in front of someone who is in prayer and never enter the mosque's main hall.

If you want to present someone with a gift, avoid giving pictures of people and animals.

Don't give a present of alcohol or anything made from skin.

Africa

In much of Africa, English is spoken but people will be most impressed if you learn a few words of the local language. A gentle handshake is the accepted form of greeting, however, the men will not shake a woman's hand - but they will if she is from the West and extends her hand first. African people are very courteous, friendly and giving and they love to entertain.

Before you travel, here are some basics to know:

The correct name of the country you are visiting. For example, United Mexican states. The Federal Republic of Germany.

The form of government.

The national capital.

Name of the top government official, for example, president, premier, and prime minister.

Leading industries and agriculture products.

Prominent geographic features.

Great cultural landmarks.

Great men and women.

The country's most popular sport.