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Topics of conversation: The 14 worst and best talking points in 14 countries around the world
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Watch what you say while you travel around the world
One time I sat at a Fijian dinner table with an American colleague who bragged about all the places he had been. He went on and on about his travels, not once mentioning where he was at the time he was talking.
I tried to lure him off topic but couldn't get a word in, thwarted by a lot of rhetoric from the other party who used big words with a condescending attitude.
Our host was not impressed.
In fact, he was quite the opposite. Finally, he said to this bombastic fellow, "Why don't I tell you about the country you are visiting."
Except the talking parrot in our posse, everyone was thrilled at the interjection. The rest of the meal was as pleasant as the feast we were fed.
Indeed, appropriate topics of conversation can be tricky if you don't know the territory. So, to help travelers conversing in unfamiliar countries, following are some ways in which to do so without committing cultural suicide:
1. In The Philippines: Don't attempt to get a grip on corruption practices in this country as that kind of talk will be taken as highly insulting in this Asian outpost.
2. In New Zealand: Avoid speaking about racial issues of any nature in this land Down Under.
3. In Brazil: Don't bring up Argentina but do bring up your interest in your Brazilian companion's children when talking to a fellow professional in this lively South American country.
4. In Argentina: If women companions are at the table, do not talk shop even if you are a woman visiting this country for business. Try another time and place for this sort of discussion.
5. In India: Stay away from talk of a personal nature when getting together for business. Instead, ask about culture and traditions germane to India.
6. In Japan: Keep clear of discussing World War II, not a popular subject in contemporary Japan.
7. In South Africa: Politics may not be the topic of choice in most destinations, but chances are this is an area that will be covered in this African nation. So, even if you don't bring it up, you may be asked to voice your political opinion -- so be prepared.
8. In the Middle East: Don't get all sentimental about how much you miss you family dog. In fact, don't mention Fido at all because canine pets are not popular in this part of the world.
9. In Kenya: Don't bring up the Mau Mau period in Kenyan history as this might not go over big with your Kenyan colleagues.
10. In Germany: Don't attempt to talk about home sports like American football in this European community but do talk about soccer whenever you want. The same is true for Italy.
11. In Chile: Talking turkey is OK as long as you precede that topic by engaging in a little light banter about life in general.
12. In Spain: Don't express your concerns about the ethics of bullfighting. Instead, keep your opinions to yourself in this European nation that considers the tradition an art form, not a sport.
13. In Portugal: Feel free to ask general questions about your Portuguese cohorts and his or her family but do not get too personal by asking too many questions, especially if they are of a specific nature (like "How much money do you make?" or "When are you and your girlfriend going to get married?").
14. In Switzerland: When dining, don't discuss dieting in this land where I think premium chocolate should be deemed the national food-of-choice.
Following are some other travel etiquette articles that may pique your interest:
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in Russia
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in China
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in Spain
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in Iceland
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in India
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in Peru
Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in France
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