(no subject)

[bubosquared]

Interesting. About Belgium, they say:

When dining with business associates in Belgium, relax and enjoy yourself. Meals are an important social and cultural event. Most Belgians are thrifty and do not like waste; finishing one's food is expected.

Can't vouch for any of the other countries, but that one's definitely true. Not too sure if we're thrifty overall, but finishing one's food is definitely a must.

About Scotland:

When in Scotland, remember to refer to the people as "Scots"or "Scotsmen." The word "Scotch" refers only to a drink. Never call a kilt a skirt, and avoid making jokes about this formal Scottish attire, which is often worn by both men and women. The Scots tend to be reserved people; handshakes are generally light, and hugging is not common, even among close friends.

Any of the Scots want to confirm or deny this?

Comments

[wild-boys.livejournal.com]

I hug, even though I am the least huggable person ever in the world. But perhaps it's true that it depends who. Handshakes are light? Wtf? But it's true that French people shake hands all the time, and there are people in Scotland I would say hi to without having any physical contact with them, and the French have to shake hands, or faire la bise, depending. I get hugged less in France though :(

Scotch does refer to the drink. But you can take the piss out of my formal attire all you like.

Also : the French tend to dress fashionably. Ahahaha.

[yonmei.livejournal.com]

When in Scotland, remember to refer to the people as "Scots"or "Scotsmen."

You will mortally offend me if you refer to me as a "Scotsman". I'm just saying. ;-) Scots, Scottish, a Scot... all fine.

The word "Scotch" refers only to a drink.

True. Blended Scotch is a drink. Fine malt whisky is not normally referred to as "Scotch". There is also Scotch tape.

Never call a kilt a skirt

True.

and avoid making jokes about this formal Scottish attire, which is often worn by both men and women.

Hmm.... Well, only if they're good and original jokes. Which no Scot has ever heard before. If you're not sure, safer not. ;-)

The Scots tend to be reserved people; handshakes are generally light, and hugging is not common, even among close friends.

Depends.

[jamaisneutral.livejournal.com]

I trust the scary dance-version of Seven Nation Army hasn't reached Scotland yet, or never will...

[bubosquared.livejournal.com]

It may well have, but I'm so not up on Top 40 music, so I never heard it. I gather this is a good thing?

[jamaisneutral.livejournal.com]

it's not that annoying after a while
which is pretty disturbing since it consists of someone singing the bass lane over a ... dance beat

[rane-ab.livejournal.com]

It's actually called 'Oh, oh, oh, oh' (or is it only three times? Hm.), because, well, they changed that typical little, er, bit of music which kind of serves as a chorus (no, I know nothing of music...) by 'ooh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh'. It's very much a dance-music kind of song (and the singer (Dimi)'s voice is much lighter. It sounds very ridiculous.
And there's absolutely no way of getting it out of your head.

...ooh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh... *sings*

[carelessmemory.livejournal.com]

You only asked the Scots to confirm, but this was so interesting I have to comment on my countries. :p

Sweden:
"In Sweden, when talking to an older person, you should refer to him or her in the third person,"

That used to be true, and I'm brought up that way, but these days most older people take it as almost an insult. I'm not sure when it changed, some 10 years ago I think.

"and be aware that compliments to people whom you have just met are regarded as insincere."

True. You don't give compliments until you know someone properly.

"Note that Swedes answer the phone by giving either their last name or phone number."

Most people do. I usually just say my first name.

"Since June, July and August are popular vacation months, you should avoid planning business meetings during that time."

Pretty much all of Sweden closes during the summer. However, we're getting better at keeping businesses open.


Finland:
"In Finland, taking a sauna is a national pastime, an offer to join your host in the sauna represents an honor or a special occasion."

Absolutely! :D Taking a sauna is a must. One time when I went to Finland with my parents, we tried to cram in every single relative in just a week, and I've forgotten how many saunas total, but I do remember being shoved to take one 4 times in one single day. :\

"At meals, the guest of honor is expected to offer a toast following the meal, so it is a good idea to save your wine until then."

Not familiar with that, it's probably true though.

"Use caution when driving: seatbelt and drunk driving laws are strictly enforced, and moose and reindeer are common roadway hazards."

Yes to all of it. You should also use caution when speeding. In Finland the traffic fines are based on the severity of the offense, and the offender's income. :)

[wibbble]

'Scotch' by itself is only a drink in America. It's normally referred to as just 'whiskey' here.

Kilts are not skirts (actually, they're quite different in design), and are only worn by men. Women wear, fuck, kirtles, I think. I'd need to look it up.

For the 'reserved people' thing, well, it depends. Firstly, this all only applies to males. Secondly, where are they from? Thirdly, how drunk are they?

I'm more reserved than most people, and pretty much fit that definition - but I'm /more reserved/ than /most people/, so most people likely don't. People from cities/the lowlands are more likely to be expressive than the freaky people up north, I think. And finally, when drunk, hugs and 'I love you, man, I really love you' aren't that uncommon, although the person will get ridiculed about it for at least a fortnight.