In May we will travel to Cambodia. Please enjoy some interesting facts about this country.
GREETINGS
Based on age/social status. When people meet for the first time they do “sompeah” which is similiar to “wai” in thailand. The younger person should bow first. When addressing a social equal, put hands at mouth. When addressing a person of higher standing, hold hands at nose. When addressing someone younger, put hands at chin. Don’t do “sompeah” to service providers and don’t do it everytime you meet someone. Remember to smile.
COMMUNICATION STYLE
GREETINGS
Based on age/social status. When people meet for the first time they do “sompeah” which is similiar to “wai” in thailand. The younger person should bow first. When addressing a social equal, put hands at mouth. When addressing a person of higher standing, hold hands at nose. When addressing someone younger, put hands at chin. Don’t do “sompeah” to service providers and don’t do it everytime you meet someone. Remember to smile.
COMMUNICATION STYLE
They are non-confrontational and indirect. Many will offer the response they think you want, rather than offend you in public. Be prepared to receive contradictory information. Don’t show frustration in publish. Ask simple yes/no questions instead of how/why questions. When there is contraversy it is solved through a mediator and not to be discussed. Pay attention to nonverbal cues instead of yes or no answers. There are two different smiles: pleasure and embarrassment.
PERSONAL SPACE AND TOUCHING
People stand slightly more than arms leangth. Close physical contact is acceptable with same sex friends. Holding hands and hugging are nonsexual displays of affection. PDA (public display of affection) is offensive.
VIEWS OF TIME
Time varies between countryside and city. In country when someone is busy they may finish and arrive late.
GENDER ISSUES
Women are seen as caretakers and homemakers. Women are expected to be virgins. If a family needs help running a home or business, the youngest daughter may have to stop school and take on the role. Women manage money and education. They are expected to attend public social functions and sometimes go alone to represent the family. Young Cambodian women don’t go out socially unexcorted. If a woman smokes it is associated with prostitution. The same goes for drinking.
GUESTURES
Rotating one or both hands held up in front of the body means “no”, “I don’t want it,” or “we’re closed”. To beckon people hold their hands palm down with fingers pointing towards the ground and waggle loosely in scratching motion. Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
TABOOS
It’s rude to point directly at a person, to touch on head/hair, to point soles of feet, to throw and behave aggressively. Women can hand something to monks but not touch. To properly give money or item hand it palm up, left hand on right elbow.
MAJOR RELIGION
Thervada Buddhist- 95%
Info gathered from…
