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From: kene@teklds.UUCP (Ken Ewing)
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Do's and Taboos Around the World
Message-ID: <1565@teklds.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 27-Jan-86 19:21:39 EST
Article-I.D.: teklds.1565
Posted: Mon Jan 27 19:21:39 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Feb-86 01:49:20 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 41


I was reading the Travel section of the Sunday paper and found an article 
about a book entitled "Do's and Taboos Around the World."  The book is 
edited by Roger Axtell, chief marketing officer of the Parker Pen Co.  
According to the newspaper article: 

 "[Axtell] has visitied some 71 countries.  Besides his own input, the 
 book contains information supplied by 500 other seasoned international 
 professionals."  

Here are some interesting points from the book: 

 "Two familiar hand gestures, the V sign and thumbs up, don't always mean 
 the same things in all places.  In most of Europe, the V sign means 
 victory, when, as Churchill did, the palm faces forward.  However, the 
 gesture palm-in means -- roughly -- `shove it.'  In non-British-oriented 
 countries, the gesture generally means two of something, as in `two more 
 beers, please.'  The thumbs up sign in almost every place in the world 
 simply means `OK.'  However, in Australia, it's considered a rude gesture."  

 "In India, men may shake hands with other men, but not with women.  If 
 introduced to a woman, he should place his palms together and bow slightly.  
 Men should avoid touching a woman in India and should not talk to a lone 
 woman in public."  

 "In Thailand, never touch a person's head, even a child's, as the head is 
 considered the seat of the soul."  

The article says you can order this book for $8.95 at the following address: 

  Public Relations Department 
  Parker Pen Co. 
  P.O. Box 1616 
  Janesville, Wis.   53547 

If anyone is already familiar with the book, please post some comments.  

  Ken Ewing 
  Tektronix, Walker Road 
  Beaverton, Oregon 
  [decvax,ucbvax]!tektronix!teklds!kene