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WORLD CULTURES & FOLK CUSTOMS - BRASIL

      SIMO JELAČA, PhD

FORWARD

This book summarizes information about culture and customs of different nations. Noticeable differences in customs are among Christian, Islamic and Buddhist’s nations, although in all prevails intention for nice and greatest.  

It will be too much to include every country, as there are similarities among many nations of the same or close nationalities. Characteristic are Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Belarus, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, or as well as Germany and Austria. The similar conclusion values for Latin nations, among themselves too.

Readers will find basic information about each country, such as its location and size, population and Ethnic Make-up, Religion, Climate, Language, Etiquettes and others. 

This book can equally be used for travelers, either as tourists or business people, therefore everyone will find necessary information about Etiquette of people at their homes as well as at the business.

My intention was to find as much good information as possible. How much I have succeeded readers will judge it. 

                                                                                                            Author

  BRAZIL
CULTURE AND FOLK CUSTOMS      

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern South America bordering Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200km.

Capital: Brazilia, population 2.85 million. Other bigger cities are: Sao Paulo 11.9 million; Rio de Janeiro 6.5; Belo Horizonte 2.5 million. 

Climate: mostly tropical, but temperature in south 

Population: 185 million. 

Country size: 3,858.140 square km.

Ethnic Make-up: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% .

Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

 Government: federative republic

Brazil’s National Flag

Brazil’s national flag is iconic in its blue, green and yellow colors, and is often waved at sporting events or depicted on fashionable clothing items. The green and yellow represent the Braganza-Habsburg dynasty and have, therefore, been an identifying mark of the Brazilian flag for many, many years. 

Language in Brazil

Language is one of the strongest elements of Brazil's national unity. Portuguese is spoken by nearly 100 percent of the population. The only exceptions are some members of Amerindian groups and pockets of immigrants, primarily from Japan and South Korea, who have not yet learned Portuguese.. 

There is about as much difference between the Portuguese spoken in Brazil and that spoken in Portugal as between the English spoken in the United States and that spoken in the United Kingdom. Within Brazil, there are no dialects of Portuguese, but only moderate regional variation in accent, vocabulary, and use of personal nouns, pronouns, and verb conjugations. Variations tend to diminish as a result of mass media, especially national television networks that are viewed by the majority of Brazilians.

Brazilian Society & Culture

Brazilian Diversity

·         Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.

·         Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called 'Mestizos'.

·         'Mulattoes' are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves.

·         Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines.

·         Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry.

Brazilian Family Values

·         The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.

·         Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.

·         The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.

·         Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

·         The Brazilian Class System

·         Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil.

·         Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin color is a daily occurrence.

·         In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged.

·         The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc.

·         Class is determined by economic status and skin color.

·         There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--among the different classes

·         Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing.

·         The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.

Etiquette and Customs in Brazil

Meeting Etiquette

Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact.

·         Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.

·          Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.

·         If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.

Gift Giving Etiquette

·         If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift.

·         Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.

·         Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colors.

·         Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts.

·         Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette 

If you are invited to a Brazilian's house:

·         Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner.

·         Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering.

·         Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.

·         If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Brazil

Relationships & Communication

.   Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.

·         Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know the person with whom they are doing business.

·         The individual they deal with is more important than the company.

·         Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian.

·         Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face with the others in the meeting.

·         The person making the criticism also loses face, as they have disobeyed the unwritten rule.

·         Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion.

·         It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking.

·         Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. At the same time, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts.

Business Negotiation

·         Expect questions about your company since Brazilians are more comfortable doing business with people and companies they know.

·         Wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. Never rush the relationship- building time.

·         Brazilians take time when negotiating

·         Do not rush them or appear impatient.

·         Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details.

·         Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority.

·         It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent.

·         Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations.

·         Brazilians resent an outside legal presence.

·         Brazilian business is hierarchical.

·         Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.

·         Brazilians negotiate with people, not companies.

·         Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning.

Business Meeting Etiquette

·         Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

·         Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be canceled or changed at the last minute.

·         In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time for meetings. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late for a meeting.

·         Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something outside their control and the demands of relationships take precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.

·         Meetings are generally rather informal.

·         Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation.

·         Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Dress Etiquette

·         Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well.

·         Men should wear conservative, dark coloured business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive.

·         Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.

Business Cards

·         Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.

·         It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese.

·         Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient. 

Brazil Culture

·         Brazilian culture is one of the world’s most varied and diverse. This is due to its being a melting pot of nationalities, as a result of centuries of European domination as well as slavery, which brought hordes of African migrants across Brazil’s borders to live in and influence the local cultures with their ancient customs and ideas. 

Brazil Traditional Customs

Brazil is a fascinating country, especially in terms of its rich culture, history and heritage. 

• The communication style of Brazilian locals is usually relaxed and fairly informal. 
• Brazilians are quite direct in their manner of speaking as well as in what they say.
• When communicating, locals will often touch one another lightly and stand close together. Do not mistake this for flirtation or inappropriate behavior

• People working in service provision (such as construction workers, nurses and house cleaners) will often avoid eye contact with those perceived to be above them in social status. Colleagues and friends will, however, usually maintain direct eye contact.
• Making brief eye contact with strangers is acceptable and commonplace.
• Generally, try to maintain good time-keeping. As a visitor to the country, you should definitely stick to meeting times out of respect.
• A close friendship is indicated by rubbing the two index fingers together.
• Thumbs up indicates approval, while thumbs down represents unhappiness and disapproval.
• Sucking your thumb indicates a feeling of being left out.
• Sticking your thumb between your middle and index finger is a symbol of wishing someone good luck in Brazil.

• Women are generally expected to take care of all household chores.
• The legal drinking and smoking age is 18 years.
• Brazilians are generally well dressed and neat.
• Corporate women should have manicured hands.
• In a work-related environment, it is not acceptable to wear jeans.
• If you do not know the marital state or academic qualification of the person to whom you are speaking, refer to them by the same title that they used to addressed you Mr. or Ms.
• If you are going to Brazil on business, have a batch of business cards printed in English with Portuguese on the back.
• Corporate meetings are almost always preceded by plenty of small talk. 

Urbanism and Architecture

 Cities, especially big cities, have a quality of liveliness and bustle that most Brazilians value. And some Brazilian cities have a great deal of it indeed. Cities have played an important role in Brazilian history. After all, few other countries have had three national capitals. During the colonial period when sugar was king, the nation's locus was the northeast coast and Salvador was the colonial capital. Then with the eighteenth century gold boom centered in the state of Minas Gerais in the southeastern part of the country, the capital was moved to Rio de Janeiro where it remained until the founding of Brasília in 1960. Brasília was designed to be the ideal modern city and its architecture and planning were meant to transform Brazilian society.

Food in Daily Life 

Rice, beans, and manioc form the core of the Brazilian diet and are eaten at least occasionally by all social classes in all parts of the nation. Traditionally the most important meal of the day is a multicourse affair eaten after midday. The evening repast is simpler, often consisting of soup and perhaps leftovers from the midday meal.

Basic Economy 

Today Brazil has the eighth largest economy in the world. It is a major producer of such agricultural products as sugarcane, soybeans, oranges, coffee, cocoa, rice, wheat, and cotton.

Land Tenure and Property 

Brazil's agrarian structure is dominated by large land holdings.

 Major Industries 

Brazil has one of the most advanced industrial sectors in Latin America today and is a major producer and exporter of automobiles, textiles, shoes, durable consumer goods, steel, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.

Social Welfare 

Brazil has welfare and pension systems but they do little for poorer workers. Brazil also has some of the most progressive social legislation, such as paid maternity leave. One very successful social program that received national attention is Viva a Criança (Long Live Children). A campaign of preventive health education, the program cut infant mortality in Ceará by one-third in only four years. 

Marriage 

Both civil and religious marriage exists in Brazil but the number of religious marriages is on the decline especially in urban areas.

Inheritance 

Brazilians trace their ancestry and inherit through both maternal and paternal lines. They typically have two surnames, that of their mother's and father's families. When a woman marries she usually adds her husband's surname to her own and drops that of her mother's family, while her children are given the surnames of their mother's father and their own father.

Child Education 

Educational opportunities are tied to social class. Brazil has never invested heavily in public education and most middle-class and elite families send their children to private school. Education is also linked to race and geography. 

Higher Education 

Two-thirds of all public monies spent on education in Brazil goes to universities, the other third to public primary and secondary schools.

 Health Care 

Brazil has a public health system, but like other social programs that primarily serve the poor. Brazil has world class health care in modern medical centers.

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