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WORLD CULTURES & FOLK CUSTOMS

      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. 

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CUBA
CULTURE AND FOLK CUSTOMS

Facts and Statistics

Population: 11.2 million

Capital: Havana, population 2.105.000

Size: 110.860 square kilometers.

Government: Communist 

Identification 

Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1492 and named it Juana after Prince Juan, the heir apparent to the throne of Castille. The name "Cuba," an abbreviation of the indigenous word Cubanacán, held sway. 

Location and Geography 

The island lies about 150 km south of the Florida Keys. Its western tip begins about 210 kilometers from Cancún and extends 1,207 kilometers east-southeast. The area of the country is 110,860 square kilometers.

 Demography 

Recent population estimates range from 11.06 million to 11.17 million. At least 50 percent of the population is classified as mulatto (mixed African and European descent). Thirty-seven percent of the population claims to be exclusively white, and 11 percent is classified as black. The remaining 1 percent is Chinese.

Linguistic Affiliation 

Nearly all Cubans speak Spanish exclusively. The dialect is similar to that in the other Hispanic Caribbean islands, although the rhythmic speaking and the use of highly expressive hand gestures are distinctly Cuban.

Culture and Etiquette

There are a few cultural idiosyncrasies in Cuba worth bearing in mind. Cubans tend to be fairly conventional in their appearance, and view some Western fashions, especially traveler garb, with circumspection, mainly because Cubans in similar dress (and there are a number around, particularly in Havana) are seen as anti-establishment. Anyone with piercings, dreadlocks or tattoos may find themselves checked rigorously at customs and occasionally asked to show their passport to the police.

Dining etiquette

Start eating only after the host says "Buen provecho!"

Cubans do not switch knives and forks. The knife remains in your right hand, and the fork remains in your left.

The knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate when you are finished eating. If you put both utensils down on the plate for any real length of time, it is a sign to the wait staff that you are finished. 

When not holding utensils, your hands should be visible above the table. 

At the table, pass all dishes to your left.

Always use a knife and fork to cut fruits.

The most honored position is at the head of the table, with the most important guest seated immediately to the right of the host. If there is a hosting couple, one will be at each end of the table. Men typically rise when women enter the room, and continue to hold doors for women and allow them to enter a room first.

In informal restaurants, you will rarely be required to share a table. 

Whenever the business meal occurs, it is generally not the time to make business decisions. 

Dining etiquette for eating in a Cuban home: When you arrive at a Cuban associate's home for a formal meal, you will be told where to sit. Once you are invited to another room, allow more senior members of your party to enter the room ahead of you: men should move aside to allow women to enter the room ahead of them.

Dining etiquette for paying the bill: Usually the one who does the inviting pays the bill, although the guest is expected to make an effort to pay, especially in Cuba, where it is recognized that for visitors the expense is minimal

Dining etiquette for tipping: The tip is typically not included in the bill, but it is also not expected nor is it illegal, it is usually the equivalent of an extra dollar. Hand your tip to the waiter; do not leave it on the table.

Cubans in a Business Situation

If your business has Cuban contacts, either Cuban customers or Cuban business associates, you should familiarize yourself and your business's employees with Cuban cultural practices when it comes to business interactions.

·         Common greeting: Shaking hands is common for both men and women. Men and women who are friends may kiss on the cheek. Be formal at first and don’t use first names unless invited to do so.

·         Personal space: Cubans aren’t used to being touched by strangers.

·         Eye contact: Direct.

·         Approach to time: It’s not unusual for Cubans to keep people waiting for an hour or more for a meeting.

·         Language: Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken.

·         Communication: Fairly direct; not much different from your U.S. interactions, but they may be a bit louder than Americans are used to.

·         Negotiations: Cubans tend to try to tire you out with slow and protracted bargaining.

·         Actions to avoid: Discussions about politics, which can be a minefield.

·         Tips for businesswomen: Cuba is a very macho country where women aren’t commonly seen in positions of power and authority. Proceed slowly and present yourself as representing your company rather than yourself.

Foods of the Cubans 

Although Spain and Africa contributed most to Cuban cuisine, the French, Arabic, Chinese, and Portuguese cultures were also influential. Traditional Cuban dishes generally lack seasonings and sauces. Black beans, stews, and meats are the most popular foods. Root vegetables are most often flavored with mojo, a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, onions, garlic, and cumin. 

Cuba’s Еconomy

Two-thirds of Americans favor an end to the decades-long U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. According to Cuba’s national statistical agency, the country’s gross domestic product in 2013 was 77.2 billion pesos, which, depending on which exchange rate one uses, could equate to anything from $77.2 billion (at the official rate of 1 convertible peso to $1) to $3.2 billion (at the internal rate of 24 regular pesos to 1 convertible peso). In 2013, according to state figures, more than 424,000 Cubans (8.6% of all workers) were classified as self-employed. Cuba mostly imports goods and exports services. 

Cuban Marriages

Cuban marriages are always between one woman and one man.

The choices of partners are limited to those outside the family. Marriage is not allowed between couples who have any known blood relation. It is preferable for the couple to be from the same community. Although marriages between a couple of different classes are allowed, the upper class family will discourage the joining. Like most young people, Cuban people hope to find a relationship that will not only meet the expectations of their family and community, but also their own expectations and desires.

Cubans have big wedding ceremonies for the bride, groom, and the family. Most Cuban women are married between the ages of fourteen and seventeen, while most Cuban men are married around seventeen or eighteen. Traditionally the bride's family pays for the wedding. Reception is filled with music and dancing. Traditions such as the groom and the bride, are throwing the garter and bouquet.

Child Care and Education

The preschool education system for children aged zero to six is organized through institutional and non-institutional channels.

Education is rooted in community participation and is structured in such a way that society groups and organizations involved in family orientation and in community mobilization are represented.

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