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Post by Jaga on Aug 13, 2007 23:21:49 GMT -7
Does any of you read this book? I did not hear about it before. It seems to be more about the culture and manners than anything else! Poland - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!) www.amazon.com/gp/product/1857333675/ |
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Post by hollister on Aug 14, 2007 3:02:52 GMT -7
I have the book and have read it (well most of it!).
A very good history section that is fairly balanced - not too simplistic but not to bogged down in details either.
The culture section is also good however, as with all of this type of book, care should be taken not to fall into the trap of seeing the "other" as something exotic.
I recommend the book for anyone who wants/needs a good introductory background to Polish history and an understanding of Polish customs and social assumptions.
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Post by rdywenur on Aug 14, 2007 4:55:19 GMT -7
I don't but looking at the amazon site I am wondering what some of the taboos are. Can you fill us in Holly.
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Post by hollister on Aug 14, 2007 5:40:39 GMT -7
Chris as quick taste...
Let me know if you want more tidbits....
Values & Attitudes
Polish attitudes towards their state or nation are complex and may seem contradictory to many foreigners… the contradiction lies in the Polish tendency to mock their country and laugh at themselves…but the Polish nation itself is viewed as sacred, not to be criticized or joked about. Thus while Poles may laugh about their plight, the state of their country, to typical Polish characteristics, foreigners should not do the same. Poles are extremely sensitive to foreign opinion of their country and themselves.
In Poland rules are not sacred – they can and often be bent, or made to fit different situations. From a foreign perspective, the Polish attitude to rules can seem to be a contradictory combination of conformity and anarchy. Complex attitudes were a necessary survival technique during Communist times. In other words, regulations were bent or broken when doing so was without consequence.
Everyday corruption or the giving of “presents” is still relatively common, but the whole process is a very delicate one and offering the wrong person a bribe can cause great offense. Having said that, the line between showing gratitude and bribery can be a thin one…
The fact that political correctness has never really caught on in Poland can be a breath of fresh air for visitors, but at the same time in certain situations can prove awkward. This is perhaps most evident in the attitudes of older Polish men toward women.
(Discussion about how in business there are few women in upper management and young women may face “issues” in getting a job or promotion – but notes this is disappearing rapidly.
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