British rules on how to treat an alien (Feature)

By Anna Tomforde Aug 15, 2010, 3:06 GMT

London - The Japanese smile even when they are not happy, the Chinese do not like to be thanked for a compliment and Indians tend to avoid physical contact when meeting a stranger for the first time.

This is what Britons are told in a new rule book about how to extend an appropriate and warm welcome to foreign visitors, who contribute 16 billion pounds (25 billion dollars) to the economy each year.

VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, believes that the updated guidelines are necessary to 'enhance cultural awareness and avoid misunderstandings' in the run-up to the London Olympic Games in the summer of 2012.

The tips are contained in updated 'market profiles' of potential visitor countries, and written by natives of the countries featured.

They are designed to help 'everyone in tourism from hoteliers to taxi drivers' provide an even more efficient and helpful customer service, VisitBritain explained.

While Britain was rated fairly highly in international tables measuring the quality of welcome granted to visitors, it could still do better compared with some key competitors such as Canada, Italy, the Netherlands or Spain, said the organization.

Overseas visitors generally believed their British hosts to be honest, funny, kind and efficient, but they also, in some cases, wished for a 'more exuberant' welcome, VisitBritain research has found.

In some of the examples given, students of the guidelines are told that in Japan, for instance, a smiling person is not necessarily happy.

'The Japanese tend to smile when angry, embarrassed, sad or disappointed. They may think it rude if you talk to them with your hands in your pockets. Avoid staring, as eye contact isn't generally considered polite. While sitting, try not to show the bottom of your shoes. Avoid being late for things and blowing your nose in front of someone.'

Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong, where such a gesture is often considered rude, the guidelines say, as is pointing at a person with your finger.

'Hong Kong Chinese are very superstitious: mentioning failure, poverty or death risks offence,' is the advice given.

'Avoid saying 'thank you' to a Chinese compliment,' the reader learns. 'Instead, politely deny a compliment to show humility. If you compliment a Chinese person, expect a denial in reply.'

'The Chinese are famous for communicating by 'saying it without saying it.' You will have to learn to read between the lines.'

When accepting thanks, Koreans will typically say 'No,no,' but the remark should be interpreted as 'You are welcome.'

When meeting someone from India for the first time, it is best to 'avoid physical contact,' the British guidelines say.

'Being touched or approached too closely in initial meetings can be considered offensive, even if the intention is entirely innocent or friendly. Be tolerant if Indians at first seem impolite, noisy and impatient. This is partly the result of living in chaotic cities and environments. They usually appreciate orderliness when they see it.'

'Remember Arabs are not used to being told what to do,' the reader is warned.

'Visitors from the United Arab Emirates can take great offence if you appear bossy. They appreciate being looked after by staff who have been trained to understand Arab culture. For example, it is culturally insensitive to ask an Emirati whether they want bacon with their eggs or to include a half bottle of wine with the menu.'

Don't ask a Brazilian a personal question, the advice says and, in the case of Mexico, avoid discussing poverty, illegal aliens, earthquakes or the 1845-6 war with America.

'Polite topics of conversation would be Mexican culture, history, art and museums instead.'

Canadians hate being mistaken for US citizens and in Europe, avoid snapping your finger at a Belgian and never imply to Poles that they drink excessively, the British guidelines say.