Hi there people! Welcome to the 'Tips n' Stuff' link in the J-Files! I bet you're wondering what kind of tips I have to offer?? Well, that's a darn good question, and one that I'd better figure out fast before I type the next line! Ok, uhhmmmhhmmmm ... well, let me just write what comes to my head. Not really 'tips' because who's to say I know any better, but maybe just some interesting things I've noticed. Some are probably obvious, others... who knows...

  • They bow instead of shaking hands. Sometimes, it's both. Sometimes, it's neither...
  • Looking someone in the eye just isn't done really, it's considered a bit rude I think.
  • They eat fast (but not as fast as me!)
  • They eat load, ie. slurping, burping, eating with mouth full is all 'allowed'
  • They bring dishes to their mouths, and drink soup from the bowl often. It's OK to do that.
  • They pour drinks for eachother, all the time.
  • Coworkers socialize out of the office a lot!
  • Business meetings/ social affairs involve lots of alcohol.
  • Offices have a team atmosphere (at least mine does) - maybe that has to do with how they socialize out of the office.
  • There is more overtime involved... working weekends is *very* common (very!)
  • There is this humungous business hierarchy, and someone's status (at work) is usually dependent on their age.
  • Most women are required to quit work once they get married -- either because their husband says so, or because the office says so.
  • Arranged marriages are still the norm
  • Commenting on someone's excessive weight is considered a bit of a compliment if it's a man because it means his wife is a good cook!
  • You don't leave tips for waitresses/waiters, at all!
  • K, this is all I can think of right now, but when more come to my head I'll pop them in!

    updated: April 7, 1998
    email me at: amsharp@undergrad.math.uwaterloo.ca
    visit my HOMEpage at: http://amsharp.nameless.ca