Culture Smart India

The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Becky Stephen

$22.99

Paperback

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Hindi

Kuperard Publishers
20 May 2016

Cultural studies; Popular culture; Travel & holiday guides; Languages & ESL; Hindi - Cultural Material; Phrase Books

Series: Culture Smart

India's population of 1.2 billion is as varied and colorful as the spice markets of Old Delhi. Each region, caste, and community has its own culture, reflecting unique histories shaped by conquest, creativity, and religion, expressed in distinct languages, social customs, art forms, and expectations of life. Despite enormous recent political and economic change, in many ways India remains the same a total sensory experience. The chaos and beauty of color and sound, the language shifts every ten miles, the household variations of spicy and sharp, sweet and sour, the insistent smells of everyday life lived very much in public, and the invasion of personal space will challenge the most experienced traveler. But it is in surrendering to your senses that you begin to embrace the essence of India and to understand its people. Indians live with paradox. Proud traditions and patriotism commingle with tensions and prejudices rooted in age-old rivalries. Ancient temples may be plastered with signs advertising the latest technologies. The rapid urbanization of the last century has given rise to burgeoning slums and an affluent middle class that was nonexistent a few decades ago. Steeped in tradition, exceptionally fatalistic, and intensely passionate about their culture, the Indians are an ingenious, adventurous, and creative people. Show interest in their country and most will respond with genuine warmth and friendship. But they also have indelible ties to family and community that form boundaries and determine decisions that may not always seem reasonable, or sometimes even ethical, to outsiders. Culture Smart! India will make you aware of basic values and behavioral norms, show you how to navigate cultural differences and connect with real people, and offer invaluable insights into this great, endlessly fascinating land.

By: Becky Stephen
Imprint: Kuperard Publishers
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 169mm, Width: 110mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 181g
ISBN: 9781857338409
ISBN 10: 1857338405
Series: Culture Smart
Pages: 168
Publication Date: 20 May 2016
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Brief History Politics - Economic Life Traditions - Friendships & Family Relationships Bureaucracy Religion Humour - Local Holidays Taboos Invitations Gifts Dress - Business etiquette - Punctuality & Appointments - Team working Communication Negotiating - Women in Society Tips - Eating Out - Traditional Food - Dos and Don t - Making Friends

Becky Stephen was born in the US as an air force brat , growing up in several states in the US, as well as in England. Long fascinated by Indian culture and philosophy, Becky went to India in 1988 to study Hindi at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. She met her South Indian husband there and ended up living in Varanasi for five years. Becky has a Masters in Cross Cultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and has developed and led cross-cultural and other training programs and events in the USA, India, Eurasia, Europe and the Arabian Peninsula. After 3 years in Dubai as a management consultant, cross-cultural trainer, and crisis debriefer for expats during the Arab Spring, she moved with her husband and son to Atlanta, Georgia, USA where she trains and supervises Americans on long-term international assignment. Becky has lived in 4 countries and visited 34 more. She anticipates adding a few more in the coming year. But her most dearly loved is still India.

Reviews for Culture Smart India: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travelers. Sunday Times Travel Offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world. New York Times. As useful as they are entertaining. Easy Jet Magazine Full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas. Observer The perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries. Global Travel Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travelers. Sunday Times Travel As useful as they are entertaining. Easy Jet Magazine