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The Culture Of Spain And Spain

Decent Essays

The following is an overview of the culture of Spain.
1. Values and attitudes
Family, including extended family is extremely important in Spanish culture and is the basis of society. Families provide a social and sometimes financial support network. Increased individualism is having its effect, however, as families become less close, family size decreases and a respect for personal preference decreases the frequency of people working for their family businesses (Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette).
General manners and customs
Spanish culture is unique in Europe, but similar enough for people to easily adapt. In Spain, men greet each other with handshakes or hugs and women greet everyone with a kiss on both cheeks (Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). People verbally greet strangers in places like elevators, shops, lockers rooms, etc. (Hendr). Dress is more formal in Spain and shorts are not usually worn in public (Priest). When dining, it is important to keep both hands visible on the table and use utensils to eat most things (Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette).
3. Business-specific manners and customs
Spaniards conduct their business very personally. They prefer face-to-face contact and like to engage in small talk to get to know the other party before beginning a business relationship. They tend to only do business with people that have earned their trust (Spain - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette). Conducting business

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