Basics
Is your nation considered "socially conservative"? Not at all.
Which of these behaviours are acceptable in public?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[o] Breastfeeding
[o/x] Burping (Seen as impolite unless at the end of a meal)
[o] Displays of affection
[o] Dressing provocatively
[o] Eating
[o/x] Intoxication (Being under the influence of alcohol or marijuana isn't seen as problematic, but true intoxication is seen as a sign one has poor self-control)
[o] Passing gas
[o] Ranting about personal issues
[o] Smoking
[o] Swearing
[o] Taking photos of other people (With their permission)
[o] Wearing beach attire (Everyday atire for most native Asàiti is almost beachwear in many countries)
[o] Wearing sport attire
[o] Wearing pyjamas (It isn't seen as rude, just out of the ordinary, like wearing a costume)
[o] Yawning without covering mouth
Interactions
How do people say "hello" and "goodbye"? Common greetings include "Dà huit!", "Latha-maiỻ!", "'Am-maiỻ a thu fhaiceanh!", "Qad thachlar onuàr am-dhereanadh?" and "Qad thachlar-sài?". Common goodbyes are "Bannachtaian bhiỻ a thu!", "Bannachtaian bhiỻ!", "Sinlàit!", and "Go-ỻti am mea feiac a thu ahiri!"
What do people usually do when greeting each other? A hug is almost always expected, and kissing, either on the cheeks on on the lips, is quite common.
Is it expected to greet the owner when entering and leaving a store? Yes. "Dà huit!", "Latha-maiỻ!", or simply "An-seu!" is expected.
Is it expected to greet the driver when boarding and leaving a bus? Yes. Any typical greeting is expected.
Are titles (Mr/Mrs/Miss) used? Yes. For feminine people, the title "Mnathanà" (abbr. Mna.) is used. For masculine people, the title "Mnathenh" (abbr. Mne.) is used. For androgynous or neutrally gendered people, "Mnathanerh" (abbr. Mnr.) is used.
Does the national language have familiar and polite forms of "you"? Not anymore, though in Sar'heilan, "tu" is still used, and is considered to be more polite than "thu".
Table manners
Are good table manners considered important in your nation? Somewhat, though what constitutes good table manners is often different than most countries.
How are utensils supposed to be used? Many foods in Nua-Asàiti are eaten with the hands, though those that do require utensils often require a knife and fork, or a spoon. Noodles are typically eaten with chopsticks, and eating noodles using a spoon (accompanying a fork, in order to twirl the noodles) is considered laughable, though not impolite.
When is it acceptable to begin eating? Once everyone has sat down, or when food is placed on the table.
(At restaurants) Who pays for the meal? It varies greatly from person to person, but those of higher wealth tend to pay more often.
How much is the tip/service charge? No more than 5%
Which of these behaviours are acceptable during meals?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[o] Asking for seconds
[x] Checking an electronic device
[o] Chewing with mouth open
[o] Discussing politics or religion
[x] Food left over on plate
[o/x] Eating before everyone is served (If food is placed on the table to be eaten "family style", it is appropriate to begin serving yourself and eating whenever you like)
[o] Elbows on table
[o] Hands below table
[o] Leaving the table to use the toilet
[o] Not tipping
[x] Over-tipping
[o] Refusing to try a dish (Many locals will tease less adventurous tourists, but it is not seen as offensive to not try a dish)
[o] Separating the bill
[x] Slurping or smacking sounds
[x] Speaking on mobile phone
[o] Speaking with mouth full
[x] Spilling food or drinks on other people
[x] Taking photos of the food
Business
What is the dress code for most businesses? Most businesses require clothing that covers the torso, and shoes. Pyjamas are not to be worn, but nothing much more specific than that. For corporate or public service environments, business casual is common.
Is punctuality considered important in your nation? Yes, though it is standard to arrive up to fifteen minutes late to more casual affairs.
What language is business conducted in? Asàiti or English
How should bosses and coworkers be addressed? Managers are typically addressed with their title, while coworkers are typically addressed by name.
Is hierarchy a strong part of your nation's business culture? No. Hierarchy is seen as dehumanizing and unethical in most situations.
Giving gifts
Are gifts expected when visiting someone's home? Only when visiting them if they have just moved in, or to celebrate a special occasion centered around them.
Are gifts expected between business associates? Small tokens are expected.
Are students expected to bring gifts to their teachers? Only once, at the end of the year.
When are gifts supposed to be opened? In front of them, so they can watch your reaction.
What are some gifts to avoid? Avoid food, gift cards, culturally irrelevant clothing (unless as part of return from travels), or home decor items, unless specifically asked for. More intimate gifts are allowed (and even encouraged) among friends, but avoid giving them to someone you have a professional relationship with.
Rules of the road
Which of these behaviours are acceptable on roads?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[x] Cyclist disobeying red light
[o] Driving too fast
[x] Driving too slow
[x] Flashing the headlights
[o] Hitchhiking
[o] Honking the horn
[o] Jaywalking
[x] Not signalling a turn
[x] Playing loud music
[x] Speaking on mobile phone
[x] Taking up more than one lane
[x] Taking up more than one parking space
[x] Tailgating
[x] Texting on mobile phone
(emojis, emoticons, etc.) allowed in etiquette? Yes, however very controversial
