Lisboa 9. 6. 2018
Dear nations,
it is often said that "manners maketh man" – chivalry is what sets humans apart from other animals. All civilisations have laws to prevent society from breaking down, but they can't possibly cover every potential scenario. So cultures also have unwritten codes for interactions between their members. Just like traffic rules are necessary to keep a smooth flow, manners and etiquette are a must unless you want a dog-eat-dog world. Or more like "man-eat-man".
How much do manners and etiquette matter in your nation? Are politeness and social protocol held sacred, or do your people not care? Somewhere in between?
By responding to this open survey, you will contribute to humanity by parting the clouds of ignorance and uniting the world's flock under the light of our Creator. Please feel free to deviate from the format of the questionnaire if there are additional peculiarities from your nation's culture, that you feel are important to be aware of.
May peace be upon you,
Afonso Salazar
Prime Minister of the Ecclesiastical State
Basics
Is your nation considered "socially conservative"? Yes, the Ecclesiastical State is a strict Catholic society that lives by the Holy Bible.
Which of these behaviours are acceptable in public?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[x] Breastfeeding
[x] Burping
[x] Displays of affection
[x] Dressing provocatively
[o] Eating
[x] Intoxication
[x] Passing gas
[x] Ranting about personal issues
[x] Smoking
[x] Swearing
[x] Taking photos of other people
[x] Wearing beach attire
[x] Wearing sport attire
[x] Wearing pyjamas
[x] Yawning without covering mouth
Interactions
How do people say "hello" and "goodbye"? «Bom dia» is used when people meet, and «adeus» is used when people part. There are other, more intimate greetings but they are never appropriate for foreigners to use.
What do people usually do when greeting each other? We kiss on the cheeks 2 to 5 times.
Is it expected to greet the owner when entering and leaving a store? Yes. It is very disrespectful if you don't.
Is it expected to greet the driver when boarding and leaving a bus? Yes. It is very disrespectful if you don't.
Are titles (Mr/Mrs/Miss) used? Titles are very important, especially with revered members of society like professors and doctors. Unless someone tells you their preference, always use the title + family name. Using first name without being invited is very disrespectful.
Senhor (Mr): men
Senhora (Mrs): older/married women
Senhorita (Miss): younger/unmarried women
Does the national language have familiar and polite forms of "you"? Yes, they are «tu» (familiar) and «você» (polite). «Tu» is only used for God, family, friends, children and animals – for everyone else it's expected to use «você». You can even be fined if you use «tu» with a policeman or church official, because respect for authority is extremely important here.
Table manners
Are good table manners considered important in your nation? Yes. Nothing is more important than being civilised and cultured.
How are utensils supposed to be used? The order of utensils used is outside to inside. The fork and knife never change hands.
When is it acceptable to begin eating? Only after everyone is served their food and the host says «Bom proveito!» (bon appetit).
(At restaurants) Who pays for the meal? If it is a couple, the man always pays. For business lunches, the boss or most senior person usually pays.
How much is the tip/service charge? All Portuguese restaurants include the service charge in the bill. Usually it is 5 to 10 %.
Which of these behaviours are acceptable during meals?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[x] Asking for seconds
[x] Checking an electronic device
[x] Chewing with mouth open
[x] Discussing politics or religion
[x] Food left over on plate
[x] Eating before everyone is served
[x] Elbows on table
[x] Hands below table
[x] Leaving the table to use the toilet
[o] Not tipping
[x] Over-tipping
[x] Refusing to try a dish
[x] Separating the bill
[x] Slurping or smacking sounds
[x] Speaking on mobile phone
[x] 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? Portuguese people are conservative and cultured, so many businesses dress very formally and high-quality. Jeans and shirts are a no-no.
Is punctuality considered important in your nation? Not as important as hierarchy, productivity and good decision-making. Most meetings start 5 to 10 minutes late, to allow some time for late-comers.
What language is business conducted in? Portuguese. We expect foreign businessmen to speak our language, not the other way around.
How should bosses and coworkers be addressed? Always as «Senhor(a/ita)» + family name, unless they tell you their preference.
Is hierarchy a strong part of your nation's business culture? Yes, companies have a very rigid rank structure and everyone knows their place. Speaking out of turn during a meeting is the biggest unwritten offence.
Rules of the road
Which of these behaviours are acceptable on roads?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[x] Cyclist disobeying red light
[x] Driving too fast
[x] Driving too slow
[x] Flashing the headlights
[o] Hitchhiking
[x] Honking the horn
[x] 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
- Code: Select all
[b][u]Basics[/u][/b]
[b]Is your nation considered "socially conservative"?[/b]
[b]Which of these behaviours are acceptable in public?[/b]
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[] Breastfeeding
[] Burping
[] Displays of affection
[] Dressing provocatively
[] Eating
[] Intoxication
[] Passing gas
[] Ranting about personal issues
[] Smoking
[] Swearing
[] Taking photos of other people
[] Wearing beach attire
[] Wearing sport attire
[] Wearing pyjamas
[] Yawning without covering mouth
[b][u]Interactions[/u][/b]
[b]How do people say "hello" and "goodbye"?[/b]
[b]What do people usually do when greeting each other?[/b]
[b]Is it expected to greet the owner when entering and leaving a store?[/b]
[b]Is it expected to greet the driver when boarding and leaving a bus?[/b]
[b]Are titles (Mr/Mrs/Miss) used?[/b]
[b]Does the national language have familiar and polite forms of "you"?[/b]
[b][u]Table manners[/u][/b]
[b]Are good table manners considered important in your nation?[/b]
[b]How are utensils supposed to be used?[/b]
[b]When is it acceptable to begin eating?[/b]
[b](At restaurants) Who pays for the meal?[/b]
[b]How much is the tip/service charge?[/b]
[b]Which of these behaviours are acceptable during meals?[/b]
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[] Asking for seconds
[] Checking an electronic device
[] Chewing with mouth open
[] Discussing politics or religion
[] Food left over on plate
[] Eating before everyone is served
[] Elbows on table
[] Hands below table
[] Leaving the table to use the toilet
[] Not tipping
[] Over-tipping
[] Refusing to try a dish
[] Separating the bill
[] Slurping or smacking sounds
[] Speaking on mobile phone
[] Speaking with mouth full
[] Spilling food or drinks on other people
[] Taking photos of the food
[b][u]Business[/u][/b]
[b]What is the dress code for most businesses?[/b]
[b]Is punctuality considered important in your nation?[/b]
[b]What language is business conducted in?[/b]
[b]How should bosses and coworkers be addressed?[/b]
[b]Is hierarchy a strong part of your nation's business culture?[/b]
[b][u]Giving gifts[/u][/b]
[b]Are gifts expected when visiting someone's home?[/b]
[b]Are gifts expected between business associates?[/b]
[b]Are students expected to bring gifts to their teachers?[/b]
[b]When are gifts supposed to be opened?[/b]
[b]What are some gifts to avoid?[/b]
[b][u]Rules of the road[/u][/b]
[b]Which of these behaviours are acceptable on roads?[/b]
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[] Cyclist disobeying red light
[] Driving too fast
[] Driving too slow
[] Flashing the headlights
[] Hitchhiking
[] Honking the horn
[] Jaywalking
[] Not signalling a turn
[] Playing loud music
[] Speaking on mobile phone
[] Taking up more than one lane
[] Taking up more than one parking space
[] Tailgating
[] Texting on mobile phone