Argentina

Argentina- Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics
Location:  South America, borders with Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km
Capital:   Buenos Aires
Climate:  mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest
Population:  39,144,753 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%,mestizo, Amerindian, or other non white 
groups 3%
Government:  Republic
Language in Argentina
Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French. Indigenous languages thatare spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani and Quechua.
Argentinean Society & Culture
Europeans or Latin Americans?
. Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed. 
. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.
Argentinean Family Values. The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence. 
. The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this comes a responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc and to maintain personal and family honour. 
. Honour is in all respects the be all and end all and it routinely affects day-to-day life at home, in thecommunity and in business.
Religion in Argentina
. The Argentine constitution guarantees religious freedom. 
. Roman Catholicism acts as the official state religion. 
. Other world religions, notably Islam, are gaining a foothold within the country during the last ten to fifteen years.
 Expressive Communication Style
. Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remaintactful and diplomatic. 
. Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion and sentimentality. 
. In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.
General Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette
. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocolof greeting the eldest or most important person first. 
. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will suffice.
. Maintaining eye contact indicates interest. 
. In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering. 
. When leaving, say good-bye to each personindividually.

Gift Giving Etiquette
. If invited to dinner at an Argentine's home bring a small gift for the hostess.
. Since taxes on imported spirits are extremely high, a bottle of imported spirits is always well received. 
. Do not give knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship. 
. Gifts are opened immediately.
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to an Argentinehome:
. Dress well. Men should wear a jacket and tie. Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse. 
. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than invited for a dinner party. Arriving on time is not the norm. 
. Telephone your hosts the following day to thank them.

Watch your Table Manners!
. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan. 
. Table manners areContinental - hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. 
. Do not begin eating until the hostess invites you to do so. 
. Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table. 
. Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink. 
. It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you...