Etiquette in Asia

A lack of knowledge about the customs and expectations of Asian people can make even those with good intentions seem rude, foolish, and disrespectful.

Asian etiquette is often manifested with shades of "respect", "good manners" and "filial", and is highly influenced by Chinese culture.

People always treat elders with deference, and it's considered rude for a young person to be direct and opinionated when speaking to them.

[4] Bangladeshis are modest people and it is not recommended to give excessive praise[4] and can be interpreted as insincere and offensive.

[5] When it comes to business, the etiquette is similar to those found in other Asian countries such as not being direct when communicating one's position or ideas.

[11] At that time, people believed that bending the sacrifices such as cattle and sheep into a bow shape on the altar was the only way to express respect and piety to the heaven.

Later generations interpreted it as a daily etiquette, bending over, lowering the head, avoiding the other person's sight, to show obedience and lack of hostility.

[17] It is generally used during festivals as a way of showing respect to the elders from younger generations or people with lower status, and is also used to congratulate each other among peers.

[18] Etiquette in India shares many similarities with its South and Southeast Asian neighbours, however, there are exceptions found throughout the country.

[19] It is important to understand that Indonesia is a vast tropical country of sprawling archipelago with extremely diverse culture.

The knowledge that non-Japanese who commit faux pas act from inexperience can fail to offset the negative emotional response some Japanese people feel when their expectations in matters of etiquette are not met.

In urban Sindh and in other parts of the country, men and women usually lower their head and lift their hand to their forehead to make the "adab" gesture when greeting each other, instead of a handshake.

Three centuries of Spanish and 48 years of American rule, as well as the influence of Japan, China, India, Middle East and the West, have added to the classic indigenous etiquette of the Philippines.

Age is an important determinant in social structure and behaviour, dictating the application of honour, precedence, and title.

In Asia, paying respect to elders is expected among younger people, a gesture such as bowing expresses the utmost respect. The elaborate and refined Japanese tea ceremony is also meant to demonstrate respect through grace and good etiquette.
Southeast Asians are very family-oriented and celebrations are a chance to meet extended kinsmen. In Islamic culture, modesty in dress etiquette is important, such as the tudong ( hijab ).
Paying respect to elders and obeying teachers are expected among Asian youth, such as shown here in Indonesia. The students quietly listen to their teacher's explanation during their school excursion.
Like many Asian people, Koreans observe points of etiquette related to local forms of Buddhism . Shown here is the Buddha statue at Seokguram Grotto , a National Treasure of South Korea .
The gate of Fuerza de Santiago in Manila . The three centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible mark on Filipino customs, art and society.