Do's and Taboos Around the World

by Roger E. Axtell

Book Overview

The ultimate guide to international behavior.now completely updated and expanded! Do's and Taboos Around the World 3rd Edition "Roger Axtell is an international Emily Post." --The New Yorker "Can help you make friends [and] avoid travel trouble." --BusinessWeek "Helpful.fun to read." --Steve Birnbaum The first two editions of Do's and Taboos Around the World helped thousands of high-powered executives and tourists avoid the missteps and misunderstandings...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471595284
• ISBN13: 9780471595281
• Release Date: June 1993
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Lots of fun and guidance

There is so much data stuffed into this book about so many cultures that its almost overwhelming! This is an impressive book covering many countries and most of the information is still current, despite the fact the last version was copywrited back in the 1990s. I'd recommend this book for culture buffs as well as for general writers. A great source of ideas.

A Great Resource for International Travelers

The basis of this wonderful book is to show the customs, protocol and laws in societies that may be vastly different from the society in which you live. The book is categorized according to country, and includes cartoon type illustrations of face gestures, hand and arm gestures, and what they mean. In some countries the same gesture has a completely different meaning, which anyone who uses a lot of body language would do well to learn. The section on Graceful Gift Giving brings valuable insight so as not to insult anyone from different lands, as gift giving is viewed in different ways according to different cultures. Whether you are going on a business trip, or are traveling for academics or adventure overseas, it is important to learn the customs of each country. On a personal note, if you ever go to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, do NOT sit on the rock from which Mohammed Ascended (as I innocently did to pray for world peace) because you can be murdered or jailed for that alone - unless you happen to have a professor who is fluent in Arabic that saves you from harsh penalties, which I was fortunate enough to have. ASK about the Sacred sites in Sacred lands BEFORE you attempt to touch or sit on anything. Do's and Taboos also provides commonly used terms spelled out phonetically from many lands, so that you can converse among the locals graciously. Highly recommended for all international travelers. Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man Editor, inspire! magazine

Superb guide for any businessperson

This is just the guide that I was looking for before I began a new round of international travel. The tips have been priceless.

Should be in every international travel's suitcase.

Although it is couched in humor and packed with adventurous tales, this book covers a serious subject! It is so easy to destroy a mutually-advantageous export sale by saying or doing the socially incorrect thing while in a foreign country. Regardless of your international travel experience, it is a good idea to read (or review) this book BEFORE you depart on your next overseas trip. Mr. Axtell is an expert on how to behave in foreign countries and has written other equally valuable travel books. Our consulting staff recommends the "Do's and Taboos Around the World" to every client who is planning an overseas business trip. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute

Is to international business what fast food is to cuisine

The book is o.k.. It contains some good, practical, quick advice. However, it won't help you deeply understand the people you're dealing with. For that, a book like «The Seven Cultures of Capitalism» is a lot better. With «The Seven Cultures», you'll learn why Hollanders accept criticism a lot better than Italians and that the French and the Japanese are pretty much alike on many aspects. But then, haute cuisine isn't always what one looks for.