Communication Characteristics of Mexican Culture
July 21, 2014
Sanji Kunitani, Kyoko Ka, Allison Jacinto, Guoan Jiang
Presented By:
Men
A Culture of "Machismo"
- The way in which men act towards women and each other
The Influence of Mexican Culture on Communication
- Mexican males generally believe that nothing must be allowed to tarnish their image as a man
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Making remarks to women is a stereotypical sign of machismo and should not be seen as harassment
Additionally:
-Language
-Gender
-Formality
Mexican Men:
- Dress conservative
- Act conservatively in social settings
- Financial providers
- Decision makers
- give toasts
- Mexican culture is hierarchical in nature
- Rank and title hold significance
- Body language differs from Northern European or American cultures
In Business
Situation...
- Should always wear make-up
- Should wear a dress or skirt and blouse
- Titles are important and should be included on Business cards
Women
Elders
Things to Keep in Mind...
Valued and Respected Members of the Family
Additionally:
In Conclusion
- Family members look up to Elders for support, comfort, advice and even home remedies.
Things to keep in mind:
- Mexico has a proud culture set on traditions with strong family values
- Elders have a prestigious status in the family because of their life experience
- Always keep rank in mind weather in a business, social, or family setting
- Entering a household and not greeting the Elders is regarded as highly offensive
- Machismo plays a pervasive role in shaping mexican culture
- If the elderly parent or grandparent is not self-sufficient, other family members will take them in to live with them. Mexican culture does not typically take advantage of the nursing home system that Americans rely on.
Not afraid of light physical contact
- Shake hands
- Pat another woman's shoulder or forearm
- Kiss on the cheek
- Hug
- Embrace
Additionally...
- Bow when greeting a Mexican woman
- A married woman will add her husband's father's name to the end of her name
- http://www.intercultures.ca/cil-cai/ci-ic-eng.asp?iso=mx
- http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/mexico-country-profile.html
- http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_mx.htm