CULTURE
Cultural
guidelines
The
best way to learn a new culture is to participate in it. Spend
time with people, observe people and pay attention to how they
interact and behave. The guidelines on this page are just a few
hints to help you to get started.
Tajiks
are, on the whole, very friendly and hospitable towards guests
in their country. Most will quickly overlook any cultural misdemeanors.
You can keep mistakes to a minimum and avoid causing offense by
following these simple suggestions.
Bread
- Bread
is considered to have a life of its own. It must be treated
with respect.
- Never
put flat bread (non) face down.
- Never
let bread (or breadcrumbs) fall to the ground, and don't throw
it out with ordinary rubbish/trash. Leftover bread should
be put on a shelf or windowsill or used to feed animals.
Behaviour
in public
- Dress
modestly. Shorts or short skirts are not recommended.
- Ask
permission before taking photographs of people (unless you
have a good zoom lens and can do it surreptitiously from a
distance).
On
being a guest
You
probably won't have been in Tajikistan for very long before someone
invites you into their home. Accept the invitation; there is no
better way to get to know the real Tajikistan. The Tajiks take
hospitality very seriously!
Do
be careful, however. Make sure someone knows where you are going,
and don't reveal too much personal information, especially about
money or your travel plans.
When
in a Tajik home:
- Tajiks
normally sit on thin matresses (korpacha) on the floor
around a large tablecloth laden with food (dastarkhan).
- The
guest of honour is normally seated furthest from the door.
- When
finding or leaving your place, do not step on the tablecloth
or across the legs of another seated guest. Walk behind other
guests, not in front.
- When
a new guest arrives, the seated guests will stand and shake
the hand of the new arrival. Shake with your right hand, and
put your left hand on your heart as a sign of sincerity. Greet
people with the words, "salom alekum" (peace be to
you).
Tajik
tradition dictates that a visitor is a guest for three days, after
which they become a member of the family, with their own share
of household chores!
Gifts
- If
you are presented with a gift, plan on giving something in
return in the near future.
- It
is usually appropriate to give a gift when you visit someone's
home.
- Gifts
from your city or country will be treasured. Postcards or
other small cultural items would be appropriate, or small
toys for children.
- Local
people often give chocolates, fruit or flowers as gifts.
Men
and women
- Men
usually only shake hands with other men.
- Women
are not obligated to answer a question from a male stranger.
- Physical
contact with the opposite sex in public is not acceptable.
Even between you and your spouse or a good friend, it can
be misunderstood.
Offensive
behaviour
- If
you step on someone's foot, an apology is required.
- When
you are sitting, don't point the bottom of your foot towards
another person. This is very offensive to Tajiks.
- Don't
use your left hand for exchanges: money, gifts, shaking hands,
passing food.
- Blowing
your nose in public is not acceptable.
[Source:
http://www.traveltajikistan.com]
