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Manners Around the World Facts & Worksheets

Manners are generally defined as the proper and usual way of treating other people and behaving in public

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Manners are generally defined as the proper and usual way of treating other people and behaving in public.

See the fact file below for more information on Manners Around the World or alternatively, you can download our 24-page Manners Around the World worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

DEFINITION OF MANNERS

  • Manners indicate a person’s behavior, which could result in whether he or she will be accepted into a cultural group.
  • They are also a way for some people to display their social status and a means of distinction and maintenance of the boundaries of social identity. For example, Victorian elites in early times observed strict decorum and appearance to distinguish them from the other classes of society.
  • Royal families in earlier times followed strict protocols to practice manners and etiquette before the Royal courts.
  • Following strict manners spread to the rest of society, and although not as strictly kept as the elites, people learned to practice culturally accepted manners.

OLD-FASHIONED MANNERS

  • The manners we see today are a reflection of our past. Some were preserved, some forgotten and some ceased.
  • Some old-fashioned manners include:
  • Kissing a woman’s hand – a greeting gesture that indicates courtesy, politeness, respect, admiration, or interest to the opposite gender.
  • Addressing people by their family name – Calling someone Mr. Bennet, Ms. Santibañez, or Mrs. Abbas.
  • Keeping the elbows off the table – to avoid tipping utensils.
  • Standing up to greet someone.
  • When crossing the street, a lady should raise her dress with the right hand, only to ankle height to avoid indecency.
  • Always leave home with caring goodbyes and loving words towards family members, most especially husbands towards their wives.
  • Waiting to eat until everyone at the table is served their food on their plates.
  • Not reaching across the table, instead, ask someone to pass to you.
  • A woman was expected to look fresh, polished, and composed so they tied their hair up.
  • Men should escort women on their left side or on the dangerous side.

UNIQUE MANNERS AROUND THE WORLD

  • Chile: Using utensils is strictly required when eating.
  • India: Texting is more respectful than calling.
  • United Kingdom: Flashing the fingers to form V is extremely rude.
  • Mexico, Venezuela: Always arrive late. It is more socially acceptable than being too early.
  • Thailand: Keep your feet away from the altar.
  • Egypt: Do not start eating until the eldest male in the family takes his first bite.
  • Italy: Let the man lead the way into the restaurant.
  • Russia, Greece, Iran, etc: Thumbs up is the equivalent of flipping someone off.
  • Arab countries: Never show the sole of your shoe because it is highly disrespectful to show dirt.
  • Maasai Tribe, Kenya: Spitting is a proper greeting and a form of affection and good luck.
  • Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, etc: Do not flush the toilet paper after using the bathroom. Plumbing may not be designed for it.
  • Indonesia: Avoid prolonged eye contact, which may be perceived as a challenge and cause anger.

Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.
~ Clarence Thomas ~

WIDELY ACCEPTED MANNERS

  • While manners can be unique depending on one’s culture, there are a lot of that are universally accepted and required from every person:
  • Saying “please” when asking for favors.
  • Saying “thank you” when receiving favors, gifts or compliments.
  • Saying “sorry” when you have made a mistake or hurt someone.
  • Showing good table manners when eating.
  • Showing respect to elders, persons in authority, employees, and even peers.
  • Asking permission.
  • Cleaning up after yourself.
  • Avoiding using foul language when communicating and even during altercations.
  • Helping the elderly, disabled or anyone who needs help. 
  • Returning items after borrowing them including paying debts.
  • Sharing.
  • Being attentive during plays, movies, and musical performances.
  • Avoiding unnecessary comments about someone’s appearance.
  • Respecting the hosts when visiting someone else’s house.
  • Taking responsibility for your own mistakes.
  • Throwing trash  into proper garbage disposal units.

WHY GOOD MANNERS ARE IMPORTANT

  • Good manners reflect self-respect and regard for others. People will respect you too!
  • They make life more enjoyable for you and for those you come into contact with because they will feel comfortable in your company. 
  • People with good manners usually make a positive impression on those around them. Being polite to your teachers gives you a good report. Being polite to classmates will gain you many friends.
  • When you know the acceptable behavior and right manners for any situation, this improves confidence and self-esteem. You will feel comfortable when you know how to behave properly.

BREAKING FROM BAD MANNERS

  • Bad manners are everything opposite to the listed good manners. 
  • All parents and elders have a duty to teach their children good manners. The children should learn how to practice good manners.
  • Sometimes, bad manners are the result of a misunderstanding. Some cultures might find an act offensive so it is important to understand other cultures you want to visit.
  • When you’re being told off because of bad manners, ask the person how to make it right. Bad manners can be put right when properly addressed.
  • Find good role models, learn from them and avoid bad influences.

Manners Around the World Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Manners Around the World across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Manners Around the World which shows that while manners can be unique depending on one’s culture, there are a lot of it that are universally accepted and required from every person.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Manners Around the World Facts
  • Basic Manners
  • Good Manners
  • Different Manners
  • Make it Right
  • Mind Your Manners
  • Our Manners
  • To a New Place
  • Manners Maketh Man
  • Adult Manners
  • Acrostic

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are manners important?

Manners are important because they help us interact with others in a respectful and considerate way. They promote positive relationships, create a pleasant social environment, and show that we value and respect others.

What are some basic manners everyone should know?

Some basic manners include saying “please” and “thank you,” using polite language, listening attentively, not interrupting when someone is speaking, and respecting personal boundaries

Are manners the same in every culture?

No, manners can vary across different cultures. Different societies may have their own specific customs and etiquette. It’s important to be aware of and respectful toward the manners of the culture you are in or interacting with.

Can manners change over time?

Yes, manners can evolve and change over time as society changes. What was considered polite in the past may not be the same today. However, the core principles of kindness, respect, and consideration for others generally remain important.

Can manners be taught?

Yes, manners can be taught. They are typically learned through observation, guidance from parents or guardians, and socialization within the community. Schools and other educational settings may also provide lessons on manners

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Link will appear as Manners Around the World Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 11, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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