All
speak Spanish, except in Brazil where
the national language is Portuguese
In
all Latin countries, the attitude toward
time is less rigid than among North Americans
and a 30 minute delay should not be a
surprise. In fact, among close associates,
it is recommended that, when setting
times for appointments, ask "la
hora inglesa, o la hora espanol?" This
means "the English hour" (meaning "Promptly
at the time specified?")or "the
Latin hour" (meaning "If I
say 7 o’clock, don’t be surprised
if I don’t show up until 7:30 or
even later").
Latinos
will usually stand closer together during
conversations, so be prepared for that
plus casual touching and, of course,
the abrazo, or embrace, among
good friends. You may even be startled
to have a Latin businessman hold your
elbow while conversing, or walk down
the street arm-in-arm.
Latinos
are very warm and friendly people and
enjoy social conversation before getting
down to business. This is a calculated
process aimed at getting to know you
personally. Latinos tend to be more interested
in you, the person, than you as a representative
of some faceless corporation.
The
main meal of the day is usually taken
at midday throughout all Latin American
countries. However, this should not
deter you from also hosting your business
guests over dinner in the evening.
Most Latin business people know about
American dining customs and in their
own country will entertain in the evening
at a restaurant for special occasions.
When toasting, the host customarily
is expected to make the first toast
with the guest then probably responding.
