Spain🕣
State in southwest Europe. Official name – the Kingdom of Spain. Population – 46.7 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Madrid. Official language -Spanish (Castilian). Government type – parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Main religion – Catholicism.
Spain
Greeting
While being introduced, the parties exchange a handshake, which should be quite strong, but at the same time short. It is important to maintain eye contact with your partner.
Spaniards shake hands before and at the end of a meeting. This is a customary greeting ritual not only in formal but also in informal situations even if they have known each other for a long time.
Between close friends, hugs and kisses (on each cheek, starting from the left) are accepted. There is no real kissing involved. The interlocutors just lightly touch each other's cheek.
Kissing is more common as a greeting between women, although it is also possible between women and men who, for example, are long-time partners or have worked together in the same company for many years.
As you get to know your Spanish partner better, the relationship may become closer. In this case, greetings between men may include a hug and a pat on the shoulder or upper arm in addition to a handshake. However, wait for your Spanish counterpart to take the initiative and determine your willingness to switch to warmer forms of greeting, as they are not appropriate in all situations.
Common forms of greeting are: "Buenos dias!" (Good morning! or Good afternoon!) is used in the morning; "Buenas tardes!" (Good evening!) is used in the afternoon (approx. from 3 pm to 9 pm); "Buenas noches!" (Good night!) is used late, starting at 9 pm.
The greeting is often accompanied by the question "¿Como está?" (How are you?).
A less formal greeting is "Hola!" (Hello!)
Introduction
One can say, that Spaniards have two surnames, for example, Mario López Covas, which a child receives at birth from his or her parents. The first is the father's first surname and the second is the mother's first surname. In the example above, Mario is the child's first name, López is his first surname, which he received from his father, whose name was Juan López Marcos, and his second...
Exchange of Business Cards
In Spanish business practice, it is customary to exchange business cards during introductions as part of the first meeting.
The text of the business card, at least on one of its sides, must be in Spanish.
There is no special ritual when handing over a business card in Spanish business practice....
Small Talk: Overview
Spaniards are attuned to building a personal relationship with their partner and therefore attach great importance to conversing with them. They usually enjoy small talking.
Small talk with a Spanish colleague can take some (sometimes quite long) time. There will be room for jokes and humor, as well as questions about family or personal hobbies.
Communicating after lunch/dinner ...
Preferred Topics
Your country or place you are from usually interests people.
Your positive perception of Spain: the places you visited and liked.
Ask what region/city your partner is from. Share your (positive) impressions of the place if you know it. If not, ask a couple of questions, thus showing interest and respect for your partner at the same time.
Travelling, hobbies, hobbies.
Taboo Topics
All religious topics are taboo.
Avoid criticizing the culture, the people, the authorities, or some rules and procedures in Spain. Even if Spaniards themselves openly complain about local politicians, it does not mean that foreigners are "allowed" to do the same. No matter what, Spaniards are very proud of their country and their cultural heritage.
Do not bring up topics related...
Personal Space
When talking, Spaniards often stand quite close to each other (the distance can be up to half a meter). They gesture actively and may touch each other, for example by patting each other on the shoulder or arm.
You should not copy the behavior of Spaniards in conversation. Body language is, in general, a rather complex area, which is well understood only by native speakers....
Communication Specifics
In the early stages of a business relationship, Spanish partners may behave in a rather formal way, sticking to protocol, and forms of address.
This kind of respect is shown to new business partners or to individuals who hold high positions. Speech in this case should be appropriate to the situation.
Over time, the partners develop a closer relationship and a sense of trust, whi...
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