68 CultureShock! Austria
Noise
Noise levels are kept at a minimum in general. In fact,
while driving, it is against the law to use the horn except in
extreme emergencies.
In public dining or drinking areas, it is common courtesy
not to talk above a certain pitch, as it would disturb other
customers. There are also signs up in outdoor eating areas
that warn the public to keep their voices down, in order not to
disturb those nearby. Julie and her friends have occasionally
been told by maîtres d’ to please keep the noise down, much
to their embarrassment.
Children rarely make noise in public. The only places you
notice them are at playgrounds or amusement parks. They,
too, have been conditioned not to disturb others.
At home, in your house or apartment, noise is also kept at a
minimum. You never hear music blaring out of any home, and
there are in fact apartment rules prohibiting it. Private parties
are usually toned down past 10:00 pm. Remember that Sunday
is a quiet day. Also, what you might find to be an acceptable
level of noise could be too noisy to someone else. A rule of
thumb is to keep your ears open, and try to blend in.Obscene Gestures
Austria isn’t a country that uses its hands to express anger.
However, put an Austrian behind a wheel, and, well, things
are slightly different. Here you might see hands or fingers
doing strange things. The standard middle finger is used
when someone is cut off, but pointing to the head with the
middle finger repeatedly is also common. The latter means
that you are crazy or that you have ‘einen Vogel im Kopf’ (a
bird in your head).THE DRESS CODE
The dress code varies from one occasion to the next, but
the Austrian is generally conformist and will never wear
something ostentatious for any event. For example, white
tennis shoes are worn only when playing tennis.
When attending a theatre or concert performance,
Austrians will always dress up in formal wear (long gowns