Culture Quiz 243Comments
If you were to act as in , Chileans would think you very
rude. Latinos make a lot of eye contact, so much so it seems
at times like long-distance flirting or at least a good sizing-
up. If you limit your contact to those whom you already
know, it may insult the host, as he or she invited all the
people whom they thought would get along well together.
Of course, there will be some clustering among intimate
friends, but at a large party one is expected to mingle. A
verbal greeting is not sufficient in a social setting in Chile,
cheek-kissing and shaking hands is the norm.
is the correct choice. The host should be greeted fi rst,
but try and keep it brief to avoid monopolising the host and
losing your window of opportunity to introduce yourself.
Chileans are not shy at parties, and they have no reservations
about going up to complete strangers and introducing
themselves. If you fi nd someone really interesting to talk
to while on this preliminary survey of the party, resist
the temptation to stop and chat. Instead quickly fi nish
introducing yourself to everyone and then return.
Chileans for the most part do not need a third party to
introduce themselves to strangers in a social setting, as in .
Perhaps if you are a VIP, or speak no Spanish, the host will
introduce you, but for the most part you are on your own.
SITUATION THREE
You run a red light and as a result have a minor car accident
in Santiago. The Carabineros come and take your license.
You should:
Say repeatedly that you are a foreigner and they have
no right to take away your license.
Quietly take the Carabinero aside and offer him some
pesos.
Take the ticket and drive without your license until your
court date.
Comments
is an all too common response. However, the police in
Chile do have the right to take your license if you have