| Western | Southeast Asian |
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Touching someone's head is permitted.
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Touching head is forbidden. The head is considered sacred.
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Using a waving or beckoning motion with the hand is permitted to call someone.
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Waving and beckoning hand motions, especially palm up, are usually offensive.
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To slap someone on the back is a sign of friendship.
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To slap someone on the back is offensive.
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Looking straight into someone's eyes shows honesty and frankness.
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It is disrespectful to look someone straight in the eyes.
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Speaking out and laughing out loud in public is permitted.
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It can be considered bad manners to be outspoken or laugh out loud in public.
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Sitting with crossed legs is permitted and sometimes encouraged.
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It is impolite to sit with crossed legs or to have one's feet pointed in the air.
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A smile usually means happiness or pleasure.
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A smile may mean many things: scorn, pleasure, indifference, embarrassment, etc.
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Directness is preferred.
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Indirectness is usually preferred.
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Emphasis is on the nuclear family.
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Emphasis is on the extended family.
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Individuality is strongly encouraged.
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The group is more important than the individual.
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Self-confidence is expressed through self-assertiveness.
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Self-confidence is expressed through self-denial.
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