Intercultural Competence Questions! Trivia Quiz

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  • 1/17 Questions

    If you tell your female friend from Africa that she’s put on weight during her holiday, it means she’s had a good holiday and is physically healthier than when she left.

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

Explore global communication norms with the 'Intercultural Competence Questions! Trivia Quiz'. Assess your understanding of cultural signals and gestures from various countries, enhancing your intercultural communication skills and awareness.

Intercultural Competence Questions! Trivia Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Keeping your hands in your pockets while negotiating in Russia is rude.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Keeping your hands hidden implies you are being dishonest.

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  • 3. 

    Laughter in Japan can be a sign of confusion, insecurity, or embarrassment.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In Japan, laughter can be interpreted as a sign of various emotions such as confusion, insecurity, or embarrassment. This cultural difference highlights that laughter does not always indicate happiness or amusement in Japanese society. It is important to be aware of these nuances in order to understand and communicate effectively with Japanese individuals.

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  • 4. 

    If you want to show your respect for an elder in Africa, do not look them directly in the eye.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In many cultures, looking someone directly in the eyes mean you perceive you have equal social standing. In the U.S., not looking someone directly in the eyes means you are hiding something or are being untruthful.

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  • 5. 

    Scandinavians are more tolerant to silent breaks in conversations.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Scandinavians are known for their cultural value of silence and their comfort with pauses in conversations. In Scandinavian countries, silence is often seen as a way to show respect, give others space to think, and allow for deeper reflection. This cultural norm promotes a more relaxed and less pressured atmosphere during conversations, making Scandinavians more tolerant to silent breaks. Therefore, the statement that Scandinavians are more tolerant to silent breaks in conversations is true.

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  • 6. 

    A "thumbs up" in some Islamic countries is a rude sexual sign.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In some Islamic countries, giving a "thumbs up" gesture is considered a rude sexual sign. This cultural difference stems from the interpretation of the gesture, which may vary across different regions and societies. It is important to be aware of and respect cultural norms when traveling or interacting with individuals from different backgrounds.

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  • 7. 

    In the UK, to compromise is seen as a positive sign of both parties winning.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    (But it is not seen the same way in the U.S. Congress!)

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  • 8. 

    In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is normal to arrive half an hour late for dinner.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In many cultures, the higher your social status the later you are expected or allowed to arrive at a scheduled event.

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  • 9. 

    It is seen as polite to not accept an offer of food or drink in Persia (Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan) immediately on being offered it, instead you should refuse a few times before accepting the gift.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In fact, you should decline three times and accept the fourth time it is offered. In the U.S., you would be offered something once, and if you decline, it would not be offered again. Could you see how this would lead to a major misunderstanding about courtesy and respect if neither party understood the social conventions of the other?

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  • 10. 

    In Mediterranean cultures, being boisterous in the streets and public places is widely accepted.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In Mediterranean cultures, it is widely accepted to be boisterous in the streets and public places. This suggests that people in these cultures are generally comfortable with expressing themselves loudly and energetically in public settings. This cultural norm may stem from a sense of community and a desire for social interaction and engagement. It is important to note that cultural norms can vary greatly across different regions and societies, and what may be considered acceptable behavior in one culture may not be in another.

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  • 11. 

    Forming an “O” with the thumb and the forefinger in Japan means that we can now discuss money.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In Japan, forming an "O" with the thumb and forefinger is a gesture commonly used to indicate that it is now acceptable to discuss money. This cultural gesture serves as a signal to initiate conversations about financial matters. Therefore, the statement "Forming an 'O' with the thumb and the forefinger in Japan means that we can now discuss money" is true.

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  • 12. 

    Wearing gloves in Russia when shaking hands is considered polite.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    In Russia, it is not considered polite to wear gloves when shaking hands. This is because wearing gloves can create a barrier between individuals and is seen as a sign of formality or distance. In Russian culture, shaking hands is a personal and warm gesture, and wearing gloves can be seen as a lack of trust or intimacy. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

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  • 13. 

    In France, dinner is commonly served at 5 pm.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Most countries have a dinner hour later than what is common in the U.S.

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  • 14. 

    Leaving right after dinner in Central America is considered well-mannered as it means you’ve been well fed.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    However, this same action is considered rude in the U.S. and an insult to your hosts.

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  • 15. 

    In Australia, a single male passenger should sit in the back seat.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    This question has the greatest number of people who get it wrong. In many culture, the person to whom you want to show the most respect sits in the back. In just as many countries, the opposite is true. So, how do you handle this if you are traveling with your boss and you have the choice of sitting in the front or the back seat? YOU HAVE YOUR BOSS CHOOSE FIRST. Don't assume that he or she will automatically choose the one YOU think should go to the person in authority. Leave it up to the most senior person present to decide.

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  • 16. 

    In Brazil, purple flowers are a symbol of friendship.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Purple flowers are for funerals. In Japan, white is the color associated with death.

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  • 17. 

    In Brazil, flicking your fingers under your chin is a sign of disgust.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    It means you don't know the answer to a question in Brazil. In Italy, it means f*** you.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 18, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Bhoutz
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