Languages
in Venezuela
About 40 languages are spoken in Venezuela.
However, Spanish, the country's official language, is the most common. The most
widely spoken indigenous languages are Wayuu, Warao, Piaroa, Yanomami,
Kahlihna, Manduhuaca, Panaré, Pemón, Guahibo and Nhengtu. Most of these
languages originated in the languages of the Caribs, the Arawaks and the
Chibcha.
As
more indigenous people move to the cities, many of their languages are becoming
extinct. Languages such as Sapé and Mapoyo have five or fewer speakers.
Anthropologists are trying to learn these languages and the stories of these
peoples before the last people who speak these languages die. Italian,
Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic and English are the most common foreign languages
spoken in Venezuela. Some English words, such as "parking," have
found their way into Venezuelan Spanish.
Venezuelans often speak less formally than
people in most other Spanish-speaking countries.
Venezuelan
Society & Culture
Venezuelan
Pride
. Venezuelans are proud of their country and
heritage.
. Simon Bolivar, who liberated much of South
America from the Spanish colonialists, was born in Venezuela.
. Their flag is a national icon and is
respected and admired.
. There are four separate public holidays that
commemorate independence, during which time flags are flown outside private
houses as well as public buildings and there are street parades.
Venezuelan
Family Values
The family is the cornerstone of the social
structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. The individual derives a social network and
assistance in times of need from the extended family.
. In villages it is common for members of the
extended family to live close to one another, often on the same block.
. Nepotism an accepted practice and is
considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and
trusts is of primary importance.
Venezuelan
Hospitality
. Venezuelans pride themselves on their
hospitality.
. They go out of their way to make guests feel
welcome and comfortable.
. Venezuelan hosts cater to their every
desire.
Religion
in Venezuela
. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the
Venezuelan constitution.
. More than 90% of the population is Roman
Catholic.
. Some indigenous people practice their
traditional religions, but many have converted to Roman Catholicism.
Etiquette & Customs in Venezuela Meeting
Etiquette
. A firm handshake, with direct eye contact
and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. When shaking hands, always use
the appropriate greeting for the time of day - 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes',
or 'buenas noches'.
. When meeting groups always introduce
yourself to the eldest person first.
. When leaving, say good-bye to each person
individually.
. Since this is a formal culture, address
people by their academic or professional title and their surname until invited
to move to a first- name basis.
Gift
Giving Etiquette
. If invited to a dinner party, send flowers,
particularly orchids, in advance of the event.
. Do not give handkerchiefs since they are
considered unlucky.
. Gifts are generally opened when received.
. Always send a handwritten thank you note as
it marks you as a person with class.
Dining
Etiquette
If you are invited to a Venezuelan's house:
. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than invited.
. Arriving on time or early shows that you are
too eager, which is interpreted as greedy.
. Dress conservatively but with an elegant
flair. Smart casual dress is usually acceptable.
. Never decline an offer of coffee, as it is a
symbol of hospitality to Venezuelans.
Table
manners
. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where
to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is
held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until all other diners
are seated, unless encouraged by the host to start.
. The host saying 'buen provecho' (enjoy or
have a good meal) is the customary invitation for everyone to eat.
. In most cases, a maid or server will place
food on your plate, although large dinner parties may be buffet style.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating,
but do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Food is always eaten with utensils. Even
fruit is eaten with a knife and fork.
. Keep your napkin on your lap while eating.
. Wait for a toast to be made before taking
the first sip of your drink. Venezuelans typically toast with the word 'salud'.
. The host makes the first toast.
. When not using utensils, rest the tips on
the edge of the plate with the handles resting on the table.
. It is considered polite to leave a small
amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. When you have finished eating, place your
knife and fork diagonally across the plate with the prongs facing down and the
handles facing to the right.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Relationships
& Communications
This is a country where networking is
important since it broadens your base of personnel who might have a connection
you need.
. As with many Latin cultures, Venezuelans are
risk averse, which makes it important that they know and trust the people with
whom they do business.
. Venezuelans prefer face-to-face meetings to
doing business by telephone or in writing, which are seen as too impersonal. It
takes time to develop relationships.
. Appearances matter to Venezuelans. Dress well
and try to stay in a reputable hotel.
. Senior positions in business are
predominately held by the upper class, so it is important that you pay
attention to the hierarchy and show appropriate deference and respect to those
in positions of authority.
Business
Meeting Etiquette
. Business appointments are required and can
often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them about 2
weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax.
. Confirm meetings by fax or email, in
Spanish, at least one week before the meeting. It is best to schedule
appointments in the morning.
. Avoid scheduling meetings on Friday
afternoon, as many Venezuelans leave early for the weekend.
. It is often difficult to schedule meetings
in the two weeks before and after Christmas and Carnival, and three weeks
before and after Easter.
.Venezuelans are generally punctual for
business meetings, especially if they are accustomed to working with
international companies.
. The first meeting is formal.
. Have all written material available in both
English and Spanish.
. Decisions are not reached at meetings.
Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.
. Send a thank you note to the most senior
executive after the meeting.
Business
Negotiation
. Expect a minimal amount of small talk before
getting down to business. Older Venezuelans prefer to get to know people before
doing business with them while younger businesspeople are more concerned with
business than the social relationship.
. It will take several meetings to come to an
agreement. Negotiation and time for consultation are important.
. Relationships are viewed as more important
than business documents.
. Negotiations and decisions take a long time.
. Venezuelans focus on long- term rather than
short-term goals.
. Venezuelan business is hierarchical.
Decisions are made by the person with the most authority.
Dress
Etiquette
. Appropriate business attire is expected.
. Men should wear good quality, conservative,
dark coloured business suits.
. Women should wear stylish suits or dresses.
They should be elegantly dressed, including make-up, jewellery and manicures.
Business
Cards
. Business cards are exchanged during
introductions with everyone at a meeting.
. Have one side of your business card
translated into Spanish.
. Present your business card with the Spanish
side facing the recipient.
. Business cards should contain both your
professional and educational qualifications, since Venezuelans are status
conscious.
. Writing on someone's business card in front
of them is considered very rude.
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