- German idiom meaning this is the important part

To count stars

-Russian for twiddling your thumbs

To lose the stirrup

-Italian, Spanish for losing your temper

Become famous, then go to sleep.

- South American proverb

Malay & Tagalog Words
ketchup:from kicap, meaning “fish sauce”
launch:a type of boat
orangutan:from orang, meaning “man” and hutan, “wilderness, jungle”

Tagalog (northern Philippines)
boondocks:from bundok, meaning “mountain.” During the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, the word was adopted by American soldiers, who used it to refer to any far-off or wild place. Later it passed into the general vocabulary.

Cantonese (southern China, Hong Kong)

chop suey – from a word meaning “miscellaneous bits.”
chow – related to chop in chop suey, from a word meaning “food, miscellany.”
kumquat – a small citrus fruit.
typhoon – from the words for “great wind.”
yen – meaning a “yearning” or “strong desire.”

Mandarin (Beijing, China; official national standard)

gung ho – a motto used by the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society, from words meaning “work together.” It was picked up by U.S. Marines during World War II.

kow-tow – from words meaning “to knock [one's] head.”

Most Indian restaurants offer a variety of appetizers. The most popular one is the samosa which is like a savory meat and potato-stuffed turnover. Other popular appetizers are
o vegetable samosa which is a vegetarian turnover stuffed with potatoes, peas, spices and herbs.
o lamb samosa is the same as the vegetable version with ground lamb mixed in.
o sev puri is a crisp wheat wafer topped with onions, potatoes, chutney and sprinkled with chickpeas.
o chicken chaat is pieces of marinated boneless chicken tossed with a blend of spices called chaat masala.
o shrimp pakora is shrimp marinated with ginger, light green chili and cilantro.
o aloo tikki is an Indian potato pancake topped with chopped onions, tamarind and green chili chutney.

Indian food is a vegetarian paradise. After thousands of years of the vegetarian-espousing Hindu religious influence, Indian chefs have taken vegetables to a new level.
o Vegetable bhuna is vegetables sautéed with spices.
o Akbari kofta are potato balls stuffed with nuts in a mild sauce.
o Bengan aloo is eggplant and potatoes sautéed in spices.
o Bhartha is roasted eggplant sautéed with onion, tomato, green peas and spices.
o Gobi aloo is cauliflower and potatoes sautéed in garlic and ginger and then steamed in a sauce.
o Saag paneer is spinach cooked with homemade cheese.
o Channa masala is chickpeas prepared in onions and tomato sauce.
o Bhindi masala is okra sautéed with onions, Serrano chilies and spices.

Most of the food is cooked fresh so it is always safe to eat – whether in a restaurant or on the streets of India. Most places do not keep food overnight. Food that is purchased in the morning is cooked and served the same day. Most restaurants cook their food to order and start from scratch thus ensuring the quality, taste and feel of the Indian cuisine.

When in an Indian restaurant, do not ask for beef or pork. Many Indians are either Hindus or Muslims. In Hinduism, the cow is considered a sacred animal so it cannot be eaten. Similarly, Muslims consider the pig to be a very filthy animal so it cannot be eaten.

Different regions of India prepare their meats in unique ways.
o Tandoori salmon is a wild salmon marinated in spices, garlic and ginger.
o Shrimp tandoori is jumbo shrimp marinated in oregano.
o Tandoori chicken is chicken marinated in spices.
o Mint chicken kebab is boneless chicken marinated in fresh mint.
o Shrimp bhuna is jumbo shrimp prepared in garlic, ginger, celery, mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, tomatoes and cilantro.

Traditionally, meals are eaten while seated either on the floor or on very low stools. Meals are eaten with the fingers of the right hand and Indian flat bread is used to scoop up some of the food. Etiquette dictates eating with just the right hand and only using two fingers.

Indian food wouldn’t be complete without rice and bread.
o Basmati rice is aromatic rice suffused with saffron.
o Banarasi pulao is fresh vegetables, nuts and raisins with basmati rice.
o Gucchi pillau is mushrooms cooked with basmati rice.
o Naan is fresh tandoor-baked white bread.
o Cheese naan is naan stuffed with cheddar, parmesan and cream cheeses.
o Garlic naan is naan topped with freshly chopped garlic.
o Onion kulcha is naan topped with freshly chopped onion. Paratha is whole wheat unleavened bread.
o Aloo paratha is whole wheat bread studded with spiced potatoes.

For many Indians, when they invite you to a restaurant, it generally means they are the host and they are going to pay the bill. Of course, it depends on the individual and the nature of the invitation.

According to Wendy Pease, Executive Director of Rapport International, “Part of being successful in international business is learning about new cultures. Being open to trying new things is a big asset and will help you connect with your business associates around the world. Once you open your mind to trying new cuisines, you will be amazed at how much you enjoy a variety of dishes.” Rapport International is a full-service translation and interpretation company based in metro-west Boston, MA. Rapport International can help you learn about the nuisances of different cultures and provide quality translation done by experienced translators in over 100 languages

For international use, it is important to provide a translation of the card information on the reverse side. For accuracy, please hire a professional translation agency. The card needs the basic information: name, title, company, and contact information. By using a professional translation agency such as Rapport International, you will be made aware of cultural nuances. Depending on the country, there are specific paper and ink preferences.

CEO of Culture Coach International (CCI), Kari Heistad writes, “Understanding the norms and values of the local culture while traveling internationally helps to avoid giving offense. Observing the appropriate etiquette communicates respect and facilitates communication. In many parts of the globe a business card carries much greater significance than a handy means to trade contact information. For the most part, the exchange of cards occurs at the beginning or end of the initial meeting although this detail should be clarified for any given nation before traveling there.”

In Japan, the business card is treated with respect and honor and there is a lot of ceremony involved with presenting and receiving cards. When you are offered a card, receive it with both hands; bow, and express appreciation for the meeting. It is polite to examine the card and make a comment. Please note that it is rude to put the card away immediately. It is also unacceptable to use the blank areas to make notes.

In China, it is important to present your card before asking for one. As in Japan, accept the card with both hands; bow, and thank the person for the opportunity to meet them. Review the card and try to make a small comment or clarification. Again, do not put the card away and do not write on the blank areas. And, absolutely do not put it in your back pocket – this is a big insult.

In India, there is no need to translate your card as English is widely spoken in the Indian business world. Make sure you have plenty of cards as business cards are exchanged in non-business or social situations. In most Islamic countries, you should present and receive cards with your right hand because one never knows what you might have been doing with your left hand.
Knowing the cultural nuances of the country you are visiting is an important business skill. By not presenting and receiving cards in a positive manor, you may insult your business associates. Customs that are accepted in one country may not be accepted in another. It is up to you to consult a translation and interpretation company in order to be prepared. Rapport International can help you learn about the variations between different cultures. Based in metro-west Boston, Rapport can provide quality translation done by experienced translators in over 100 languages.