Intercultural Communication and Translation News

Language isn’t the only hurdle when it comes to visiting Mexico: Some everyday Mexican customs can feel just as foreign as Español to a U.S. traveler — and can present a potential minefield of embarrassment. Just keep in mind that etiquette in Mexico is firmly rooted in Mexicans’ pride in their country, their accomplishments, their families, their villages and towns. Respect this pride — and the following do’s and don’ts — and you’ll keep your foot firmly out of your mouth.

Prolonged direct eye contact can be seen as challenging and aggressive, especially between men. If a Mexican looks away when you are speaking, he or she is more likely being respectful than inattentive.

* Faux pas alert: If a woman holds a man’s gaze for more than a few seconds, it may be interpreted as a sexual overture.

Read more: Mexico 

The High Level Group on Multilingualism transmitted to Commissioner Orban its final report with recommendations to the Commission for actions in the field of multilingualism, which concentrates on several areas: raising awareness and enhancing motivation on language learning; the potential of the media in evoking, enhancing and sustaining motivation for language learning; languages for business; interpretation and translation – new trends and needs; regional or minority languages; research into multilingualism.

The Group, comprising 11 experts from across Europe, which was set up in response to the 2005 Communication “A new framework strategy for multilingualism”, was given the remit to ‘provide support and advice in developing initiatives, as well as fresh impetus and ideas for a comprehensive approach to multilingualism in the European Union’.

Read more: The EU