Cultural Awareness in Romania

Cultural Awareness in Romania

The objective of this work in writing is to examine cultural awareness in Romania. The official language of Romania is stated to be that of Romanian and the primary issues in relation to language in Romania is stated to be the "protection of the languages of the 10 minority ethnic groups." (Compendium, 2011) Protective principles are such that can be located in the 'Local Public Administration Law' No. 215.2001 which includes the "right to use a mother tongue within administrative procedures (Article 8) or the systematic translation of geographical names and indicators in all the spoken languages of a given area (Article 10 to 13)." (Compendium, 2011) The primary priorities of Romanian cultural public policies "in the cultural field" have undergone recent changes. (Compendium, 2011) IN 2010, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage priorities are "supporting the national heritage and contemporary creation." Mid-term priorities are stated to be inclusive of protecting and promoting national Romanian heritage, decentralizing Romanian "decision-making and administration, supporting cultural and creative industries and the independent cultural sector, improving infrastructure and management of cultural institutions and cultural facilities and the pontifical of culture and cultural heritage." ( )

I. Customary Greetings

The initial greetings in Romania are stated to be "formal and reserved: a handshake, direct eye contact, and the appropriate greeting for the time of day." (Kwintessential, 2011) Some older Romanians are stated to kiss the hand of a woman upon their meeting the woman although it is not expected that foreign men will kiss the hand of a Romanian woman. (Kwintessential, 2011) Close friends usually kiss and hug one another upon meeting and the way this is done is to kiss twice once on each cheek starting with the left cheek. It is suggested that one should allow the Romanian friends to make the determination of when the friendship has reached the appropriate level of intimacy for this greeting kiss. (Kwintessential, 2011) When one is invited to visit the home of a Romanian it is appropriate to take flowers, although the bouquet should contain an odd number of flowers since even numbers in flowers are that reserved for funerals. Chocolates and imported liquor are also stated to be appropriate gifts to take to the Romanian host. It is appropriate to take gifts to the children when visiting a Romanian home. It is customary in Romania for gifts to be opened upon receipt. (Kwintessential, 2011, paraphrased)

II. Appropriate Dining Etiquette

When invited to dinner in Romania is it critically important to arrive on time although when one attends a party it is appropriate to be up to 15 minute later in arriving than the stated time the party is set to begin. When attending dinner or a party one should dress as though they dress when going to the office. Upon arrival, if there are shoes at the front door, then one should remove their shoes upon entering the home. There are usually formal seating arrangements at dinner in Romania. One should not begin eating until the host says "pofta buna" meaning "good appetite." (Kwintessential, 2011) Table manners are stated to be Continental in Romania, specifically one should hold the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left while eating, and the napkin should remain on the table rather than go on the lap. While dining keep hands visible with wrists on the table's edge. While dining in Romania the individual will always be offered second and third helpings and the guest will be required to insist that they are unable to eat any more since the refusal is viewed as proper etiquette rather than taken seriously in the Romanian culture. When one has finished eating the knife and fork should be crossed on the plate and prongs of the fork should be face down with handles leaning to the right. (Kwintessential, 2011, paraphrased)

III. Business Etiquette & Protocol

The government of Romania is highly bureaucratic and personal relationships are critically important. Because business in Romania is characterized by "overlapping local bureaucracies," the conduction of business in Romania "is a time consuming process that requires perseverance." (Kwintessential, 2011) The preference of the Romanian people in business is interrelations with those who are "down-to-earth and do not brag about their accomplishments or financial achievements." (Kwintessential, 2011) The Romanian people take great pride in the use of etiquette that is proper at all times and their expectations of others are for the same.

When in Romania and unsure of the appropriate protocol one should begin in a formal style allowing the business associates to move the relationship from a formal to informal level. Business meetings make a requirement of appointments, which are scheduled at least two to three weeks in advance. The preference for scheduling appointments is stated to be in the form of sending a letter. One should avoid scheduling meetings in July or August as these are traditional vacation months in Romania. Additionally one should avoid scheduling meetings in Romania two weeks prior to Christmas and a week prior to and after Easter. (Kwintessential, 2011, paraphrased)

Punctuality is a requirement. When attending a meeting in Romania, one should expect to wait and to be instructed where they should sit. One should not remove their suit jacket until they are told it is acceptable or until the most senior in rank Romanian removes their suit jacket. Prior to the start of the business meeting, there will be a period of becoming acquainted with others attending the meeting. (Kwintessential, 2011, paraphrased)

When conducting business in Romania one should remember to take business cards with them to meetings since these create a good impression in Romania. When one engages in small talk in Romania, they should always avoid discussing the subjects of religion or minorities and should never engage in criticism on economics or politics. Business hours are longer in Romania than in Western Europe. (Rabobank International, 2011, paraphrased)