Mexico - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Russell Maddicks

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people. The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world. This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today. Culture Smart! Mexico  takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There’s advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely, communicating, and provides you with the tools you need to make the most of your time in Mexico. Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Audiobook

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Beth Voecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for my trip to Mexico next fall! :)

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein weiteres sehr informatives und nützliches Werk aus der Culture Smart-Reihe. Egal, für welches Land, ich kann diese Titel allen Reisenden nur wärmstens empfehlen. Dabei spielt es keine Rolle, ob man als Tourist, Geschäftsmensch oder Student/in in das entsprechende Land reist - diese Bücher sind äusserst hilfreich, wenn man sich mit der neuen und vielleicht noch fremden Kultur auseinandersetzen möchte.

Es werden alle Themen des alltäglichen (Zusammen-)Lebens abgearbeitet. Dies unterscheidet Culture Smart von herkömmlichen Reiseführern. Anstatt Tipps, welche Hotels und Restaurants man besuchen sollte, erhält man Informationen dazu, wie man sich in entsprechenden Etablissements zu verhalten hat.

Ich bevorzuge es, die Hörbuch-Version zu hören, da man auf diese Weise auch mitbekommt, wie bestimmte Namen, Wörter etc. ausgesprochen werden. Aber am besten ist hierbei wohl eine Kombination aus Hörbuch und Printedition, damit man sich auch Textstellen gut merken kann.

Auch die Ausgabe Mexiko konnte mich vollends überzeugen und ich habe sehr viel über dieses Land und seine Bewohner lernen dürfen.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read if you have a day to do so.

This book is a good introduction to Mexico, if you're planning on visiting. For me, it was a good introduction to the country that holds a bulk of my ancestral heritage.

With sections spanning Government, History, and food, as well as business dealings and transportation, this book is an invaluable addition to my library, especially as I plan my own trip.

[Claudia Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

While an extensively informative book about Mexico, where I certainly again learned new things about this amazing country, I also couldn’t help but cringe at some of the misinformation provided. However, one of the most irritating things, as I listened to the audio book while doing chores, was the utterly horrendous slaughtering of the Spanish language in the absolute mispronunciation of places, people, foods, and the likes. I shuddered each time.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief, like it's supposed to be, a few good tidbits about holidays and history. Doesn't really get into regional differences all that much, yet México is *incredibly* diverse. Would work as a crash course if you were leaving on a trip there in a few days.

[Karli Sherwinter · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to read guide to the history, customs, and people of Mexico. It doesn’t go veryin-depth, but I always like to start with something like this before I travel to another country. I think this version is slightly out of date, but it gives you a general sense of cultural cues to be aware of.

[Fureigh Fureigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook is rife with glaringly mispronounced Spanish words and phrases. Consider yourself warned.