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

by Sarah Howard

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken

Genres: Ethiopia, History, Africa, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diese Reihe ist eine weitere grossartige Entdeckung für die FoodAndLit-Challenge und ich bin immer noch ganz begeistert von diesem Hörbuch. Es finden sich so viele Informationen darin, so viel Hintergrundwissen.

Es werden partkisch alle Bereiche des Lebens abgedeckt: Arbeit, Ernährung, Infrastruktur, Familie, Kultur, Geschichte etc. etc. Sehr interessant fand ich auch den Bereich über das Verhalten im geschäftlichen Bereich. Dieser Teil widmet sich vor allem an jene Leute, die beruflich nach Äthiopien reisen müssen und ist bestimmt sehr hilfreich.

Vieles, was hier erwähnt wird, war mir bisher völlig unbekannt, und Sachen, die ich bereits wusste, konnte ich vertiefen. Dieses Hörbuch beinhaltet sehr viel Informationen in gerade mal vier Stunden. Je nachdem kann man sich das Hören also ein wenig einteilen, damit es nicht zu viel wird. Oder man hört nur das, was einen direkt betrifft.

Oder man macht es wie ich - man ist so fasziniert, dass man gar nicht mehr aufhören kann, zuzuhören und zu staunen.

[Kareem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide serves as a comprehensive introduction to the customs and culture of a nation that is both ancient and vibrant, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding Ethiopia more deeply.

As I delved into the book, I appreciated how Howard skillfully navigates various aspects of Ethiopian culture. She provides insightful descriptions of local customs and traditions, emphasizing the importance of community and familial ties. I found her exploration of etiquette particularly helpful; the detailed dos and don'ts for social interactions felt like a necessary toolkit for respectful engagement with locals. It was clear that understanding these nuances would significantly enhance my experience in Ethiopia.

Howard also addresses the complexities of Ethiopian identity, shaped by its historical isolation and openness to outside influences. This duality resonated with me, as it highlighted how diverse cultural elements coexist within the country. The sections on religion and politics were especially enlightening, revealing how these factors influence daily life and social interactions.

One of the strengths of this guide is its practical advice. Howard equips readers with tips that are not just informative but genuinely useful for navigating various situations. From dining etiquette to understanding social hierarchies, I felt prepared to engage meaningfully with the culture. Her emphasis on cultural sensitivity reinforced the idea that appreciating local customs is key to fostering genuine connections.

I also enjoyed Howard's engaging writing style. She presents complex cultural concepts in a way that is accessible and enjoyable to read. This approach made me feel more confident about my understanding of Ethiopian culture, allowing me to appreciate its richness without feeling overwhelmed.

Ethiopia - Culture Smart! has left a lasting impression on me. It is an invitation to explore and engage with a fascinating country. Sarah Howard’s expertise shines through, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Ethiopia’s customs and culture. Whether you are planning a visit or simply wish to learn more about this remarkable nation, I wholeheartedly recommend this guide as a commendable choice.

[Corie Jakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appears to be a nice overview of Ethiopian culture. Though I haven't been yet to see how accurate it is. It's a few years old and it would be nice to have an update - the country has had several political changes in the last few years since it was written. The book is organized around family, marketplace, travel, celebrations, etc. So some information applies to more than one area and is thus repeated multiple times for each applicable area. This was a bit repettitive.

[Sylvia Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

i started reading this before i went to Ethiopia and continued with it on my return. It is not a long read but is an easy dip in and dip out book of cultural interests about this fascinating country, a trip i loved for so many reasons. Interesting even if you dont travel there but hundreds more if you do

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

2009 edition so some of the information is out-dated.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was merely okay. I read this in honor of my son's birth country for his 2nd birthday. Some of it was interesting; some wasn't; some I already knew and much of it seemed to be slanted to the middle or upper class Ethiopians. Although it took 4 days, it seemed longer and I was glad for the most part to be finished. But is a decent book to read if you know nothing about Ethiopia or are planning to travel there.

[Nikki Clementi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative short little read on Ethiopia and its culture, customs, food, history, and more.

I definitely learned more things about Ethiopia that I did not know before.

I thought it was a great read for anyone who wants to brush up on the very very basics of Ethiopia!

[JHD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely general, trivial information that could describe most countries and cultures.

[Christine Lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good basic points about history and culture of Ethiopia.