While there are some universally recognizable facial expressions, different cultures have different rules for displaying them. This article looks at why Americans smile more than people from other countries.
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/05/why-americans-smile-so-much/524967/
What’s rude (or acceptable) vary internationally!
“By some estimates, more than 100,000 Chinese students, some as young as 10, flocked to the United States this summer to delve into American life and culture. Some studied diligently in programs intended to improve their SAT scores. Others kicked back and enjoyed more leisurely pursuits, on group tours that visited Las Vegas, New York and Disneyland. Some attended outdoor camps.
The surge in students traveling to the United States for the summer is the latest iteration in China’s booming multibillion-dollar overseas education business. Until recently, the vast number of Chinese education agencies that broker students’ entry to American colleges and private high schools concentrated on preparing them at home in China. They coached well-off, fee-paying, and, in some cases, brilliant Chinese students in the intricacies of the American admissions process.”
One of the challenges of international business is encountering people whose ideas of politeness are different from your own. This commercial for HBSC bank provides an example.
The Intercultural Communication Institute sponsors a wonderful Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication each July. The website and list of this year’s courses is at http://www.intercultural.org.
Intercultural Resources 