3. Recommendation:

If you’re ever in the position that I was in, I recommend talking to the friend and telling him to stop prolonging the conversation and reach a “soft” conclusion such as an apology for not being able to help out during that night, and offer a different day or time to help with the favor. With the choice of another day, it is not a blunt “no” which severs the relationship, but a sign that you want to maintain the relationship for the future.

Hello there

 

1. Description:

Greeting seems to be an essential aspect for all the cultures, but not necessarily same everywhere. Ukraine and Czech Republic are alike in terms the way people greet each other, although something remains totally different. As I started living in Prague I was very surprised that people, who are not related any how greet each other. Sometimes even in the street or in the bathroom people smiled at me kindly saying “Dobry den”. Nothing like this would be observed in Ukraine because people usually greet their friends and relatives or those who they know. Otherwise people ignore someone’s presence and do not interact with you anyhow. 

2. Cross Cultural Analysis:

Having analyzed this situation, we can say that Ukrainian society is diffuse. It means that people are not likely to greet because they don’t know you in person. They’re not willing to establish any contact, unless it’s working out naturally or for a specific reason. Because of the economic turmoil and crime, people in Ukraine became even less trustworthy, thus avoiding any contacts. If one would greet others he or she might be misunderstood or person would think they have acquainted before. Czechs in this particular case express their politeness and respect with anybody they establish eye contact. Besides, they greet people a lot when they’re in closed spaces such as rooms and buildings. They don’t mean anything specific by greeting, but escaping certain discomfort when people stay close without knowing each other. 

 

3. Recommendation:

Based on the case above It’s worth to take note that you should greet people in the Czech Republic even if you don’t know them as a sign of respect and politeness. In case of Ukraine I would not suggest actively greeting strangers as they may perceive it wrongly and be suspicious about it because there might be a motive behind your willingness to establish a contact.