Since the dawn of the modern civilization cultural d ifferences between people , w ithin any given nation or culture , have been much greater than differences between separate groups. Education, social standing, religion, personality, belief structure, past experience, affection shown in the home, and a myriad of other factors affect human behavior and culture , shaping our different characters and personalities

You may be surprised to understand that in many cases what is considered polite in one nation is absolutely insolent in another . In some cultures "yes" means, "I hear you" more than "I agree." Length of pleasantries and greetings before getting down to business; level of tolerance for being around someone speaking a foreign (not-understood) language; politeness measured in terms of gallantry or etiquette (e.g., standing up for a woman who approaches a table, yielding a seat on the bus to an older person, etc.); and manner of expected dress are all examples of possible cultural differences and traditions.

In México it is customary for the arriving person to greet the others. For instance, someone who walks into a group of persons eating would say ‘ provecho ’ (enjoy your meal). In Chile, women often greet both other women and men with a kiss on the cheek. In Russia women often walk arm in arm with their female friends. Also, if you give a banana to a woman in Russia , it means that you have romantic intentions towards her; if you give it in Bulgaria it means that she is just hungry.

There are cultural and ideological differences and it is advisable to have an understanding about culture's traditions and beliefs . Paying attention to customs and cultural differences can give someone outside that culture a better chance of assimilation or acceptance. Ignoring these can get an unsuspecting person into trouble.