PROJECT - 4TH YEAR CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

India and Poland – cultural comparison

Bartosz Dubinowski 4b2

Description of Polish culture:

Values in Polish culture:

 Family happiness
 Good health
 Honesty
 Peaceful and quiet life
 Wellbeing at work
 Faith
 Education
 Friends
 Individuality
 Devotion
 Hospitality
 Modesty
 Material well-being
 Fatherland well-being
 The right to express one's opinions

Stereotypes in Poland:

Polish veins are filled with pure vodka.

This has to be the most pervasive prejudice about Poles in general. Vodka, as a nightcap, a
friend-maker, and a permanent presence on Polish tables, is an essential part of every
family gathering. Poles don't drink vodka instead of water, and it's not appropriate for every
situation. In comparison to Western Europe, consumption is still very high, although fashions
and habits change. Drinks that are more "trendy" and less spirited have become popular
among the younger generation. The wine culture is on the upswing, as evidenced by the
selection in Polish stores. Craft beers have been increasingly popular in recent years. Poles
quickly picked up the habit of sampling drinks. Pure vodka is still consumed at large events
(such as weddings and family gatherings), particularly in the countryside. It's a typical aspect
of a traditional celebration among the elder generation.
All Poles are passionate Catholics.
It is a fact that above 80% of Poles declare themselves to be Catholic. As a matter of fact,
fewer and fewer people attend church regularly or adhere to conservative religious beliefs.
Politics and the conservative Catholic church have been increasingly entangled in recent
years, providing the impression of a powerful conservative Catholic country. However, In
Poland there are more and more people who are tolerant and open to other religions and
cultures.

Poles are unable to communicate in any foreign language.

In comparison to other European Union countries, just 8% of Poles claimed to be able to
speak at least one foreign language as of 2016. For 45 years, Poland was ruled by the
Soviet Union, and learning a foreign language was punishable by imprisonment. And it's for
this reason that so many older individuals still speak Russian fluently. But what about the
younger generation, those who wish to study and work in other countries? It’s on the
contrary. In some Polish schools, learning at least two foreign languages is now required. As
a result, a university graduate should be able to converse in at least two of them. The most
choosable languages are English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Furthermore, it has
become fashionable to begin teaching children multiple languages at an early age. People in
Poland have begun to recognize that speaking other languages is a must for obtaining a
profitable career in today's market.

Poland has an excessive amount of crime.

Poland is ranked midway in the middle, according to statistics. In comparison to other
Western European countries, there are far less robberies and crimes here. Furthermore,
many Chinese immigrants claim that living in Poland is preferable to living in Communist,
totalitarian China. Summing up, even though Poland is a wonderful location to live, accidents
and crimes do obviously occur.

Immigrants are despised by Poles.

This cliché, like all the big stereotypes, is only half true. We may deduce from a nationwide
survey that half of Poles would gladly accept any immigrant into Poland. We can no longer
accept what we see on television now that an anti-immigrant government is in control.
Certainly, there are less immigrants in Poland than in other European countries, and as a
result, there are fewer events involving immigrants, such as beatings or robberies. There is
high probability to meet people from other nations in large cities. The majority are
Ukrainians, however there are a variety of other ethnicities represented.

Poles are always complaining.

That is, to some extent, correct. Poles are unquestionably people who enjoy complaining.
But who wouldn't, given the country's tragic history and inept government? This practice
stretches back to the Soviet era. Buying toilet paper or sugar during that time would entail
standing in line for twelve hours only to be told that it was sold out for the day. Who among
us would not become enraged and complain? On the other hand, several cabaret and
comedy events arose during that time period. In today's Poland, complaining isn't really
popular. For the most part, Poles have finally learned to be happy, content, and relaxed.

Aren’t Poles all communists?

No. Stalin essentially took over the country by putting committed communist spies in key
government positions and rigging all of the elections. Furthermore, through the Solidarność
movement, Poland defeated communism from within, paving the door for other Eastern Bloc
countries to do the same. There was even talk of outright banning the communist party. To
put things in perspective, the old communists' successor party received 8.24 percent of the
vote in the 2011 election, while an American survey in the same year showed support for a
communist takeover of the US at 11 percent.

Poland is a small European country located in the east.

Unfortunately, many individuals outside of Europe still have little knowledge about Poland,
particularly its location on the world map and geographical features. Poland is not in the
east, but at the very middle of Europe. After WWII, when Poland was portrayed as one of the
Soviet Union's weaker countries, such an opinion arose. Furthermore, Poland is one of
Europe's larger countries, with an area comparable to the state of New Mexico.

Silesia is made of coal.

Surprisingly, the image of Silesia as a filthy industrial region with a mining environment and
youngsters playing with coal lumps is still alive. In truth, the Silesian Region is an
extraordinarily green and geographically diversified region, with woods covering 13% of its
total area and Katowice being Poland's second greenest city. Katowice has grown
significantly, and we now connect it with modern services, attractive architecture, and the
best musical events in the country, rather than coal. When tourists see Katowice for the first
time, they are often pleasantly surprised. All those returning to the city after a long absence
are astounded by the appearance. After all, Silesia is a modern civilization that is rapidly
expanding.

Gifts in Poland
Rules of giving gifts in Poland:
- Giving the hostess an odd number of unwrapped flowers when visiting her home is a
thoughtful gift.
- Roses are reserved for lovers, carnations are the symbol of the labor movement and
chrysanthemums are used for funerals. Gerberas may be the flower to gift.
- It is forbidden to open gifts in front of the giver.
- Hard liquors and liqueurs, as well as gourmet coffee and perfume, make excellent gifts.
- Excessively pricey gifts should be avoided. Such presents may cause embarrassment to
the recipient.
 Body language in Poland
Jedzie mi tu czołg?
If a discussion partner is talking nonsense or lying, Poles would delicately pull down the skin
behind their eye with their index finger to signify that they don't believe what they're saying or
that they don't share their point of view. This indicates that they do not agree with or believe
the speaking person's utterance. "Jedzie mi tu czołg?" or "Jedzie mi tu tramwaj?" can be
translated literally as 'Do you see a tank here?' or 'Do you see a tram here?'.

Puknij się w łeb

Puknij się w łeb ('Tap yourself on the head') is a Polish gesture used in a variety of
situations. When drivers break the laws of the road, pedestrians may say: 'What do you think
you're doing,' and use the aforementioned gesture. In addition, if someone says something
stupid or ridiculous during a conversation one can use the "puknij się w łeb" gesture. The
gesture is always seen as implying that someone is not fully exploiting their intellectual
abilities. However, a tap on the forehead is not necessarily directed at another person; it is
sometimes used by Poles to indicate that they have done or spoken something foolish but, in
this case, a whole hand is used, not an index finger.

Fancy a drink?
Poles enjoy vodka and beer, and wine and cider have been increasingly popular in recent
years. Poles tap their necks with the side of their palms to indicate that someone is drinking
too much or to ask friends to go drinking. This gesture is an obvious allusion to inebriation or
a large-scale alcohol-fueled celebration, not just a meeting over a single glass of wine.

Figa z makiem (Forget it)

This is a rude and very Polish way of letting your conversation partner know you're not
interested in doing anything. By placing your thumb between the pointer and middle finger of
a closed fist, you can make a figa z makiem (lit. 'fig with poppy'). It's used to say 'no way!',
'not going to happen!', or 'forget it!' when rejecting a proposition.

Trzymam kciuki (Fingers crossed)

Crossing one's fingers is a typical hand gesture used to wish for good fortune. On the other
hand, Polish children frequently use the gesture as a justification for making a white lie. The
literal translation of this body language gesture is 'I'm holding my thumbs'.

May I?
As far as Polish students are concerned (especially in primary and secondary school) they
don't raise their hands, that is, their open palms, in the traditional sense. Instead, they
stretch their arm upwards while holding only their index and middle fingers up, and ask 'May
I respond?' or just answers the question when teacher permits.
Like that will happen
'When pigs fly,' or 'If that happens, I'll eat my hat/shoe,' are presumably known phrases.
There are numerous proverbs in every language that emphasize how odd and bizarre
something is. In Polish there is: "Prędzej kaktus mi wyrośnie na ręce" which can be
translated into 'A cactus would rather grow on my hand'. The phrase is usually accompanied
by pointing to an open palm with an index finger.

Colours in Polish culture

Poland's national flag has two equal horizontal bars of white (top) and red (bottom). The
white color signifies the people of Poland's wish for peace. The color red represents the
countless battles for freedom that have taken place throughout history.

Colours in Polish folklore

As far as colours in Polish folklore are concerned, clear and saturated colors were
associated with positive parts of life, but darker and muddier tones were associated with
forbidden love, egoism, rape, and revenge - all of which were associated with the darker
aspects of existence or the world of spirits and demons.
Saturated red was seen as a powerful color, and was frequently mentioned in rural magickal
activities, as well as myths and legends. It was connected with warmth, fertility, well-being,
energy, riches, and beauty in a metaphorical sense. It was a color of blood and fire, and it
was unmistakably associated with fire, as well as the Sun and lightning.
What is more, For the people of the countryside, red was a powerful color that conjured up
images of fertility and, above all, security. It was thought to be a color of good health and
beauty. Red ribbons and red coral necklaces, which were frequently worn with Polish
regional clothing, were the most important elements of apotropaic magic, and the best
amulets for warding off the "evil eye" or good luck charms. When it comes to houses, red
decorative ornaments were hung from the ceilings for protection.

Black. The color black can represent both death and life: the blackness of the underworld
and the night, as well as the life-giving "black earth" (in Polish: czarnoziem). The color black
is associated with the earth and primordial wilderness, the underworld, and the unknown.
Many spirits live in murky black water, and a black-colored sea appears in traditional tales as
a path to the underworld.
Black was once thought to be a color of rejection or alienation. In Poland there was a
tradition to serve "black soup" to a man whose marriage proposal was turned down by a
family.
A so-called "czarna izba" (black room) played a significant role in everyday life in rural
households. It was in this chamber that the hearth (stove) could be found. The soot that had
built up on the walls gave the chamber its name. It was the living space where many home
spirits, such as "domowiki," loved to hide close to the source of warmth, and it was also the
primary room at home where most of the regular family life took place.
White. White was connected with a metaphysical state between the worlds of the living and
the dead in Slavic rural cosmology, a thin veil through which deceased souls could appear.
It's really dualistic in that sense. The color represented both life and profound sleep, rebirth
and death, cleanliness and disease.
White used to be a color associated with a ritual transition between phases of human life,
particularly those in which life and death were near together. In that sense, it was the best
color to accompany humanity through the three most crucial transitional states, which in
Slavic tradition were the times of birth, marriage, and death, which marked the most
vulnerable states of a human life cycle. White attire was created for those who were closest
to the veil between the worlds: newborns and the deceased, as well as those who mourned
them. Interestingly, for a funeral, the dead member of the community's feet were wrapped in
white fabric.

Ice-breakers in Polish culture, list of topics:

 Sports achievements
 Sports events
 Polish football clubs
 Polish Nobel laureates
 Weather
 Complaining
 Jokes about Germany, Russia
 Traditional Polish foods
 History: The greatest victories in the history of Poland i.e, The Miracle on the Vistula,
The 1920 Battle of Warsaw, The 1683 siege of Vienna.
 Polish struggle for freedom and independence - the Napoleonic Wars, World War I,
and World War II
 Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Polish Golden Age
 Architecture – castles, churches, beautiful cities and towns
 Tourist Attractions, holy relicts, rare items (I.e., original copies of Gutenberg’s Bible in
Pelpin)
 Diverse environments (I.e., Ancient forests, mountain chains, sandy coastline)
 Cultural icons of Poland in music, art, literature, science (Frédéric Chopin, Nicolaus
Copernicus, Jan Matejko)
 Holidays, traditions and Polish customs
 Most successful cultural export – The Witcher (books, video games)
 Poland’s most entertaining educators: Julian Tuwim, Jan Brzechwa, Aleksander
Fredro
 The most famous Polish car - Maluch

Ice-makers in Polish culture, list of topics:

 Politics
 Religion
 Misconduct of priests
  LGBTQ
 Sex education
 Abortion
 Gay rights
 Same-sex marriages
 Drugs/soft drug use
 Euthanasia
 Suicides among children
 Auschwitz and other concentration camps
 The Warsaw Uprising: Was it all worth it?
 Martial law in Poland
 Communism
 The so-called Soviet liberation of Poland
 Alcoholism in Poland and chronic heavy drinking
 Family 500+ programme and Polish economy
 Anti-Semitism and historical Polish-Jewish relationships
 Heavy bureaucracy
 Immigrants
 Xenophobia
 Other controversial topics such as Cursed soldiers in Poland, Pope John Paul II
(allegations and presuppositions)

Dimensions of cultures by Geert Hofstede:

 Individualism-Collectivism
 Uncertainty Avoidance
 Power distance
 Masculinity-Femininity
 Long-term orientation
 Indulgence versus Self-restraint (added by Hofstede in 2010)

Power distance
The dimension addresses the fact that not everyone in a society is equal — it displays the
culture's attitude toward inequalities among us. The extent to which the less powerful
members of institutions and organizations within a society expect and accept unequal power
distribution is characterized as power distance.
Poland is a socially hierarchical country. This implies that people accept a hierarchical
structure in which everyone has a position and no more reason is required. The ideal boss is
a benign despot, and hierarchy in an organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities.
Centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do, and hierarchy in an
organization is regarded as reflecting inherent inequities.

Individualism-Collectivism
The degree of interdependence a society preserves among its members is the key issue
addressed by this dimension. It all comes down to whether people define themselves in
terms of "I" or "We". Individualist civilizations expect people to primarily care for themselves
and their immediate family. People in collectivist cultures are members of "in groups" that
look after them in exchange for their loyalty.
Poland is a society based on individualism. This indicates a strong preference for a loosely-
knit social structure in which people are solely expected to care for themselves and their
immediate family. Offense produces remorse and a loss of self-esteem in Individualist
societies; the employer/employee relationship is a contract based on mutual benefit; hiring
and promotion choices are intended to be made only on merit.

Masculinity-Femininity
High masculinity. In this dimension, it is indicated that competition, achievement, and
success will drive society, with success defined by the winner / best in field - a value system
that begins in school and continues throughout organizational life.
Low masculinity (Femininity). In this dimension, it is indicated that caring for others and
quality of life are the prevailing values in society. In a Feminine society, living a good life is a
sign of success, and standing out from the norm is frowned upon. The primary question here
is whether people are motivated by a desire to be the best (masculine) or by a desire to
enjoy what they do (Feminine).
Poland is a masculine society. People "live in order to work" in Masculine countries, where
managers are supposed to be decisive and assertive, where the emphasis is on equity,
competition, and performance, and where problems are settled by fighting them out.

Uncertainty Avoidance
Uncertainty Avoidance is a dimension that deals with how a society copes with the fact that
the future cannot be predicted: should we strive to control it or just let it happen? This
ambiguity causes anxiety, which different societies have learned to cope with in different
ways. The score on Uncertainty Avoidance reflects the extent to which individuals of a
culture feel frightened by ambiguous or unclear events and have constructed beliefs to try to
avoid them.
Poland places a high value on avoiding uncertainty. Uncertainty Avoidance is strong in
countries that maintain rigid norms of thought and behavior and are intolerant of
unconventional behavior and ideas. Time is money in these cultures, people have an innate
drive to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norm, innovation may be
rejected, and security is a key aspect in individual motivation.

Long-term orientation
This dimension shows how, despite dealing with the issues of the present and future, every
society must maintain some ties to its own past, and cultures prioritize these two existential
aims differently. Normative societies, for example, who score low on this dimension, tend to
uphold long-standing traditions and conventions while viewing societal change with
skepticism. Those with a high-scoring culture, on the other hand, take a more pragmatic
approach, encouraging thrift and investment in contemporary education as a means of
preparing for the future.
Poland is a normative country rather than a pragmatic one. People in such civilizations are
preoccupied with establishing the absolute Truth; their thinking is normative. They have a
high regard for tradition, a low proclivity to invest for the future, and a strong desire to
achieve quick results.

Indulgence
The degree to which little children are socialized is a difficulty that humanity faces now and
in the past. We do not become "human" without socialization. This dimension is described as
how far people try to regulate their urges and impulses as a result of their upbringing.
"Indulgence" refers to a lack of control, while "Restraint" refers to a strong level of control. As
a result, cultures might be classified as either indulgent or restrained.
Polish culture is a Restraint culture. Cynicism and pessimism are prevalent. In addition,
unlike Indulgent civilizations, restrained societies place less importance on leisure time and
exercise greater control over the fulfillment of their needs. People with this viewpoint believe
that their behaviors are constrained by social norms, and that indulging themselves is
unethical.

Dimensions of cultures by Richard Gesteland:

 Deal-Focus vs. Relationship-Focus

 Formal vs. Informal Cultures
 Rigid-Time (Monochronic) vs. Fluid-Time (Polychronic) Cultures
 Expressive vs. Reserved Cultures

Deal-Focus vs. Relationship-Focus

According to Gesteland, this is the most important feature for cataloging diverse corporate
cultures. Deal-focused cultures are task-oriented. It is not difficult for them to make contact
with strangers. It is critical that they communicate clearly. Many issues can be resolved over
the phone or by email. Disagreements are written down and settled. This group includes
Nordic and Germanic countries, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Relationship-
focused cultures, on the other hand, focus on the individuals with whom they are dealing. It
is best to do business with someone you know because it is tough to close a transaction with
someone you don't know. The phrasing is deceptive. This category includes the Arab world,
most of Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Polish businesspeople frequently display characteristics of both relationship-focused and
deal-focused approaches to business, which is an unusual blend of cultural characteristics.
While it is crucial to build strong relationships, Polish negotiators are known for being blunt at
the negotiating table.
Formal vs. Informal Cultures
Formality in communication is a technique of demonstrating respect in formal societies.
People's differences in position and rank are valued. Academic degrees and doctorates are
considered. Examples include the majority of Europe and Asia, the Mediterranean Region,
the Arab World, and Latin American countries. Informal behavior is not regarded impolite in
informal cultures. The examples of informal cultures: United States, Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.
In general, the communication approach in Poland is more formal than in other countries.
For example, despite the fact that it may be perplexing to individuals of other cultures, Polish
people rarely greet their teachers with “cześć” (hello), even if they meet them every day for
several years. “Dzień dobry” (Good morning) is a common phrase used by Poles in stores,
pharmacy, hospitals, schools, offices etc. Furthermore, when Poles are surrounded by
people they do not know well, they always address strangers as ‘’Pani’’ (Ms.) or ‘‘Pan’’ (Mr.).
As far as business culture is concerned, Polish business culture is more formal. Business
meetings in Poland are more formal due to the necessary use of handshakes, titles-first-and-
last-names, hierarchy, and protocol adherence. Poles are likely to maintain a direct and
focused professionalism, with the focus fast shifting to substantive concerns.

Rigid-Time (Monochronic) vs. Fluid-Time (Polychronic) Cultures

Time schedules and timeliness are critical in rigid-time cultures. Deadlines are set in stone,
and meetings are rarely disrupted. Nordic and Germanic Europe, North America, and Japan
are all good examples. People and relationships, rather than punctuality or necessary
programming, are more crucial in fluid-time environments. This category includes the Arab
world, most of Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia.
Poland has a monochronic culture. Generally, people are aware of the importance of
punctuality, schedules and deadlines. Moreover, people stick to previously accepted plans,
they rarely get late and if so, apologies are always provided.

Expressive vs. Reserved Cultures

Speaking loudly is normal in expressive cultures. They are frequently bothered by silence.
There is little interpersonal gap in discussion, and physical contact is common. Sincerity is
demonstrated by people looking straight into each other's eyes. When one’s talking, their
hands move a lot. The Mediterranean region, Latin Europe, and Latin America are all known
for this. People in reserved cultures, on the other hand, speak quietly. It's normal to expect
some interpersonal distance. Continuous visual contact is often avoided. There aren't many
hand and arm gestures. Examples include East and Southeast Asia, as well as Nordic and
Germanic Europe.
Poles are variably expressive. To put it another way, a foreigner might expect a wide
spectrum of emotions from a single person, ranging from being thoughtful and patient to loud
and interruptive, obviously depending on the context or situation.
When it comes to business culture, Polish negotiators are known for their patience and
politeness. It's not uncommon for negotiations to be interrupted by periods of silence. Trying
to fill the silence with meaningless chatter is pointless. What matters is the crucial
information.

Dimensions of cultures by Edward Hall:

 Context
 Space
 Time

Context: High-Context versus Low-Context Cultures

The way a message is communicated is referred to as high or low context. The physical
context of the message is extremely important in high-context cultures such as those that
can be seen in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. People are more indirect in their
communication and expect the person with whom they are interacting to decipher the implicit
elements in their messages. While the one who sends the message takes great effort in
drafting it, the person who receives it is expected to read it in context. In a low-context
culture, the message could lack the linguistic directness someone would anticipate. Body
language is as significant as, if not more important than, the words expressed in high-context
societies.
People in low-context cultures, such as the USA and most Northern European countries,
communicate in a more explicit and straightforward manner. Individual requirements must be
met. "Say what you mean" and "Don't beat around the bush" are two well-known low-context
mottos. The driving idea is to keep the margins of misunderstanding or doubt as small as
possible and be direct. Low-context communication aims to get to the point quickly.
In Polish society, communication is low context, which means that people speak directly and
can be blunt when it comes to saying 'no’.

Space
The study of physical space and humans is referred to as space. The study of proxemics, as
Hall called it, focuses on the space and distance between people as they interact. In the
workplace and other situations, space refers to everything from how near individuals stand to
one another to how people mark their area or borders. If you get too close to someone from
the United States, who enjoys a "safe" physical distance, you'll make them feel uneasy.
Depending on where you're from, how close is too close. When engaging with people, we all
create a comfort zone, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Across civilizations, standing
distances shrink and expand.
Generally, in Poland, strangers are supposed to keep their distance but friends could crowd
in close. What is quite common, women prefer more personal space from strangers than
men and the older an individual is, the further they will stand.
Time: Polychronic versus Monochronic Cultures
Time is another crucial term influenced by culture, according to Edward Hall. People in
polychronic cultures—the term "polychronic" literally denotes "many times"— individuals can
do multiple tasks at once. People in monochronic cultures, often known as "one-time"
cultures, prefer to focus on one task at a time.
This isn't to say that people from polychronic cultures are better at multitasking than people
from monochronic cultures. Monochronic societies, such as those found in North America
and Northern Europe, prefer to arrange one event at a time. For them, an appointment that
begins at 8 a.m. can begin at 8 a.m.—or at the very latest, at 8:05 a.m. Whether it's a
business meeting or a family picnic, people are expected to appear on time. Time is a tool
for establishing order. The meeting usually has a set end time, and even if the agenda isn't
completed, it's not uncommon to close the meeting and finish the agenda at a later meeting.
In polychronic civilizations time is flexible, whereas people and relationships are more
relevant. It's also possible that completing a task is more important. In Latin America, the
Mediterranean, or the Middle East, there is a concept of living on a more relaxed schedule.
People may be able to attend to three things at once and think nothing of it. Walking into a
meeting or a party much past the designated hour is not regarded an insult in polychronic
cultures.
In general, Poles are known for their punctuality therefore represent a monochronic culture.
However, as far as business context is concerned, people in higher positions may show up
late to a meeting to showcase their rank and importance within the organizational hierarchy.

Description of Indian culture:

Core values of Indian culture:

o Tyaga (renunciation)
o Dana (liberal giving)
o Nishtha (dedication)
o Satya (truth)
o Ahimsa (non-violence)
o Upeksha (forbearance)
o Hierarchy
o Patriarchy
o Family
o Veiling and the seclusion of women
o Sacrifice and adjustment
o Respect for parents and Elders
o Spirituality
o Importance to Education
o Healthy living (vegetarian food and practising yoga)
o Trust in institution of marriage
o Hospitality
 o Sacred animals (cow)
o Independence
o Environment (preservation of plants and animals)
o Diversity
o Pride
o Democracy
o Liberty
o Innovativeness
o Adaptability
o Harmony
o Modesty
o Light-heartedness
o Assertiveness
o Competition
o Ambition

Stereotypes in India:
Indians are poor
The impression that all Indians are poor is widespread, and it is fueled by media depictions
of the nation, such as in the film Slumdog Millionaire. While it is true that a large section of
the Indian population lives in poverty, and that there are numerous beggars and highly
visible slums and shanty towns around the country, this is not the reality for the entire
country. India is home to a substantial number of the world's wealthiest people, and a large
number of Indian nationals are billionaires both at home and abroad.

Indians are all IT experts

Apart from the information technology sector, Indians have demonstrated their brilliance in a
variety of sectors. Priyanka Chopra (acting/singing), Prime Minister Narendra Modi (politics),
A.R. Rahman (music), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (sports), and Amartya Sen (Literature) are just
a handful of India's current popular figures. In a nutshell, India's talent pool is enormous and
diverse.

Curry is the only food that Indians eat

Indian food has been linked with curry in the West, which is misleading because Indian
cuisine is multi-faceted, diversified, and encompasses far more than a typical curry. Many
people in the country eat curry, yet this statement is misleading because there are many
different types of curries depending on the materials used and the flavors they include. In
India, finding 'foreign' foods such as Chinese, Thai, Mexican, French, and American cuisines
is relatively easy in major cities but more challenging in smaller villages. International
franchises such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Costa Coffee, and Starbucks have already
opened in India, and more are expected to open in the coming years.

Hindu is spoken by all Indians

What is of utter importance - Hindu is the religion, and Hindi is the language. Many
languages are spoken and practiced in India due to the sheer diversity and vastness of the
country. Many Indian schools, particularly those in the south and east, prioritize their own
languages over Hindi, and so do not teach it. Hindi is mostly spoken in North India and is
likely to be a second or third language for individuals in other parts of the country.

Indian women are subordinate to their male partners

This stereotype isn't entirely false. Gender hierarchies are highly strong in Indian society,
favoring men over women. Women are supposed to be subordinate to their male partners in
Indian society, which is mainly patriarchal. This is mirrored in the country's lopsided gender
ratio and low literacy rates, which severely harm the female population. Traditionally, women
were supposed to take care of their families first and foremost, as mothers and wives.
However, in recent years, this paradigm has begun to splinter, mostly among the upper and
middle classes. More women are attending university and pursuing careers after graduation.
A growing number of powerful businesswomen, both in corporations and elsewhere, are
women. As a result, an increasing number of women want to be financially independent
before marrying, settling down, and having children. Notably, India has had a female
president, something that cannot be claimed of many other Western countries.

India's only religion is Hinduism

Indians are frequently depicted as Hindus in popular culture. Hinduism is undoubtedly the
most popular religion in India, but the country's diversified geography also includes Islam,
Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and other faiths. As a result, depicting all Indians as idol
worshippers of Hindu gods and goddesses, complete with Hindu-style offerings and incense
sticks, is just lumping Indians into one category. Furthermore, even among Hindu Indians,
not everyone is a committed follower. Just like the generic and dominant American Christian
figures in popular media, one may have a stronger faith than others, while some may not
worship their gods at all.

Tacky Accent
All Indian accents are automatically thought to be funny-sounding and grammatically
incorrect. The core of the problem was racial ignorance, as well as previous portrayals of
Indians by white performers (wearing brownface) such as Peter Sellers in The Party and
Fisher Stevens in Short Circuit. Of course, The Simpsons' character Apu brought the clichéd
"Indian accent" to new heights. Apu was so insulting to the diaspora that a documentary
titled The Problem with Apu was created in 2017, examining the character's prejudices and
racial microaggressions. Actor Kal Penn even said that some studios insisted on him using a
"genuine Apu accent" in his appearances. Eventually, Hank Azaria, who played Apu,
apologized the Indian society and announced his departure from the role.

Exoticism and mysticism

Cults like the ones seen in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, as well as spiritual
excursions in India depicted in Eat, Pray, Love, paint India as an 'exotic' nation rife with
mysticism and superstitious beliefs. The counter-argument to this stereotype can be stated
in terms of India's multi-religious identity once more. Not all Indians are blind worshippers of
bearded mystics and gurus. Approximately 2.9 million Indians are atheists as of 2019, with
some considering themselves rationalists despite their religious affiliation. Apart from that,
India is a diversified country in its own right, rather than an exotic, archaic, and divine
fantasy-world.

Indian cuisine does not always cause diarrhea.

The term 'Delhi Belly' refers to the unsettled stomach that many foreign travelers experience
when visiting India. Indian food is frequently portrayed in Western media as being spicy or
sticky and causing diarrhea. In Million Dollar Arm, Jon Hamm and Alan Arkin's character
play with such stereotypes.

Body language
As far as body language is concerned. I shall start with world-famous the Indian nod also
known as head wobble, head bobble or Indian head shake, which is commonly
misinterpreted therefore must be explained. First of all, the Indian nod is completely different
from e.g., a European nod. The difference is that in the Indian nod, the motion usually
consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along the coronal plane. What is pivotal,
the one who wants to understand properly an Indian interlocutor must pay attention to two
things: position of the eyebrows and the speed of the nod. Let’s begin with the mid brow.
When someone nods, and neither raises nor lowers eyebrows, it signifies acceptance,
appreciation and could be interpreted as “alright” or “fine”. What is salient, the faster the nod
is, the more acceptance the receiver gets. There is also the low brow. When someone
lowers the eyebrows and nods simultaneously that indicates being in agreement although
not fully convinced. When it comes to the high brow, it shows certain high levels of
agreement, which is far stronger than the regular European “yes” nod.

Namaste
It is a gesture usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching
and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs near to the chest. This is a form of greeting people
with dignity and respect.

Body parts
Touching someone's feet in India is considered a sign of respect. It is common for younger
people to touch elder's so as to seek the blessings. The elders appreciate the respect and in
return bless young ones by touching their heads. On the other hand, tourists should not
point their feet at objects, people as it is considered offensive.
As an expression of regret, Indians often touch their heads or eyes.
Left hand is considered unhygienic, unclean and unholy while doing activities. When eating
or managing money, the right hand is always used.
 Gifts in Indian culture
In today's fast-paced environment, gifts are the greatest approach to convey mutual love and
affection. They are the foundation of people's mutual trust and affinity with one another. The
custom of giving gifts has been practiced in India from ancient times. Grain, cattle, textiles,
ceramics, and even gold and silver decorations were given as gifts by ancient Indians to
their friends and loved ones. The practice of giving presents is as common in modern India
as it is around the world. In a business setting, gifts are rarely offered. If one is asked to visit
an Indian's house, however, gifts are appropriate.
The list of appropriate gifts is following: candy, sweets, fruit, items symbolic of your home,
quality wine, whisky, or other alcoholic beverages (as long as you are sure that your host
drinks alcohol), flowers (with the exception of frangipani, which are for funerals), toys for
children, perfume for women, Men of the household. Gifts wrapped in fortunate colors such
as green, red or yellow are considered auspicious.
Gift-giving isn't limited to social gatherings. It is also widely used in corporate and business
circles to promote companies and raise brand awareness. Gifts for business: Pen holders,
diaries, calendars, folders, mugs, and other items are ideal gifts for today's businessperson.

Colours in Indian culture:

Three solid bars of color make up India's Tiranga, or tri-color flag. Saffron, the top bar, is a
vivid orange-yellow color that is holy in Indian culture. It is a symbol of bravery and
selflessness. The white bar in the middle represents honesty, purity, and serenity. It serves
as a reminder to Indian political leaders to work toward a peaceful nation. Green represents
trust, fertility, and wealth at the bottom of the bar. It is a common color in India, and it serves
as a reminder to the country's leaders of the necessity of safeguarding the land, both literally
as the soil that forms the country's foundation, and symbolically as the nation
Red is associated with passion, purity, dynamism, and fertility. It's frequently associated with
the goddess Durga, the universe's mother. In wedding ceremonies, brides wear red and
have red henna tattoos on their wrists, while married women sometimes wear a sindoor, or
red powder brush, at the portion of their hairline.
Saffron is India's most sacred color. The brilliant saffron robes worn by Hindu monks
announce their surrender of the ego and all worldly possessions. Saffron is a fiery red color
that symbolizes sanctity, purity, and sacrifice. It's also the color of joy or bliss for Sikhs.
The color blue is associated with Lord Krishna, one of India's most significant deities, who is
depicted with blue skin.
The color yellow, which is associated with the vital Indian spice turmeric, is considered lucky.
Turmeric is employed in religious rituals and practices. Spring is also symbolized by the
color yellow. It stimulates the mind, encourages mental growth, and signifies wisdom and
understanding.
Black is associated with bad energy and evil in Hinduism. It represents death, gloom, and
darkness. The most popular use of black, however, is to ward off the evil eye. A long-
standing Indian ritual is to apply a little black dot of kajal to the foreheads of infants, or
anyone else who appears attractive.
White symbolizes peace and cleanliness in India. White has a gloomy undertone in Indian
culture. White denotes a lack of color and reflects all light. As a result, white represents a
separation from worldly pleasures and riches. This is why widows are expected to wear only
white clothing. It's also the traditional color of mourning.

Ice-breakers in Indian culture, list of topics:

 Family
 Celebrities
 Cricket
 Film stars
 Travelling
 Spirituality
 Hospitality
 Languages and dialects
 Temples and architecture
 Achievements (Scientific achievements, e.g. - rocket launch to Mars)
 Independence (India won its freedom through peaceful non-violent, non-cooperation
movement, unique in the history of the world, led by Mahatma Gandhi)
 Buddha
 Indian food (e.g., famous vegetarian food)
 Diversity (Each state has its own culture, which is in addition to the common Indian or
Hindu culture)
 Yoga
 Long history (India is the oldest human civilization)
 Photographing
 Literary works

Ice-makers in Indian culture, list of topics:

 Skin color
 Caste
 Living conditions
 Cows
 Pakistan
 Indian pronunciation & accent
 Sex Education
 Sexual Orientation
 Depression
 Career Options
 Relationship Issues
 Arranged marriages
 Soaring temperatures
 Sweaty metros
 Filthy drinking water
 Diarrhea-inducing food items being served at the local shops
 Dimensions of cultures by Geert Hofstede:

 Individualism-Collectivism
 Uncertainty Avoidance
 Power distance
 Masculinity-Femininity
 Long-term orientation
 Indulgence versus Self-restraint (added by Hofstede in 2010)

Power distance
There is a lot of power and wealth disparity in India. This condition is not necessary imposed
on the populace; rather, it is accepted as a cultural standard by the populace. Employees
want to be instructed explicitly about their functions and what is expected of them in this type
of society, where managers rely on the obedience of their team members. India's Caste
System divides the Indian population into five groups, each with a higher rank than the one
below it, providing an excellent illustration of a civilization with a high power distance. An
Indian citizen's power is defined by their caste from birth, and they cannot strive to join
another caste.

Individualism-Collectivism
India is a society that is clearly collectivist. There is a strong desire to be a part of a wider
social group. Individuals are expected to act in the best interests of their specified in-group
(s). Many people in Indian society have their futures predetermined by the government, the
church, or their families. In such instances, numerous ideas such as the opinions of one's
family, extended family, neighbors, work group, and other such wider social networks to
which one has some attachment impact the individual's conduct. The relationship between
an employer and an employee is built on expectations: the employee's devotion and the
employer's family protection. Relationships are frequently used in the workplace to make
hiring and promotion decisions. In a collectivist society, relationships are crucial to
everything.

Masculinity-Femininity
India is seen as a masculine nation. India is quite masculine in terms of visible
demonstrations of prosperity and authority. Work is the center of one's life in patriarchal
countries like India, and visible signs of success at work are vitally important. Assertiveness,
competition, and ambition are valued in Indian culture.

Uncertainty Avoidance
Uncertainty Avoidance is a medium to low priority for India. There is an acceptance of
imperfection in this country; nothing has to be perfect or go according to plan. India has a
reputation for being a patient country with a great tolerance for the unexpected. In general,
people in India do not feel forced to take action and are at ease when settling into
established roles and routines with questioning. People who live in societies with a medium
to low level of uncertainty avoidance respect risk-taking, desire change rather than avoid it,
and have a high tolerance for difference and error. India possesses all of these
characteristics, making it an attractive location for foreign companies to build business
connections.

Long-term orientation
India is a long-term-oriented culture. All religious and philosophical thoughts in India is
dominated by the concept of karma. Time is not linear; it is polychronic, and hence less
essential to Asian societies than it is to Western nations, which view time in a monochronic
fashion and score poorly on this dimension. Countries like India have a high tolerance for
religious views from all over the world – Hinduism is often regarded a philosophy rather than
a religion; an amalgamation of ideas, views, practices, and beliefs. There is an awareness in
India that there are many truths, and that they often rely on the seeker. Indian civilization is
known for forgiving being late, modifying plans according to changing circumstances, and a
general comfort with discovering the fated path as one goes along rather than following an
exact plan.

Dimensions of cultures by Richard Gesteland:

 Deal-Focus vs. Relationship-Focus

 Formal vs. Informal Cultures
 Rigid-Time (Monochronic) vs. Fluid-Time (Polychronic) Cultures
 Expressive vs. Reserved Cultures

Deal-Focus vs. Relationship-Focus

India is a relationship-oriented country. Individual employees' professional paths are
influenced by their family ties, which are highly strong. According to a recent global poll,
Indian children face more parental pressure to succeed than children in any other country.
It's crucial to make your parents proud of you, which is one of the reasons why work titles
are so significant. The higher your job title, the more prestigious you are in the eyes of your
family and friends. Relationship-oriented Indian culture nevertheless extends beyond the
family and into the work place where employees are willing to develop close personal
relationships with both peers and leaders (in fact the leader can very much be seen as a
mother or father figure who is charged with looking after, supporting and guiding their
‘children’.) Birthdays and team social activities are heavily emphasized in order to promote
the company as a place where you not only work but also belong.
Formal vs. Informal Cultures
Indians tend to be formal due to the values rooted in patriarchal upbringing, hierarchy,
extremely conservative values and castle system. Because of aforementioned factors, it has
been said that Indians are not naturally assertive, they use indirect language. Furthermore,
they are gentle, polite, accepting, use a plethora of euphemisms and forgive insignificant
shortcomings.

Rigid-Time (Monochronic) vs. Fluid-Time (Polychronic) Cultures

India has a polychronic society, which means that people's priorities shift depending on their
importance, and punctuality is not a high priority. Most large worldwide corporations need
stringent timelines and quick decision-making, thus they struggle to accept the fact that time
cannot be controlled and is not absolute while conducting business in India.

Expressive vs. Reserved Cultures

The use of body language by Indians is particularly expressive. In reality, facial expressions
and gestures play an important role in communicating messages. What is interesting, the
worldwide famous Indian Head Bobble is an example of one of the most expressive and
unambiguous gesture that is still arduous to decode for foreigners and for Indians
themselves, as the headshake means different things in different regions of India.

Dimensions of cultures by Edward Hall:

 Context
 Space
 Time

Context: High-Context versus Low-Context Cultures

In comparison to most Western countries, India has a high context culture in which
communication is often more indirect. Based on the context of the interaction, as well as the
body language, tone, and words used, what is said may have many interpretations.

Space
Personal space is essentially non-existent in India, a country with such a large population. A
straight line is usually a circle with dozens of people huddled together and shouting over
each other to be heard at a shop counter. Moreover, the concept of social distance is so
unknown in Indians that during the Coronavirus outbreak in West Bengal, Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee went drove to the local market on an unscheduled visit to draw circles on
the road and explain the concept of social distancing to the people.
Time: Polychronic versus Monochronic Cultures
When it comes to punctuality, Indians are notoriously late. They despise being ruled by the
clock. Indians have a high regard for persons who are punctual in their work, but they
seldom try to emulate this behavior.

Areas of potential culture clash:

Body language: When a Pole meets for the first time an Indian, after several minutes of
discussing some ideas, the Indian can use “the Indian nod”, very confusing and ambiguous
movement that the Polish person could easily misinterpret.
Polite phrases: In the society, proper manners require the usage of "please" and "thank
you." In India, though, they can add unneeded formality and, shockingly, can be
disrespectful. While thanking someone who has provided you with a service, such as a store
assistant or waiter, is acceptable, lavishing compliments on relatives or family members
should be avoided. In India, doing things for kins is seen as a natural part of the connection.
Therefore, if a Pole thanks or expresses gratitude to someone, they may interpret it as a
breach of intimacy and the building of unnecessary distance.
Dress code: Women in Poland are not punished or they are perceived promiscuous for the
way they dress themselves whereas in India females should have legs and shoulders
covered.
Flowers. Culture clash is sure to happen, when a Pole gives frangipani to an Indian in
gratitude for excellent service during the holidays. Frangipani, are reserved for funerals
therefore a Polish person may easily offend the receiver and impact their
friendship/relationship.
Indian punctuality. There are phrases like "Indian Stretchable Time" and "Indian Standard
Time”. The concept of time in India is flexible. It's doubtful that people will show up when
they claim they will. 10 minutes can be interpreted as half an hour, and half an hour can be
interpreted as an hour. Whereas in Poland, especially, during business meetings, being
punctual is of utter importance, therefore culture clash is bound to happen when those
aforementioned culture encounter.
Temples: When entering Hindu temples and mosques, shoes are to be taken off. When a
tourist from Poland enters a temple and does not want to take off shoes or comes in with
shoes on – that is a huge offense. Also, taking pictures of Indian’s gods in temples is
forbidden.
Being direct and assertive: While assertiveness and saying "no" are required in some
situations in India, doing so to deny an invitation or request can be deemed rude. This is
because it's critical not to make someone appear or feel bad. This is in contrast to the Polish
perspective, in which saying "no" simply means being honest and not creating a false
expectation of commitment. The solution to the issue is: instead of bluntly stating "no" or "I
can't," employ the Indian approach of evasive responses like "I'll try," "maybe," "it could be
possible," or "I'll see what I can do."
Intrusive attitude: Indians usually ask about marital status, having children or a job. These
are perfectly normal questions in this culture and a Pole could become overwhelmed or feel
that their privacy has been violated. In addition, culture shock could occur when a foreigner
visits India for the first time. The Indians love taking pictures with tourists, especially with
those ones who are tall.
It can be difficult to communicate between persons from high-context (India) and low-context
cultures (Poland). People from low-context cultures listen simply to the words stated in
encounters and are not aware of body language. As a result, critical indications that could
inform readers more about a certain situation are frequently overlooked.
Handshake. When a left-handed person from Poland meets an Indian for the first time and
would like to shake hands, it would have been a shock for the Indian, as they do not use left
hand. It is considered unclean and used for personal hygiene
Indians do not look favorably upon showing each other feelings in male-female relationships.
Holding hands or exchanging hugs and kisses by couples is not very welcome in the public
space these days. In Poland, showing love and affection to love ones in public is generally
accepted and does not shock anyone who sees a couple, in which a man and a woman hold
hands. Without a doubt a culture clash is certain and the Indian attitudes may alienate
tourists from the natives.
Bargaining: Hindus love to haggle. Therefore, when a Polish tourist is not inclined to bargain,
it would be difficult to purchase anything and it would result in buying items far more
expensive than they really are. It could result in creating a stereotype that Indians’ vendors
are greedy.
When a tourist from Poland is willing to enter each and every orthodox temple he is not
permitted. Furthermore, women should remember to wear a head and shoulders scarf in the
mosque. Also, short pants should not be worn when entering mosques, Buddhist and Hindu
temples. The argument could occur. It may be a demotivating factor and may spoil a holiday.
In addition, woman who does not want to wear a head and shoulders scarf in the mosque
will be expelled from sightseeing as it is considered audacious.
House rules. In Indian culture, taking shoes off before entering someone's home is polite.
Inside their homes, Indians frequently wear shoes, such as when going to the restroom.
These shoes, on the other hand, are only used in the house and never worn outside. What is
more, before entering a store, shoes are always removed. It seems to be the easiest culture
clash that is to occur since Poles do not remove shoes before entering any house nor store.
When it comes to houses, Poles take off the shoes but after they cross a threshold, this also
could be quite confusing for an Indian visiting Poland.
Drinking culture. In India, drinking alcohol in the presence of your elders or family members
is taboo, however in Poland, it is socially acceptable. Poles are known for excessively
drinking alcoholic beverages since Poland is the birthplace of vodka. Further, companies in
India are not allowed to advertise products related to alcohol and cigarettes, as is the case in
Poland. The drinking culture could be a culture shock and a culture clash for the
aforementioned countries and its inhabitants.

Table 1. Values in Poland and India

Scale:
 1. Very important
2. Fairly important
3. Important
4. Slightly important
5. Not at all important

Values Poland India

Family 1 1
Truth 2 1
Healthy living 4 1
Spirituality 4 1
Education 2 1
Modesty 4 2
Hospitality 1 2
Material well-being 3 5
Fatherland well-being 3 2
Wellbeing at work 2 2
Individuality 1 5
Friends 3 3
Assertiveness 1 5
Ambition 3 2
Non-violence 4 1
Hierarchy 2 1
Patriarchy 4 1
Respect for parents and 1 1
elders
Trust in institution of 3 1
marriage
Independence 1 1
Environment 3 2
Diversity 4 2
Adaptability 3 2
Competition 3 2
Innovativeness 3 1
Pride 2 2
Democracy 3 2
Liberty 1 1
Collectivism 4 1
Harmony 3 2
 Comparison of Indian and Polish culture:
Stereotypes
As far as stereotypes in both countries are concerned, one thing is for certain – stereotypes
have a kernel of truth, whether will it be high alcohol consumption in Poland, which is rooted
in the tradition of family gatherings and weddings, or gender subordination, which is rooted
in the Indian conservative upbringing, social heritage and tradition passed down from one
generation to the next. However, nowadays stereotypes are considered outdated or false
reflection of reality created by mass media. For example, Poland has departed from
Communism, is departing from Catholicism, the crime rate decreased, and attitude towards
immigration policy has changed. When it comes to stereotypes in India, In the areas of
political involvement, education, and legal rights, India has made tremendous progress in
tackling gender inequality. A very good example confirming this thesis is fact that India has
had a female president - Pratibha Patil.
Landmarks vs. street signs
In Poland, each city's street is given a distinct name. You may usually get into a cab and tell
the driver where you want to go, and you will most likely get at your destination. Because
just a few streets in India are correctly identified, a passenger nearly always has to know
where he is going, which almost always involves landmarks. In India, streets are designated
with numbers such as "1st Cross" or "2nd Cross." This may be different in major cities like
Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, but maps are useless in the rest of the agglomerations.
Law and Order
Some people in Poland disobey traffic laws. But when it comes to driving in India, practically
everyone breaks the road regulations, including red lights and the requirement to wear a
helmet. To drive in India, a skill to drive is needed whereas in Poland, driving rules must be
followed.
Language and Religion
Despite the fact that India is a land of many religions and Poland is primarily a land of one
creed, both Indian and Polish lives are dominated by beliefs. Due of their Hinduism, Jainism,
or Buddhism beliefs, the majority of Indians are vegetarians. It's worth noting that, despite
the fact that Buddhism was founded in India, it has less adherents than in other Asian
countries. In India, there are 22 official languages and numerous religions, whereas in
Poland, practically everyone speaks the same language and practices the same religion.
This makes the social structure more coherent, whereas in India, the system incorporates a
variety of languages and religions, making it more complex. Apart from local languages, the
majority of Indians speak English (in fact, India has more English speakers than any other
country in the world), so even if someone doesn't speak the local language, they should be
able to communicate in English easily. At the same time, it is difficult to communicate in
Poland if somebody does not speak Polish.
Masculinity-Femininity
Both India and Poland are masculine countries due to rooted in tradition and passed from
one generation to another values, ideas and attitudes. The motto "live so as to work" is
prevalent. Both nations are seen as having high ambitions and advancing in achieving more
and more and be the most successful.
Family
Indians, like Poles, place a high value on family. In Indian culture, family values take
precedence above individual values. Indians may even sacrifice their particular wishes and
pleasure for the sake of family. All of life's decisions revolve on the family, and Poles share
same views. Time, place, societal tastes, and exposure to foreign cultures, on the other
hand, are rapidly transforming India. Individual values are increasingly taking precedence
over family values as more Indians become self-centered.
Self-Sufficiency vs. Service
In every regard, India is a service-oriented culture. When a consumer walks into a store,
they may notice people following them about and offering assistance, even with little issues.
There is almost nothing that a hired assistance could not perform for a reasonable price.
This is most likely (and largely) a remnant of India's highly ingrained caste system, as well
as a result of India's two most valuable assets, people and time. India today has a
population of over 1 billion people. People in Poland are more self-sufficient than in India
due to high labor costs. From Castorama to Biedronka, companies in Poland are continually
creating self-service strategies to help their clients become more self-sufficient.
Alcohol
In India, consuming alcohol in front of elders or family members is a taboo, yet it is socially
accepted in Poland. Companies in India are not allowed to promote alcohol or tobacco
products, as they are in Poland.
Food
Indians are bold in their cooking, and nothing in their cuisine can be over-spiced. It's vital to
distinguish the heat of the taste from the richness of the spices in Indian food, which isn't
only about being "hot." In India, heat is usually provided judiciously with the usage of chilli,
whereas spices are used to add flavor.
Why do Poles consume cold meat and meals in general, with a weak flavor and no
seasoning? The solution could be found in the weather. Cold meat produces heat, which is
necessary for adapting to changing weather conditions. Chilli heat is prized in India for its
ultimate cooling impact on the body while also inducing perspiration.
Time attitude
Poland is a monochronic whereas India is a polychronic culture. People who pay attention to
punctuality in fulfilling their responsibilities belong to the former group (Poland), while those
who demonstrate a more relaxed attitude to timetables – to the latter (India).
Colours and gifts
When it comes to colors and gifts, it is of utter importance that in both cultures there are
flowers which are to be avoided. Those are flowers used for funerals: In Poland those are
chrysanthemums and in India frangipane. An embarrassment or even a huge offence to a
receiver from both countries is inevitable when one gifts the other such present. In addition,
in Indian culture, gifts should be wraped in fortunate colors such as yellow, red or green.
Black should be avoided as it is associated with bad energy and evil powers and death.
Body language
In Polish culture body language is more focused on conversation i.e. requests "Fancy a
drink?", expressing disbelief as in "puknij się w łeb", "jedzie mi tu czołg?" or "when pigs fly"
gestures, whereas in Indian culture, body language is more focused on greetings as in head
wobble or Namaste gesture. Also, in India left hand and touching something using a foot is
an offence, however when a young one touches an elder one's feet this is a sign of respect.
Space
Due to overpopulation in India, people do not respect each other's personal space and for
example don't stay idle in queue in front of store, whereas in Poland people respect personal
space and keep their distance from strangers.
Power distance + Individualism/Collectivism
India and Poland both have a high amount of power distance, with India having a
significantly higher level of hierarchical respect. Poles are individualistic, they care for
themselves and their immediate family whereas Indians are collectivists, there is a strong
desire to be a part of a wider social group. The Polish culture contains a "contradiction":
despite being largely individualistic, the Poles require a hierarchical structure. This
combination (high Power Distance and Individualism) generates a unique "tension" in this
culture, making the interaction delicate but intense and beneficial.
High/low context
In Polish society, communication is 'low context,' which means that people speak openly,
directly and can be blunt when it comes to saying 'no.' While, Indians are ‘high context’,
indirect and they tend to make an excuse instead of saying assertively “no”.

A list of Do's and Don'ts

India India
DOES DONT’S
Take off shoes when entering temples, use Do not wear either tight or revealing clothes
appropriate dress code

Show evident respect to Indian elders. Do not show affection in public i.e., do not
Consider addressing them first and kiss, hug or hold hands in public
deferring to their judgment. Always sit lower
than them and avoid speaking directly to
them or in a rude manner.

Haggle over prices Do not enter a temple in clothes that show

It is customary to provide a little present,
such as a box of sweets, when you are
invited to someone's home.
Wash your hands before and after eating.
too much skin
Avoid using left-hand
Do not make fun of cows. (Cows are
revered in Hinduism and are considered
sacred. Cows are thought to be a 'caregiver'
or a maternal figure. Cows are revered by
most Hindus for their gentle temperament,
yet they also symbolise strength. Cow flesh
is avoided by Hindus who eat meat)

If you accidently step on someone's toes Never give money to children or women
with your foot or shoe, apologize as soon who are begging. Many more people will
as possible. (By touching your brow or then appear and fiercely follow you if you
eyes, you might indicate your regret for the donate even a tiny sum to someone.
oversight).

When making decisions or negotiating with

an Indian, exercise patience. Regardless of Do not point your feet or finger at people
the urgency or importance of the issue,
Indians have a tendency to think slowly.
Enjoy a light-hearted and lively sense of Do not expect Indians to be punctual
humour. Indians appreciate cordial
conversation and gentle teasing
If possible, dress conservatively Do not be direct and respond with “no”
Consider how gender and relationships Avoid shaking hands
may influence interactions. Some traditional
Indians, for example, may believe it is
improper to involve a married woman in a
conversation if her husband is present.
Reciprocate a smile Do not abuse alcohol

Swearing or vulgar humour should be

Engage in small talk avoided. This type of discourse can easily
offend Indians.
Do not criticize India as a country directly.
This type of foreigner criticism is usually
undesired and can be taken as an insult.
Negative remarks or complaints regarding a
person's skills, appearance, or
characteristics should be avoided. Such
remarks are frequently taken seriously in
India, and they will give your Indian
colleague the sense that you are uncaring.
Do not assume that Indians have a more
laid-back work ethic. Many Indians are
extremely hardworking and dedicated.
Do not directly inquire about someone's
caste. It is more appropriate to inquire
about their job.
Do not wear your shoes inside someone’s
home

Do not belittle or criticize someone's career

or vocation. The occupation of a person is
usually a significant aspect of their personal
identity.
Try not to be frightened by the bargaining
process. Haggling is a part of many
people's daily lives in India, and it's often a
pleasurable experience.

Make no definitive judgments about right or

wrong until you have a complete
understanding of the situation. Many

Poland
DOES
Sports topics are welcomed.
Talk about famous Poles such as: Frédéric
Chopin, Nicolaus Copernicus, Maria
Skłodowska Curie, Pope John Paul II etc.
With discretion and sensitivity, approach
any bad subject. Despite the fact that Poles
are known for their candor, they prefer to
lighten unpleasant conversations with more
indirect techniques.
Make an attempt to repay the kindness
provided to you by making tiny gestures of
care and consideration toward others. If
someone falls or has a small accident, for
example, provide a helping hand.
When discussing World War II or politics,
be cautious, especially in the presence of
elderly Poles.
When discussing Poland's current financial
and social circumstances, you may expect
to be cordially asked for your thoughts.
Poles, on the other hand, are more prone to
discuss it passionately among themselves.
They may become agitated and raise their
voices to speak over one other.
Take your hat off if you’re entering
someone’s house, public institutions or
Indians consider the context and situation
while determining whether or not something
is moral and just.
An Indian may be offended if you draw
analogies between India and other
countries on the Indian subcontinent, such
as Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Avoiding any discussion of Pakistan-India
relations. For some Indians, this is a
sensitive or hot topic that can elicit intense
emotional responses.
Poland
DONT’S
Don’t criticize the Poland’s history even if
some aspects are controversial
Make no statements that could be
interpreted as insulting. Condescension is a
difficult subject for Poles.
Don't be overly enthusiastic or nice towards
Ukrainians, especially Russians. There is
still anger and suspicion of Russia in
Poland as a result of the Soviet regime's
dominance. National stereotypes, historical
legacies, personal experience, current
events, and political relations may all have
a role. If the subject comes up, expect
candid opinions to be expressed.
Do not assume that all Poles are devout
Catholics. While Catholicism has long been
a cultural force in Poland, it is no longer
vital to everyone's life, and its public
exposure is less prominent than it once
was.
Do not criticize religious institutions or faith
in any way. Consider that the Christian
Church was formerly suppressed in Poland,
despite the fact that it is now the majority
religion, and thus blasphemy is perhaps
viewed more seriously than it would be in
Australia.
Avoid creating debate on moral matters
such as abortion, homosexual rights, or the
use of soft drugs. If you do, keep in mind
that the Catholic Church and the popular
Polish opinion on these issues are known to
be in sync.
Topics of sex or sexuality are often avoided
in informal conversation in this strongly
 church
Give up your seat if you see elders, a
disabled person or a pregnant woman
entering a tram, bus or train,
Avoid any confrontation with drunk people
mostly during the late-night hours, if you're
asked something simply walk away and
pretend you didn't hear anything.
religious culture.
Don't think that everyone in Poland
despises communism and communists.
While the Soviet administration in Poland
had systemic weaknesses, many people
benefited from it, and personal opinions
differ depending on who you ask.
Make no jokes about young Polish ladies
being easy to seduce by foreign men. Such
remarks can be extremely hurtful.

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