Category: Safety

To aid you with Tibetan cultural concepts and to help you avoid some of the more serious social faux pause you fall into, we have compiled a short introduction based on our experience with the most common culturally different norms and concepts. You don't need to feel nervous to memorise these points. People have been interacting across cultures for all of eternity. Our purpose here is, rather, to help you have an insight into the more subtle aspects of the Tibetan Cultural Concepts that you will experience. Embarrassment: Tibetan ideas of what are embarrassing are quite different from many other countries. Most places have strict conversational content rules for what can appropriately be expressed between relatives of the opposite sex. Mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, or brothers and sisters, (especially in more traditional or rural areas) will not engage in public affection or talk about romantic relationships in each other’s presence. Such talk is itself not taboo. In front of non-relatives or relatives of the same sex it is quite acceptable. Personal Space: Ideas of personal space are also quite different. Traveling as a foreigner people are almost expecting you to do strange things that they don’t understand. Do not alarm if people stare or even approach you. People who feel friendly with you may engage in small gestures like putting a hand on your knee, dusting off your jacket, or grabbing your hand. If these types of small actions make you uncomfortable, just try to remember that no harm is meant. Tibetan Cultural Concept of Cleanliness: In many nomadic areas lack of running water and cold temperatures have resulted in unique hygiene practices that you may not be aware of. The only people who share cups or cutlery are relatives, lovers, or very, very close friends. It considers