This week we discussed cultural differences and the importance of not making assumptions. I mentioned in the class notes I wanted each of us to share information about someone or some cultural trait that is different or unique. Since we are a very international school this should be interesting. I have a close friend from Russia who always showed up late to everything. I asked her why she never came on time to meeting and parties and she told me I'm Russia it is considered rude to be early or on time for a party. It gives the hostess no time if anything goes wrong. The other culture issue is the word "the". In English we use "the" all the time, but this word does not exist in Russian. So she wrote everything without the "the" then went back and added it. It was never added in the right place and she had way too many of them. We became fast friends in grad school over "the", even today as she studied for her PHd she sometimes asks for a quick once over of her work to ensure "the" is used properly. I always tell her "your English is 100% better than my russian". Ok your turn. Share a cultural trait or norm that could be misunderstood if you did not know it was perfectly acceptable in the right culture.