Culture of Malaysia
Culture of Malaysia
WanWen Chen (Wammi)
Brief introduction of Malaysia:
Ethnic groups: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.) Religions: Muslim (or Islam - official) 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)
Physical or spatial distance:
Just the same as in other country, in Malaysia there is an intimate zone reserved for lovers, children and close family members, another zone used for conversations with friends, to chat with associates, and in group discussions; a further zone reserving for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances; and a fourth zone is used for speeches, lectures, and theater; essentially, public distance is that range reserved for larger audiences.
Greeting protocol:
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal.
•Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart. •The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. •Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Gift giving:
Gift giving to Malays: •If invited to someone's home, bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates. •Never give alcohol.•Do not give toy dogs or pigs to children. •Do not give anything made of pigskin.•Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning and avoid yellow wrapping paper, as it is the color of royalty. •If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims). •Offer gifts with the right hand only or
WanWen Chen (Wammi)
Brief introduction of Malaysia:
Ethnic groups: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.) Religions: Muslim (or Islam - official) 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)
Physical or spatial distance:
Just the same as in other country, in Malaysia there is an intimate zone reserved for lovers, children and close family members, another zone used for conversations with friends, to chat with associates, and in group discussions; a further zone reserving for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances; and a fourth zone is used for speeches, lectures, and theater; essentially, public distance is that range reserved for larger audiences.
Greeting protocol:
Greetings in a social context will depend upon the ethnicity of the person you are meeting. In general, most Malays are aware of Western ways so the handshake is normal.
•Malay women may not shake hands with men. Women can of course shake hands with women. Men may also not shake hands with women and may bow instead while placing their hand on their heart. •The Chinese handshake is light and may be rather prolonged. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. •Indians shake hands with members of the same sex. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
Gift giving:
Gift giving to Malays: •If invited to someone's home, bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates. •Never give alcohol.•Do not give toy dogs or pigs to children. •Do not give anything made of pigskin.•Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning and avoid yellow wrapping paper, as it is the color of royalty. •If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims). •Offer gifts with the right hand only or