Some cultures are very gregarious and lively. They like loud music, speak to each other loudly, etc.
Which cultures have you found to be more reserved? Not necessarily cold or rude, just not as loud in public?
Some cultures are very gregarious and lively. They like loud music, speak to each other loudly, etc.
Which cultures have you found to be more reserved? Not necessarily cold or rude, just not as loud in public?
Scandinavians/Nordics Japanese Canadians Singaporeans Kiwis Germans Swiss look
Honorable mention: Pacific Northwest (USA)
I would also say Pacific Northwest Canada (BC). We have a reputation, especially in Vancouver, for being withdrawn and hard to make friends with. Interesting how it’s the same across the border.
But I think that Canadians from small towns or other provinces tend to be very friendly with strangers, for example saying hi to everyone you encounter when you’re out on a walk.
I am a quiet introvert from the US South, where yelling and SMILING LOUDLY SOMEHOW are mandatory at all times in public. I moved to the Pacific Northwest. It took a couple of months to let the mask fall as I observed how to do it and still be friendly… and goooood it is a relief to be able to drop that damn smile 😅 My face used to hurt after social gatherings.
Singaporeans? I would say no, and I grew up in east Asia.
As a kiwi, I agree. I had to wait 45m at a free lawyer clinic once, not one person spoke, if people needed to speak, they whispered or spoke quietly to their family or friend next to them. The only person who tried to make conversation was this French lady. I felt sorry for the guy she engaged in conversation. About politics too! I get that the French like to discuss things, but politics? To a stranger too? That’s a bit much.
This story is believable.
That said, while Kiwis aren’t huge small talkers, they can be very talkative, even with perfect strangers, in quite a few settings. It just usually isn’t for the heck of it.
I’ve found Kiwis honest-to-God friendly and helpful, just not very boisterous and loud. Similar to Canadians actually. That’s why I love traveling from here in the US to Canada whenever I can; Canada reminds me somewhat of NZ. :)
That’s true. We speak with purpose. You’ve got to hit the right topics that we’re passionate about then we’ll go on and on and talk your ear off 😂
Germans? No way lmao.
Huh, I’m American and did not know that. Have lived in Sweden since last year and LOVE the quiet, withdrawn culture - to me, it’s so different from everywhere I’ve ever lived in the US. No loud blah, blah yammering on public transit, people don’t think you’re weird for not talking, etc. If I end up back in the States I might have to consider the Pacific NW.
I’m from Seattle and can confirm. I think it’s the Scandinavian influence.
I was going to say Singaporeans too, weirdly the rest of SEA is not quiet at all, not even China or Malaysia, where the Singaporeans draw most of their culture
Yeah. The MRT and its passengers aren’t loud. Customers at the hawker markets aren’t loud. The ferry passengers between Singapore and Indonesia aren’t loud. Speaking in generalities, of course, but Singapore just isn’t a loud, boisterous society.
Singaporeans themselves were friendly enough, given the chance. They’re just not extroverted.
… you can’t really compare Singapore to other SEA countries. It’s a city-country with a small population. They have strict laws and fines for etiquette and living and are able to control their citizens because of it.
It’s like saying how come this one classroom with 10 kids is so well behaved where corporal punishment is allowed and kids can be easily caught, when this class of 10,000 kids is unruly?
Singaporean Malays and Indians are not quiet. It’s just the Singaporean Chinese.