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India - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture Paperback – 12 May 2021
by Becky Stephen (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 89 ratings
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India's huge population of 1.2 billion is as varied and colorful as the spice markets of Old Delhi. Each region, caste, and community has its own culture, reflecting unique histories shaped by conquest, creativity, and religion. Steeped in ancient traditions, exceptionally fatalistic, and intensely passionate about their culture, Indians are also ingenious, creative world leaders in cutting-edge science and technology. Show interest in their country and it will be reciprocated with genuine warmth and friendship. Culture Smart! India will make you aware of essential values and behavioral norms, as well as show you how to navigate often profound cultural differences and build relationships.
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Print length
200 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Kuperard
Publication date
12 May 2021
Product description
Review
"...the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries,"
Global Travel
"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world,"
New York Times
"...full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas,"
Observer
"Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers,"
Sunday Times Travel
"...as useful as they are entertaining,"
Easy Jet Magazine
About the Author
Becky Stephen was born in the US as an "airforce brat," growing up in several states, as well as in England. Long fascinated by Indian culture and philosophy, she moved to India in 1988 to study Hindi at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. There she met her South Indian husband and ended up living in Varanasi for five years. Becky has a Masters in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and has developed and led cross-cultural and other training programs and events in the US, India, Eurasia, Europe, and the Arabian Peninsula. After working for three years in Dubai as a management consultant and cross-cultural trainer, she moved with her husband and son to Atlanta, Georgia, where she trains and supervises Americans on long- term international assignments.
Product details
Publisher : Kuperard; Fourth edition (12 May 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 200 pages
ISBN-10 : 178702900X
ISBN-13 : 978-1787029002
Dimensions : 10.8 x 1.52 x 17.15 cmBest Sellers Rank: 334,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)185 in Business Etiquette (Books)
531 in Study of Customs & Traditions (Books)
739 in History of IndiaCustomer Reviews:
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 89 ratings
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to introduce you to IndiaReviewed in the United States on 12 February 2024
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I was looking for a short book that described both a brief history and a cultural guide to India and I found it. The author describes a short history to give you context to what you are seeing and then ties it into modern India. There is no holding back, she explains how things work and the best way to navigate them. I really enjoyed it and so will you.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2022
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Oh what I'd have done for a guide like this on my first visit to India! I've spent a fair amount of time in this beautiful crazy country over the years, have many friends there and consider myself fairly well acquainted with "how things are done" — and yet, this book had much to teach me. There were many "aha" moments, and it provided explanations for many things I've experienced which had previously mystified me. India can be a complicated place for the uninitiated...
Honestly I can't recommend this book enough. This latest edition is fully up-to-date, it's well written and the information is frankly invaluable, whether it's your 1st or 12th visit!
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David
5.0 out of 5 stars A Helpful Read for First-Time Travelers to IndiaReviewed in the United States on 15 May 2023
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I'm not usually one for writing reviews, but this book was such a great help for our family trip to India that I felt compelled to share our experience. My cousin was traveling outside the U.S for the first time, and India was our destination. Naturally, we were both a bit anxious about what to expect. This book was the perfect find for us.
What I really appreciated was how simple and straightforward it was. We read it on our flight over, and it was such an easy read, not at all like some of those heavy travel guides that can be a slog to get through. It was almost like having a conversation with a well-traveled friend.
One piece of advice I'd like to add is to consider reading this book a few weeks in advance of your trip. Not only will it give you a taste of what to expect, but it will also inspire some ideas for your own preparations. For instance, after reading about the vibrant street markets, we decided to leave some extra space in our luggage for souvenirs. And the book's advice on local customs helped us pack the right kind of clothing for the places we were planning to visit. Having that time to reflect on what we read and to incorporate it into our plans made a significant difference. So, don't just save it for the plane ride - dive into this book ahead of time and let it guide your pre-trip preparations.
When we landed in Mumbai, the book's descriptions and advice came to life all around us. It was almost uncanny how many times we would say, "Oh, the book mentioned this!" It really helped us understand what was happening around us and eased our first-time traveler jitters.
What made this book stand out wasn't just the practical advice, but the thoughtful insights into the local culture. It didn't just tell us what to see and do, but how to respect and understand the customs and traditions we were seeing. It was these insights that really enriched our trip and made us feel more connected to the places we visited.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone planning a trip to India, especially if it's your first time. It's like having a knowledgeable friend in your pocket, ready to help you navigate and appreciate this incredible country.
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5 people found this helpfulReport
Robert Piggott
5.0 out of 5 stars Prepare for your visit to India.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2022
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I read this book prior to my holiday to prepare for the experience. The book is full of such useful knowledge about Indian society that as I traveller I feel much better attuned to what to expect when I visit. It describes the positives and negatives of the country in a factual unbiased way and I would strongly recommend this to any non Indian visitor.
One person found this helpfulReport
YogasuzY
4.0 out of 5 stars Super insightful & thorough, but…Reviewed in the United States on 10 November 2022
Verified Purchase
…a few useful Hindi phrases and words in English would make this book perfect. And a clearer map.
3 people found this helpfulReport
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