VIVA MEXICO

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VIVA MEXICO!

• BY LULA AND CECY

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OLMECAS SPANISH COLONY
Mexican culture goes back to the Olmecas, Mayas
and Aztecas Indians. These empires where
destroyed by the Spanish, by the year 1521, and
as consequence we became a Spanish colony.
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INDEPENDENCE REVOLUTION
1810 Mexican Independence
1864 Archduke Maximilian of Austria became
emperor of Mexico and ruled for 3 years.
1910-1920 Mexican Revolution
1823 Mexican Republic was declared.
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MEXICO 1953 -1994

• 1953 Mexican women granted right to vote in all
  elections.
• 1968 Tlatelolco student murder.
• 1985 8.1(Ritcher Scale) earthquake in Mexico
  City.
• 1994 NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
  was signed. (TLCAN).

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STATISTICS

• Population 108,700,891
• Territory
• 1964,375 Km.²
• Type of Government Federal Democratic with 31
  states and a federal district.

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• Currency Peso (1 16 pesos)

• Religion predominantly 90 are Roman Catholics

• Language the official language is Spanish, but
  more than a hundred Indian languages are spoken

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VALUES NAMES

• To show respect use Don and Doña
• Another form to address in Mexico is Señor,
  Señora and Señorita.
• Mexicans have two family names.

• Family is very important and comes before
  everything else.
• Mexicans place great value on personal relations
  and relationships.
• Most Mexican men have a macho attitude.

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CULTURAL ORIENTATION

• One must know the person before doing business
  with him/her, the only way to know a person in
  Mexico is to know the family.
• It is extremely important to cultivate personal
  relations with the right people in the right
  places.
• There are extreme contrast between rich and poor,
  but Mexico has the largest upper middle class in
  all Latino American countries.

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BUSINESS PRACTICE

• Punctuality is expected from foreigners, but
  usually meeting or appointments would not start
  until 30 minutes after.
• It is always better to confirm assistance one
  week prior to the meeting.
• Business cards are usually exchange after initial
  introductions.
• Make sure you know who has the power to make
  decisions.

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PROTOCOL

• Men will shake hands in greeting. Women will
  often pat each other on the right forehand or
  shoulder.
• If they are close they may hug or kiss each other
  on the cheek.
• Be prepared for a hug on the second or third
  meeting.
• At a party, Mexicans give a slight nod to
  everyone as they enter the room.
• Conversations take place at a much closer
  physical distance. Pulling away from your
  counterpart may be regarded as unfriendly.

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DOS

• Be careful when using the words America or
  American
• Try to speak at least a little bit of Spanish.
• Show acknowledge and appreciation of Mexican
  culture.
• Personal relationships are very important and
  most be established before negotiations.
• Personalized everything.
• Morning appointments are best.
• Always greet people otherwise they may be
  offended.

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• If you are a guy, always open doors to women and
  push the chair when seating on a table.
• Give tip when being at a restaurant (about 15),
  to the bellboy, taxi, etc.
• Look into the others eyes when talking to them.
• Always respect the elderly.
• Take in consideration that traffic yams are
  common in big Mexican cities, so take your time
  or be prepared for delays.
• When paying for something, always place the money
  in the receivers hand.

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DONTS

• Do not call Mexican by their first name until
  invited to do so.
• Never show up on time for a social engagement.
• Do not neglect the little things. (like no saying
  goodbye)
• Never say anything negative about Indians or
  their cultures.
• Avoid asking direct questions or expressing
  strong disagreement.
• Never drink water from the faucet unless there is
  a filter.

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• By any chance confuse Spanish culture with
  Mexican (they are two different cultures)
• Do not ask if they speak Mexican, it is Spanish.
• Do not confuse Mexican taco with the hard shell
  taco (texmex).
• Never eat in the street you might get sick.
• Do not stand with the hands on your hips or in
  your pockets because it means anger and is
  consider rude.

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USEFUL WORDS

• Hola Hello
• Gracias Thank you
• Me llamo . My name is
• Cual es su nombre? Whats your name?
• Cómo esta usted? How are you?
• Lo siento Im sorry
• Perdóneme Excuse me
• Si yes
• No no
• Adios Good bye
• Salud Cheers

• Por favor Please
• Denada Your welcome
• Cuanto cuesta? How much is it?
• Saludos cordiales Best regards
• Buenas noches Good night
• Buenos dias Good Morning
• Que onda Whats u
• Padre Great
• Orale Ok or Wow

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Morrison, Terri (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake
  Hands. Massachusets Adams Media.
• Murray Bosrock, Mary (1995). Put Your Best Foot
  Forward. United States of America International
  Education Systems.
• Mexican People