IRELAND | Socializing | Cultural information
Mentality & Communication
Irish people dislike loud and insistent boasting, about how good you are at something, or how good your product is. This behaviour is seen as rude, and a ‘hard' sell. It is much better to assert yourself or your point firmly and gracefully. For example, Jacques may have said, his placement is going very well he is learning a great deal, however he feels that he is capable of more, and should a more challenging opportunity arise, he would gladly help out.
‘Pulling rank' is highly offensive and not accepted in Irish society. It consists of boasting or acting in a superior way.
‘Small talk' is a typically Irish way of communicating. To talk to a stranger at the bus, in a shop or while queuing in the bank is a normal everyday occurrence. Great emphasis is placed on the importance of being able to communicate with people. A favourite topic of small talk is the weather. Another topic is discussing television programmes .
‘Slagging ' is a mild form of teasing which is not meant to be offensive and where the person ‘slagged' will usually respond in the same way. This takes practice and is not recommended for beginners.
Understatement is often used to describe things. For example ‘not bad' is used to describe something that is very good. ‘Your English is not bad' is meant as a compliment.
The Irish sense of humour often consists in being able to tell a funny story and to be able to take a joke. Taking a joke means that in the right context if someone says something that you think is mildly critical of you or your country of origin, you should not take it too seriously. Irish people will be the first to be critical of themselves and their country with the phrase ‘It could only happen in Ireland ' frequently used.
Going out to Eat & Drink
A round is where you take it in turns to buy a drink for the rest of the group and yourself. When it is your turn it is "Your Round". If you wish to leave before you have bought a round, ensure that you buy a drink for your friends before you leave the pub. It is a major faux pas not to participate in a round.
Local Customs
Ireland 's major festival occurs on St. Patrick's Day, 17 th March when every city town and village organises parades and special events. There is always a carnival atmosphere and the “craic is mighty”, www.stpatricksday.ie.