Description du produit
Résumé
Don't just see the sights-get to know the people. Belgium has somehow
acquired the reputation of being Europe's most boring country-a
reputation that is entirely undeserved. But perhaps this bland image is a
smokescreen, the conventional exterior hiding a subversive sense of
humor, a surreal imagination, and a deep-rooted disdain for authority.
Or perhaps it is a camouflage, a way in which Belgium, still
overrun-however peacefully-by foreigners, can keep a few of its secrets
to itself. Two main factors seem to determine the values Belgians hold
and the ways they approach life: the effects of the linguistic divide,
and the country's long history of exposure to other cultures through
trade, war, and occupation-its experience of being simultaneously very
small and very strategically placed. Culture Smart! Belgium will help
you navigate these swirling waters.
It is for anyone who wants
to understand Belgian society and encounter it with sensitivity and
poise. We trace the land's turbulent history and look at how the past
has shaped the collective and personal values of today's Belgians. We
look at the Belgian people at work, at play, and at home, and offer tips
to help you get along with the people you will meet, on both sides of
the divide, and navigate the new situations that you are likely to
encounter.
Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad
through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on
history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better
understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will
help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.