2. Cultures and co-cultures may have different norms about what is appropriate to say to whom, by whom, when, and about what. For example, the “appropriate” way to compliment others and accept compliments can vary from culture to culture. In the dominant culture of the United States, you might compliment your Japanese friend by saying, “Miki, this is the best miso soup I have ever tasted.” To Miki, however, your compliment might sound insincere because in Japanese culture the language of compliments is more humble. So she might reply, “Oh, it’s nice of you to say that, but I am sure that you have had better miso soup at sushi restaurants in the city.”

Similarly, Midwesterners often smile and say “Hi” to strangers on the street as a sign of being friendly. In China, acknowledging a stranger in this way typically assumes an unwarranted familiarity and is likely to be considered rude.