6.3 Norms and Customs
Completion requirements
Spanish Language and Culture 10-3Y
6.3 Norms and Customs
Buen provecho
In Latin America, people use the expression "Buen provecho" when people are eating. It is a polite way to say "Enjoy your meal / food." You can reply with a simple "Gracias". What do you say with your friends and family when you sit down to a meal together?
Are there any norms that you follow when you eat? If you travel to a Spanish country, you should know about their norms before you go. Read about the following norms in Latin America and Spain. Do you follow the same norms? Which are the same and which are different from yours?
Are there any norms that you follow when you eat? If you travel to a Spanish country, you should know about their norms before you go. Read about the following norms in Latin America and Spain. Do you follow the same norms? Which are the same and which are different from yours?
Customs
If you travel to Latin America or Spain, you want to be aware of these general customs so you don't appear as impolite.
- People greet each other with a kiss on the cheek and men shake hands with a strong grip.
- In Latin America, the main meal of the day is la comida, eaten between 1:00 and 3:00. The have a lighter meal, or snack in the late evening.
- In Spain, they have 2 main meals, la comida, and la cena eaten around 9 or 10 p.m.
- There is a smaller sense of personal space, and it is impolite to step back when someone comes closer - be prepared to be "up close and personal".
- Conversations are casual and comfortable with loud talk and often physical contact.
- In a restaurant, a server will only bring the bill (la cuenta) if you ask for it, never before. "La cuenta, por favor" is often accompanied by gesture of signing the cheque.