Kitchen Culture

Every Friday night was “Kitchen Philosophy Night” at our house. We quietly and sometimes not so quietly, agreed, changed the subject, laughed, searched through the World Book Encyclopedia for the correct answer (remember this was way before the Internet), ate (always necessary) and had a great time exchanging ideas around the kitchen table.

Now here I am sitting in front of a computer blogging about our global community. It’s amazing that I am able to reach so many people compared to the 5, 6, 7 or 8 who participated in those Friday night discussions, which covered topics from A to Z. This blog is going to consist mainly of business and social etiquette, culture, food and a few facts about the country featured.

I chose Australia as my first country-continent, because I would love to visit there and find myself on the beach looking up at the stars in the Southern Hemisphere. You might think that since English is spoken in Australia the language is easily understood, but that isn’t necessarily true. Here are some things I found out about Australia. Please correct me if I am wrong. It’s the best way to enjoy “Kitchen Philosophy”.

Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean

Capital: Canberra

Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperature south and east; tropical in the north. Example; here in Pittsburgh, PA it is 34° F; Sidney is 25° C translated 77° F

Population: 20.6 million (2009 est.)

Government: Democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as the sovereign.

Languages: English is the primary language used in Australia. They do have a very colorful vocabulary, accent, phonetics system and slang called “Strine”. In 1788, there were about 250 separate Aboriginal languages spoken and dialects. Today, only two-thirds of these survived and only 20% of them are still strong enough to survive to the next century. In addition, there are also the languages of immigrants from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Now on to the best part of any country — the people. I have always believed it is not the places you go, but the people you meet along the way. To me sitting in a park, a café or the hotel lobby talking to the residents of a country and other tourists is so interesting and educational. Sometimes they can steer you to places to visit that are not in the guide books.

Australians are very down to earth. They value authenticity, sincerity and loathe pretentiousness. They very often downplay their own success.

It is very important to get along due to the small population, since you never know when you will meet again. This leads to a win-win negotiating style.

Australia has become a multi-cultural society. The initial population was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent. In the late 40’s, there was a migration of people from Europe, especially Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Turkey. In the last 30 years, there has been a migration of people from Southeast Asia.

When meeting people from Australia, they prefer to be casual and relaxed. A handshake is appropriate. An Aussie may say “G’day or “G’day mate”, but a visitor should simply say “Hello or Hello, how are you?”. Even at an initial meeting Aussies prefer to use first names, however, it is a good idea to let your Australian host determine if they prefer to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

If invited to someone’s home for “tea”, in Australia it means you are being invited for the evening meal. It is acceptable to bring chocolate or flowers to the hostess. A good bottle of wine is equally acceptable. Many invitations to an Australian’s home will be for a “Barbie”. Typically guests bring their own wine or beer for personal consumption.

Arrive on time if invited for dinner, and no more than 15 minutes late, if it is a large party or a barbecue. Check with the hostess to see if you should bring a dish.

Australia relies heavily on trade with the rest of the world, mostly the Asian region, where they export more than 60% of their products.

Business attire for men is a dark suit and tie. No sport coats and trousers. Sometimes you may see men wearing short-sleeved shirts, shorts, tie and knee-high socks. This depends on the weather, place and circumstances. Women wear appropriate business suits or dresses (no slacks). When business is conducted in a tropical climate, dress may be less formal.

Now, we are at the business meeting. Business cards are exchanged at the introduction without formalities. If you do not receive one, it is not an insult. Appointments are necessary and easy to get and should be made with as much lead time as possible. I read two opinions concerning punctuality. One said it is very important to be on time and the other said if you are a few minutes late it will be overlooked. Perhaps someone could let us know which is correct.

It is important not to boast about your company or yourself. Aussies value the accomplishment of a group or community over individuals. They like to see your personal achievements in action and decide your worth for themselves.

You should be prepared for decision making to be a long process; collaboration amongst co-workers is done much more than in our society. In your communications be accurate and to the point. Australians take words at face value.

WATEVER YOU DO: Don’t sit in the back seat of a cab. Social and class equality are very important to Australians. It would be considered an insult to the driver if you sit in the back seat. Don’t break eye contact with Australians when they are talking to you. Do not blow your nose in public, it is very rude.

Here are some of their great slang phrases and what they mean:
Chin Wag - Have a conversation
She’ll be apples - Everything will be alright
Hang on a tick - Wait a moment
Pull your head in - Mind your own business
To make a crust - To earn your living
You’re a galah - Silly person
He’s True Blue - Real Australian

I hope you have a “Smile on your face like a carpet snake in a chook pen”. Translation: “BIG GRIN”

I am looking forward to your comments, and in the meantime, it’s on to the next spot on the globe.

Eileen Flosnik
Human Resources

Included with each blog will be a couple of recipes native to the country we are visiting.

Lamingtons
Ingredients
3 eggs
Scant teacup honey
1 teacup self-raising flour
Pinch salt
1 dessertspoon cold water
Icing
2 egg whites
1 scant teacup icing sugar
3 teaspoons cocoa
Coconut
Method
Beat whites of 2 of the eggs with honey till stiff, beat the 2 yolks well with the remaining egg, mix gently into egg white and honey mixture. Fold in flour sifted with salt, mix water in lightly, bake in well greased baking dish in a moderate oven. For icing, beat egg whites till stiff, fold in icing sugar sifted with cocoa, cut cake into squares, coat with icing and roll in coconut.

Meat Pasties
Ingredients
1/2 lb steak
1/2 lb potatoes
1 onion
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 turnip
Pepper and salt
Rough puff pastry
Method
Cut the meat, potatoes and turnip into small dice and put them on a plate. Season with pepper, salt, parsley and grated onion. Sprinkle over the meat a tablespoon of water. Roll the pastry out about 1/8: thick and either cut out pieces about 6" square or stamp them into rather large rounds. Put a small portion of the meat on the pastry, wet the edges and fold the pastry over the meat. Pinch the edges together with the fingers. Place the pasties on a scone tray, brush over with beaten egg, and bake in a moderate oven for about 3/4 of an hour.

CITED: Sabath, Ann Marie: International Business Etiquette: Asia and the Pacific Rim
http://library.thinkquest.org/C005462/scross.html information on the Southern Cross
http://www.oldaussierecipes.com/aussieslangandhumour.htm
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/australia.html