Culture of Chile

Language in Chile

Spanish is the official language of Chile. There are also quite a few indigenous languages such as Mapudungun that spoken between the Itata and Tolten rivers and Aymara that spoken in the mountains of the north.


Chilean Culture and Society

Religion
. Most Chileans are Roman Catholics. The religion has played a large role in defining social and political life.

. Religious instruction in public schools is almost exclusively Roman Catholic. Abortion is actually illegal due to the influence of the Church.

. Divorce was illegal until 2004.

. Most national holidays are religious in nature.

. Chileans of more mature generations still celebrate their saint's day as much as they do their own birthday.


The Role of the Family


. The family occupies a central role in Chilean life.

. Extended families are very close and will frequently congregate for major occasions and celebrations.

. Family and business are intertwined to the extent that nepotism is seen as a positive concept.

. Many small firms will be 100% family run.



Class Structure

. Chilean history has had a large influence on modern day class lines.

. Today's wealthiest class are more or less the same land owning families of before.

. A middle class has developed of late and now accounts for nearly a half of the population.

Classes are fluid and it is possible to move either upwards or downwards depending on your salary.


Etiquette and Customs in Chile

Meeting & Greeting

. Men will usually shake hands.

. Women generally pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder.

. These are always accompanied by the appropriate greeting for the time of day - "buenos dias" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon) or "buenas noches"(good evening).

. Between friends and family things will relax and become more unreserved - men may embrace and energetically pat each other on the back whilst women will kiss once on the right cheek.

. Always let your Chilean counterpart progress to this stage of formality.

. Like many South Americans, Chileans use both their maternal and paternal surnames. The father's surname is listed first and is the one used in conversation.

. If you know of any titles always try to use them. . If no title exists then simply use "Senor" (male) or "Senora" (female) followed by the surname.

. When addressing older people with whom you have a personal relationship, who may be referred to as "don" (male) or "dona" (female) with their first name.

. First names are used between close friends - wait until invited to move to a first name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are usually given for birthdays and Christmas. Some general etiquette guidelines include:

. If invited to a Chilean's home, take sweets/chocolates or wine for the hostess.

. Send flowers in advance.

. Do not give yellow roses as they indicate contempt.

. Do not give purple or black flowers as they symbolize death.

. Do not give scissors or knives as they indicate you want to sever the relationship.

. For a young girl's 15th birthday, a gift of gold jewellery is the norm.

. Gifts are opened when received.



Dining Etiquette


. Dining etiquette can be quite formal in Chile.

. As a general rule, observe and follow if ever unsure.

. Here are some basic dining etiquette guidelines:

- When sitting wait to be shown to your place.

- Women sit before men.

- The hostess invites people to eat.

- Keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.

- Always use utensils to eat.

- Avoid speaking with eating utensils in your hands.

- It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

- Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.

- The host makes the first toast.

- The most common toast is "Salud!"

- When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted.

- Pour wine with the right hand only.

For my opinion, the culture of Chile has a lot of similarity with my own culture. We has to always pay attention when social with people from different culture to avoid misunderstanding.