Laos--Culture Smart! by Nada Matas-Runquist -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Page Copyright About the Author Contents Map of Laos Introduction Key Facts Chapter 1: Land and People

• Geography • Climate • The Environment • The People • Lao Americans, Lao French … • A Brief History • Flags and Emblems • The Urban–Rural Divide • Government Today • The Economy • Laos Today

Chapter 2: Values and Attitudes

• National Identity in a Globalized World • Religious Values • Conformity and Nonconfrontation • National Symbols • Appearance Matters • Boh Pen Nyang • Personal Space • Status, Power, and Money • Attitudes Towards Foreigners • Coping and Acceptance • Rules and Regulations • Gender Relations

Chapter 3: Customs and Traditions

• Customs • Baci, or Sou Khuan • Tak Bat, Alms-Giving Ceremony • New Year • Lao National Day • Buddhist Lent • Boun That Luang • Boun Bang Fay • Elephant Festival • Other Official Holidays and Important Events • Lai Heua Fai (Light Festival) • Family Occasions • Spirits

Chapter 4: Meeting People

• Making Friends • Interacting With the People • Greetings • Hospitality • Visiting a Lao Home • Gift Giving • International Meeting Points

Chapter 5: Private and Family Life

• The Family • The Rhythm of Rural Life • Houses and Apartments • The Household • The Maeban, Household Help • The Local Market • Family Matters • Names and Surnames • Education • Traditional Entertainment

Chapter 6: Time Out

• Food and Drink • Shopping • Nightlife • Film Festivals • Sports and Games • Outdoor Activities • Visiting a Temple • Some Cultural Must-Sees • Sites of Natural Beauty

Chapter 7: Travel, Health, and Safety

• Arriving • Getting Around • Where To Stay • Health • Safety

Chapter 8: Business Briefing

• The Business Environment • Business Etiquette and Protocol • Setting Up a Meeting • Presentations • Negotiations • Bureaucracy • Permits and Administration • Business Relationships • Investment Opportunities • Foreign Aid and Development Work • Land Ownership

Chapter 9: Communicating

• Language • Language Dynamics Today • Learning Lao • Humor • Other Languages • The Media • Cell Phones and the Internet • Mail • Conclusion