¡VIVA MEXICO!
BY LULA AND CECY
OLMECAS
SPANISH COLONY
Mexican culture goes
back to the Olmecas,
Mayas and Aztecas
Indians.
These empires where
destroyed by the
Spanish, by the year
1521, and as
consequence we
became a Spanish
colony.
INDEPENDENCE
1810: Mexican Independence
1823 Mexican
Republic was
declared.
REVOLUTION
1864 Archduke
Maximilian of Austria
became emperor of
Mexico and ruled for 3
years.
1910-1920:
Mexican Revolution
MEXICO 1953 -1994
• 1953: Mexican women granted
right to vote in all elections.
• 1968: Tlatelolco student murder.
• 1985: 8.1(Ritcher Scale)
earthquake in Mexico City.
• 1994: NAFTA (North American Free
Trade Agreement) was signed.
(TLCAN).
STATISTICS
• Population:
108,700,891
• Territory:
1’964,375 Km.²
• Type of
Government:
Federal Democratic
with 31 states and a
federal district.
• Currency: Peso (€1 = $16 pesos)
• Religion: predominantly
90% are Roman Catholics
• Language: the official
language is Spanish, but
more than a hundred Indian
languages are spoken
VALUES & NAMES
• Family is very
important and
comes before
everything else.
• Mexicans place
great value on
personal relations
and relationships.
• Most Mexican
men have a
macho attitude.
• To show respect
use Don and
Doña
• Another form to
address in
Mexico is Señor,
Señora and
Señorita.
• Mexicans have
two family
names.
CULTURAL ORIENTATION
• One must know the person before doing
business with him/her, the only way to
know a person in Mexico is to know the
family.
• It is extremely important to cultivate
personal relations with the right people in
the right places.
• There are extreme contrast between rich
and poor, but Mexico has the largest
upper middle class in all Latino American
countries.
BUSINESS PRACTICE
• Punctuality is expected from
foreigners, but usually meeting or
appointments would not start until 30
minutes after.
• It is always better to confirm assistance
one week prior to the meeting.
• Business cards are usually exchange
after initial introductions.
• Make sure you know who has the
power to make decisions.
PROTOCOL
• Men will shake hands in greeting. Women
will often pat each other on the right
forehand or shoulder.
• If they are close they may hug or kiss each
other on the cheek.
• Be prepared for a hug on the second or
third meeting.
• At a party, Mexicans give a slight nod to
everyone as they enter the room.
• Conversations take place at a much closer
physical distance. Pulling away from your
counterpart may be regarded as unfriendly.
“DO’S”
• Be careful when using the words
America or American
• Try to speak at least a little bit of
Spanish.
• Show acknowledge and appreciation
of Mexican culture.
• Personal relationships are very
important and most be established
before negotiations.
• Personalized everything.
• Morning appointments are best.
• Always greet people otherwise they
may be offended.
• If you are a guy, always open doors to
women and push the chair when seating
on a table.
• Give tip when being at a restaurant
(about 15%), to the bellboy, taxi, etc.
• Look into the others eyes when talking to
them.
• Always respect the elderly.
• Take in consideration that traffic yams
are common in big Mexican cities, so
take your time or be prepared for delays.
• When paying for something, always
place the money in the receiver’s hand.
“DON’TS”
• Do not call Mexican by their first name
until invited to do so.
• Never show up on time for a social
engagement.
• Do not neglect the little things. (like no
saying goodbye)
• Never say anything negative about
Indians or their cultures.
• Avoid asking direct questions or
expressing strong disagreement.
• Never drink water from the faucet
unless there is a filter.
• By any chance confuse Spanish
culture with Mexican (they are two
different cultures)
• Do not ask if they speak Mexican, it is
Spanish.
• Do not confuse Mexican taco with the
hard shell taco (texmex).
• Never eat in the street you might get
sick.
• Do not stand with the hands on your
hips or in your pockets because it
means anger and is consider rude.
USEFUL WORDS
• Hola = Hello
• Gracias = Thank you
• Me llamo …. = My name
is…
• ¿Cual es su nombre? =
What’s your name?
• ¿Cómo esta usted? =
How are you?
• Lo siento = I’m sorry
• Perdóneme = Excuse
me
• Si = yes
• No = no
• Adios = Good bye
• Salud = Cheers
• Por favor = Please
• Denada = Your
welcome
• ¿Cuanto cuesta? =
How much is it?
• Saludos cordiales =
Best regards
• Buenas noches = Good
night
• Buenos dias = Good
Morning
• Que onda = What’s u
• Padre = Great
• Orale = Ok or Wow
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Morrison, Terri (2006). Kiss, Bow, or
Shake Hands. Massachusets: Adams
Media.
• Murray Bosrock, Mary (1995). Put Your
Best Foot Forward. United States of
America: International Education Systems.
• Mexican People