User:Jibun/Etiquette in Europe/The Nordic countries

The Nordic countries

Many Scandinavian people take pride in their heritage as explorers and colonizers. Shown here is the Gokstad Viking ship on display in Oslo, Norway.

As Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden share aspects of a common cultural heritage, some guidelines about etiquette may apply throughout the Nordic countries. It is still inconsiderate, however, to blur the distinctions between these nations. One should also note that the term Scandinavia is somewhat ambiguous in the English language but generally refers only to the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the region.

• Many people of Scandinavian descent are proud of their heritage as explorers and colonizers during the Viking Age, but it is impolite to trivialize that heritage by suggesting that all Vikings did was go on raids, perpetuating false stereotypes such as the wearing of horned helmets, or imply that Vikings are what one should think of when Scandinavia or Nordic countries are mentioned.
• Not finishing one's food implies that the taste or quality was poor and it could not be eaten or the host does not correctly serve the quantity of food one needs. If you suspect you can't eat something, ask the host if she can remove it before you touch your plate.
• Using your personal utensils to help yourself to more food will taint the dish and prevent others from eating it.
• The legal ban on smoking in public places (including bars, restaurants and offices) is almost universally observed. Rather than lighting a cigarette in someone's house or asking permission to smoke, ask to be excused to step outside for a cigarette.
• In many homes, shoes and outerwear are removed in the foyer.
• In some regions, that of Finland most notably, people tend to be more reserved and soft spoken than others. In social situations, they may be more comfortable with periods of silence than people from the English-speaking world are accustomed to and may regard behavior appropriate in many other places as boisterous.
• Prolonged eye contact with strangers is considered intrusive. When making eye contact, immediately move your gaze elsewhere.
• Physical contact should be avoided, and apologised for if accidental.
• If hosting a meeting or receiving guests, coffee is expected.
• In the Nordic countries, titles such as Mr., Mrs., Professor, Doctor, etc. are not used. Younger people usually call each others by first name regardless of relationship, and the T-V distinction is not used even though it exists. In formal written communication, a person should be addressed by first and surname.
• It is important to be on time. If you are supposed to meet a person at 20.00, it is considered impolite to be late, and you are expected to be there at the precise time.
• In Iceland, most people do not have surnames but patronymics. A person's last name is his/her father's first name in genitive with -son or -dóttir added according to the person's sex. Icelanders do not change their name upon marriage (this being illegal) so asking a spouse's last name is not impolite. Icelanders never refer to each other by last name only. In formal situations the whole name is used.
• It is considered polite to stop for pedestrians on roads.