Teacher Taboos for ESL Teachers

As a teacher of ESL there is a fine balance between being yourself and showing respect. If your students are learning English in your country, you want to share as much as you can about your own customs and lifestyle, while giving each of your students the opportunity and freedom to share theirs. If you are teaching English in a foreign country, you should take active steps to learn as much about the culture and customs of its people. This includes finding out about the taboo topics and actions that could embarrass, confuse or upset a student.

Remember, that what is considered appropriate conduct or conversational material in your country may be considered rude, insulting or even bad luck in another. You may also find that younger generations are more accepting of and accustomed to American or European topics and gestures, while older students still consider some things taboo.

Talking about taboos in general can also be tricky! We want to make sure not to promote generalizations or stereotypes that could upset or insult anyone. Before you travel to a foreign country, take the time to do some research, by talking to other English teachers who are working there. The EnglishClub Teacher Forums are a great place to start.

Here are some general topics to avoid as an ESL teacher in a multicultural class:

Religious beliefs
Political beliefs
Sexuality
Poverty
Historical Conflict

Here are some general actions and gestures to avoid as an ESL teacher in a multicultural class:

Swearing
Touching students
Eating or chewing gum in class
Embarrassing students
Pointing
Holding eye contact for a long period of time
Standing very close to a student

Country	Topics and behaviour to avoid	Notes for travelling teachers
China	Students may not maintain steady eye contact with you when you are talking to them. Try to be respectful of the culture by not holding eye contact with a single student for too long. Punctuality is important in China. Make sure to begin and end your classes on time, even if there are students looking for help with homework. Try to avoid putting your hand near your mouth or biting your fingernails. This is considered rude. Never wave someone over with your finger. Wave them over with a hand and fingers pointed down. This is also the way to hail a taxi. If your students give you gifts, know that it is customary not to open it in front of them. The student/teacher relationship is generally formal in nature.	You may think that your Chinese students are unhappy or disliking your class because they don't smile as much as other students. However, Chinese students often repress their emotions because this is part of their culture. Be careful not to mix up the history or culture of Asian countries or assume that things are the same in all of them.
France	Avoid discussions of jobs, and financial success or wealth. This is often considered the greatest taboo in France. Avoid talking about immigration. In France it is considered taboo for foreigners to introduce the topic of the European Union as a political and/or economic power. The American sign for OK (making a circle with finger and thumb), which teachers often use to show that a student has done something correctly or perfectly means "nothing" in France.	Maintaining eye contact is not customary between strangers. If you hold eye contact with someone on the street or in a store you are suggesting you want a relationship with them. Refusing eye contact, however, suggests that you think you are of a higher status than the other person. Students will cover their mouth with their hands to gesture that they have made a mistake.
Germany	It is considered very rude to be even a few minutes late. Never chew gum in public or in class. Avoid discussing how much money people earn.	If you are dining out with others, it is considered rude to start your meal before everyone has received theirs. It is considered bad luck to wish a German person a Happy Birthday before the actual date.
India	Avoid discussing the relationship of India with Pakistan. Avoid discussing religious beliefs. Avoid discussing poverty. It is rude to point directly at someone. Standing with your hands on your hips is seen as a sign of aggression. Never touch people with your shoes or feet, and apologize immediately if it happens accidentally. Avoid discussing the marriage tradition of dowries.	For any teachers who may be travelling or teaching with their romantic partners, be aware that showing affection in public is considered taboo in India.
Italy	It is considered rude to chew gum in public and to eat as you walk. In Italy, placing your hand on your stomach (which is a sign of hunger in many countries) means that you dislike someone.	When first being introduced to a group of people you should take the time to shake everyone's hand rather than just offering a communal wave. It is quite normal for Italians to stand close to one another. You may also get bumped or pushed in line-ups or public places.
Japan	Teachers should not touch their students (e.g. hand on shoulder, high five). Take steps not to say or do something that would cause a single student to feel embarrassed. Japanese people are more likely to feel ashamed and insulted rather than innocently embarrassed. The American sign for OK, which teachers often use to show that a student has done something correctly or perfectly means "money" in Japan. Be discreet about blowing your nose in the classroom. Avoid discussing World War II.	Be careful not to mix up the history or culture of Asian countries or assume that things are the same in all of them.
Korea	Avoid discussing politics. Avoid discussing personal family matters. Avoid discussing the relationship between North and South Korea. Provide criticism in private. Avoid pointing or beckoning someone with your finger Be discreet about blowing your nose.	If you are very animated when you talk, you may want to try to tone your hand movements down. Many people wear surgical masks in public if they have a cold to avoid spreading germs. Be careful not to mix up the history or culture of Asian countries or assume that things are the same in all of them.
Mexico	Avoid discussing pollution. Avoid discussing illegal immigration. Avoid discussing religion. Don't make comparisons between Mexico and the U.S. Avoid discussing sexuality. It is considered very rude to take the Lord's name in vain in Mexico. If you are the type of person to use a form of the phrase, "Oh my God," in your everyday conversation, you may want to practise eliminating it from your vocabulary. It is considered rude for men to keep their hands in their pocket.	It is helpful to be aware of the taboo in Mexico for young people to live alone or with a girlfriend/boyfriend before getting married. Mexican people tend to stand very close to one another when engaged in a conversation. It is considered rude to move further away. Mexican people often make the sound "pst pst" to get someone's attention. This is not considered rude behaviour. Place the money for payment directly into a person's hand rather than on the counter.
Taiwan	Avoid talking about politics and the relationship between Taiwan and Mainland China. Western men should not extend their hands to Taiwanese women in a greeting. A nod of the head is appropriate. Taiwanese people appreciate plenty of personal space. Save criticism for private occasions before or after class. Never purposely embarrass your students.	It is common for Taiwanese people to expect each other to read between the lines. You will rarely hear an actual "no" for an answer. Be careful not to mix up the history or culture of Asian countries or assume that things are the same in all of them.
Thailand	It is considered rude to look directly at someone for more than a few seconds. Don't point your foot at someone (especially their head!). Don't pat students on the head (in Thai culture this is where the spirits live). If teaching children, don't crouch down beside them with your head lower than theirs. Don't discuss or criticize the monarchy. Avoid talking about national security.	Be careful not to mix up the history or culture of Asian countries or assume that things are the same in all of them. Teachers are expected to dress conservatively. This usually involves wearing a necktie.