The netherlands group four team presentatioin

The Netherlands:Concepts in Communication

Debbi Mann- Nonverbal Ritual ChristmasJessica Moore- Nonverbal RitualsLucy Park- Informal ClothingTylor Mullins- Nonverbal use of clothingSheila Makalena-Verbal RitualsJessica Moore, Debbi Mann, and Lucy Park- Gender Roles

Team Purpose

It is this team’s purpose to help identify and explain communication and apply concepts chosen to The Netherlands culture. Through these applications, the team hopes to establish better ways to communicate with people of the Danish culture.

Christmas in the Netherlands

By Debbi Mann

First of Two Christmas’s to Celebrate December 5 is the first night that is celebrated as a

Christmas holiday. It is not traditional like we know it in the U.S.

This is the eve of the passing of St. Nicolaas , a 3rd century bishop who was known for his kindness and generosity. ⃰

Sinterklaas arrives in late November every year, by a ship from Spain. His arrival is celebrated by cheering children and a parade that leads its way through town

On Dec. 5 the families celebrate with good food and hot chocolate. All of the gifts are opened and in each one there is a poem or verse for the recipient. The gift giver is a mystery to all.

Children lay out their shoes in front of the fireplace and put hay and carrots in them for St. Nic.’s horse. If the children have been good they will have goodies in their shoes in the morning.

Dec. 6 the children wake up to their shoes filled with nuts, candy and other surprises.

Second Christmas to Celebrate December 25 and 26 are the second Christmas that is

celebrated in the Netherlands. This Christmas is not about Santa and Reindeer like it is here in the United States.

Christmas in the Netherlands is more about the ambiance, than anything. People decorate trees and many put Advent star lights in their windows.

Families spend the day together on the 25th, having breakfast together and eating themselves silly the rest of the day. Some attend a late night Christmas service at the local church. The 26th is a time for left overs and spending quality time with family. Many times they go on an outing, like ice skating.

Families spend the day together on the 25th, having breakfast together and eating themselves silly the rest of the day. Some attend a late night Christmas service at the local church. The 26th is a time for left overs and spending quality time with family. Many times they go on an outing, like ice skating.

A Portrait of Two Santas

Sinterklaas of the Netherlands

Santa Claus of the U.S.

Nonverbal controversy at Christmas

• A good nonverbal ritual that has been established and ongoing for many, many years is with Sinterklaas’ helpers. Unlike the elves, who are Santa’s helpers, Sinterklaas has a single helper called Black Peter. Many people dress-up to be Black Peter. However, this tradition, in recent years, has caused certain people to believe that it is a “racist” thing and should be discontinued. This is merely a perception due to the helper “appearing” to be black. He however, is not, he is a white male who has black soot on his face from the chimney’s he has passed through to leave the gifts for the children.

Nonverbal Rituals: Etiquette of Gift Giving

By Jessica Moore

A practice of etiquette throughout the Netherlands is gift giving. The nonverbal concept of communication applied to etiquette in the Netherland culture can help people from other cultures assimilate, and understand the importance of this tradition.

Gift Giving Etiquette:The Gifts

When invited to a dinner party, it is customary to bring a gift. It should not be too lavish, but something simple. A bouquet of flowers, Belgian chocolate, a book, or a plotted plant are considered appropriate.

The item should be nicely wrapped. Be prepared for the host/hostess to

open the gift immediately upon receiving, this according to http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/netherlands.html .

A gift should be small, but quality is important. It is always best to search for something high-quality, but reasonably priced.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Giving Do give flowers in odd numbers.

However, avoid the number 13 since it is considered unlucky.

Don’t give sharp, pointy objects, they are also unlucky.

Don’t gift white lilies or chrysanthemums as they represent death and funerals.

Don’t give gifts to acquaintances, as the Dutch prefer to give gifts to people they have established relationships with.

Don’t consider the purchase of wine. Many Dutch hosts are picky and have already selected a bottle.

In the Netherlands, the Dutch people believe that when giving gifts, reciprocity or mutual exchange should be applied. According to http://www.giftypedia.com/The_Netherlands_Gift_Giving_Customs the rule of thumb is to give and receive small gifts, and not over-gift.

The Nonverbal Concept Applied to Gift Giving

The nonverbal concept can be applied to gift giving through the Do’s and Don’ts of Netherland gift giving. Expectations such as no pointy objects, no flowers in the amount of thirteen, and what type of present to give on the certain occasion all represent what the nonverbal ritual is. These unspoken things are how nonverbal communication effects the people of the Netherlands and how most know these unwritten rules.

Informal Clothing in the Netherlands

By Lucy Park

Clothing show culture (TCC, P.95).People in the Netherlands wear

similar clothes to the United States.

Clothing is often worn in layers.

Orange Represents Royaltyin the Netherlands

• Orange is the color of Netherlands and Netherlands Royal family.

• Amplify Verbal cheering by wearing orange color clothing!

• When cheering for sports game, wear and use orange!

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(colour)

Sneakers Draw Pickpockets

• People do not wear sneakers in Netherlands often.

• Sneakers are “Sports Shoes”.

• Wearing sneakers in public gives the impression of someone being a tourist.

• http://www.vayama.com/etiquette/netherlands/

Nonverbal MessagesAre communication tools other than

written/spoken language (TCC, P.20).Are subconscious and hard to control, thus

more believable than verbal communication (TCC, P. 88-89).

Are critical to first impressions leading to successful/unsuccessful relationships (TCC, P.89).

Help verbal communication by substituting, complementing, contradicting, repeating, regulating, and emphasizing verbal communication (TCC, P.89-91).

The Netherlands Formal Wear

By Tylor Mullins

Like the close countries of France, Germany, and Belgium, high end fashion plays a large roll in formal events and social outings.

Men Going Over the Top Traditionally women are

known for being very into fashion and spending a lot of time and money with the goal of looking near perfect. But in the Netherlands men are expected to look just as fashionable as the women they are with. Being close to Belgium and Germany, Holland has a very low poverty rate. The largest city in Holland is Amsterdam with a population in 2007 of 719,000 people. Even with nearly three quarters of a million people in one city, Amsterdam ranks #8 in the world in human development according to the United Nations Human Development Report in 2000.

Attire Cost: Dutch VS. US Men’s The jacket on the top left is a

common jacket that is very popular when someone knows that they are going out in public. This jacket runs for 425£ which converts to about $541.00 dollar US. The article below that one is called a gilet. A gilet is like a semi thick jacket that has the sleeves cut off. Sort of like a vest. This is considered casual wear. This is 285£ which is about $363.00 US. The article on the right is a actual vest that one would dress similarly as Americans but Europeans are big fans of wearing a vest when they need to appear dressed up a little more than normal. This vest which Europeans call a waistcoat runs about 179£ which converts to about 228.00 dollars US.

Traditional Dutch Clothing Although this is older

traditional clothing, this style is very common in Dutch festivals and theatre. This would have been considered a formal setting were all the children are dressed in similar attire. Also take notice to all of the children’s similar shoes. They are a clog like shoe that would have only been worn on special occasions such as a wedding, church, or special festivals. These outfits consist of several layers and many extras like hats and scarves.

How This All Works with Communication Just like in many other

places in the world, a person in a formal setting is expected to say certain phrases and topics and expected to not say even more. The same goes with our Holland setting. When in a formal setting it is a known rule that politics must be a center of conversation when socializing or at the dinner table. It is just something everyone is alright with, just like we like having chips and beer while watching a football game. Just a little more formal and classy.

Applying Communication SkillsAnywhere in the world the way a person

dresses speaks to many thoughts. It’s the way you present yourself that people are going to perceive you. A lot of people say that they do not judge people but if you don’t know someone and you just see them for the first time, you are instantaneously going to start judging them. Judging is not always a bad thing. We do it every day many times a day. We just need to be sure to be open and respectful when doing it.

Verbal Rituals in the Netherlands

By Sheila Makalena

Meeting and Greeting The handshake is the common

form of greeting. It’s firm and swift handshake, accompanied by a smile, and repetition of your name. 

Shake hands with everyone individually including children and then again upon leaving.

Do’s and Don’ts upon Greeting Very close friends may greet

each other by air kissing near the cheek three times, starting with the left cheek.

The Dutch consider it impolite not to identify oneself upon arrival. They also are very conscious of who arrived in what order and will wait patiently to be acknowledged in the same order.

Most Dutch only use first names with family and close friends.

Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.

Yelling at an acquaintance from a distance is considered rude and impolite. 

It is polite for a passers-by to greet each other in passing by regardless of where you are. It is also considered polite for drivers and pedestrians to make a greeting gesture when there is eye contact involved.

A hand shake need to be quick and firm anything beyond that is deemed inappropriate.

Appropriate Conversation Be aware of recent political events, both in your own

country and in the Netherlands, since the Dutch tend to be keen on discussing politics. Don't, however, get involved in a political discussion if you are not well informed.

Regarding Dutch politics, remember that one's choice of party is considered private information.

In private conversation, the Dutch may easily criticize American policies, but remember that in Dutch culture a critical approach is a sign of involvement rather than of rejection

Make it clear that you are aware that the country is officially called the Netherlands. But in speaking English, the Dutch themselves will also say Holland, a shorter term officially referring to only two of the 12 provinces that make up the country.

Discussing expensive items purchased recently (or anything similar) will be seen as boasting. Asking personal questions is equally dangerous, as the Dutch are private and feel uncomfortable answering questions they deem too personal. These problems can be avoided at least partially by acknowledging in advance that a question is rude or intrusive. One can ask permission to ask the question anyway if there is real need. This leaves the other person the opportunity to refuse to answer. If so, it is considered extremely rude to ask the question anyway. This especially includes asking about income or other personal finances; asking how much someone earns will be seen as rude, and volunteering your own income as pretentious.

Verbal Communication Concept to Meeting and Greeting

According to Styan: "Ritual is an act of solemn ceremonial. It is equally an organized expression of prescribed customs of religious belief or social behavior." (1990:145).

Ritual Communication examines how people create and express meaning through verbal and non-verbal ritual. Ritual communication extends beyond collective religious expression. It is an intrinsic part of everyday interactions, ceremonies, theatrical performances, shamanic chants, political demonstrations and rites of passage. Despite being largely formulaic and repetitive, ritual communication is a highly participative and self-oriented process. The ritual is shaped by time, space and the individual body as well as by language ideologies, local aesthetics, contexts of use, and relations among participants. Ritual Communication draws on a wide range of contemporary cultures.

Gender Roles in the Netherlands

By Jessica Moore, Debbi Mann, Lucy Park

Gender roles in the Netherlands are not as evident until women begin to start families.

Most women in the country make 90% of what men make yearly.

When switching to part time to raise the family, women only make 73% of what men make.

Men, however, are now being expected to take a more interactive role with the family.

Gender Roles: Women All women are entitled to

maternity leave. This even entails women are self-employed.

Six weeks of maternity leave before the birth of the child, and ten weeks after the birth of the child.

In the Netherlands women are offered 100 percent of the payment for sick leave.

Parental leave also applies to woman.

Women are allowed equal opportunity

In general most women work part time after having children.

Male Role in Traditional Family of the Netherlands The father is allowed 2 days that can

be taken within 4 weeks of the birth of the child.¹

In todays society there is a demand for the men to take a more active role in the lives of their children. One day a week for the dad to spend at home with his children is becoming the normal.²

According to statistics, men have who have younger children at home, have had to devote more time to chores around the house. ³

Regardless of the role the fathers have taken on, it is still up to them to be the main bread winner of the family.

Professor Louis Tavecchio, an expert on fatherhood believes one of the stronger points of fatherhood is that the fathers are more likely to attend sports events that their children are a part of. The daddy’s are very good at “dreaming up nice days out.”³

Photo by RNW/John Tyler

Nonverbal Concept in Gender RolesNonverbal communication is predominant in

gender roles. After women have children, it is generally expected for them to work part time. That expectation is the nonverbal concept put into action. Another nonverbal concept is that men are the primary breadwinner for the family. Maternity leave also supports the concept. How much maternity leave is suppose to be taken before and after the birth of the baby, by the woman. All of these examples provide evidence that doesn’t necessarily need to be communicated.

Group QuestionsDo you think that someday the Dutch (people

of the Netherlands) will come around to celebrating Christmas as we do here in the U.S.?

How has past formal attire influenced the Netherland culture of today?

Do gender roles in the Netherlands seem to have a positive/negative impact on the culture?

Etiquette plays an important role in the Danish culture. What are some common etiquettes one might see in the U.S.?

In what ways do the U.S. and the Netherlands differ when it comes to verbal communication?

References Alkon, D. & Burke, E. (2010). The Netherlands Gender, Work and Family

Issues. Family Leaves and Employment Policies. Retrieved from http://www.tulane.edu/~rouxbee/soci626/netherlands/policies.html

Aonate (2010). DSC_0570 http://www.travellerspoint.com/photos/gallery/features/countries/Netherlands/

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Aonate (2010). DSC_0539 http://

www.travellerspoint.com/photos/gallery/features/countries/Netherlands/Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Basaraba, N. (2011, May 9). A Tourists Guide to Belgian Chocolate [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://universecityblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/a-tourists-guide-to-belgian-chocolate/

Beebe, S., Beebe, S., Ivy, D., & Redmond, M. (2011). The Blue Book of Communication Studies. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions.  

Dutch Etiquette Tips (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vayama.com/etiquette/netherlands/

Englebrecht, K. (n.d). Kerstfeest (Christmas in Holland). Retrieved from http://dutchfood.about.com/od/dutchholidayrecipes/a/Kerstfeest.htm

Englebrecht, K. (n.d.). The Story of Sinterklaas. Retrieved from http://dutchfood.about.com/od/dutchholidayrecipes/a/Sinterklaas.htm

Etiquette and Customs in the Netherlands (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/netherlands.html

Etiquette and Special Occasions (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.holland.com/us/Trade/Holland-information/About-Holland/etiquette-special-occasions.htm

References Continued Headen, K. (2011) Santa-Claus-1 http://

christmas-ideasforyou.blogspot.com/2011/11/santa-claus-and-christmaspart-2.html Massachusetts, United States.

Hochqemuth, M., Do modern fathers have time for Father’s Day?, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, (Jun 19, 2011)

Orange (Colour)(n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_(colour)

Press, C., & Foundation, W.-gren. (2001). Ritual Communication and Linguistic Ideology. Current Anthropology, 42(5), 591-614. UChicago Press. Retrieved from http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/322557

"Rituals." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3045302292.html

Seasonal Politics: Sinterklaas vs Santa Claus, www.expatica.com/nl/leisure/arts_culture/seasonal-politics-sinterklaas-

Sinterklaas. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas

The Netherlands Gift Giving Customs (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.giftypedia.com/The_Netherlands_Gift_Giving_Customs

Toast, S. (n.d.). Christmas Traditions Around the World. Retrieved from http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/Christmas-traditions-around-the-world-ga7.htm

Tyler, J. Super dads face ‘quality time’ crunch, Radio Netherlands Worldwide, (June 20, 2010)

Viator (2011) Christmas in the Netherlands. http://thingstodo.viator.com/netherlands/christmas-in-the-netherlands/ Amsterdam, Netherlands.