text: Chapter 1
  • Who founded the country? Who brought it to its modern form?
  • What are some of the significant eras, generations or major shifts in a nation that are
  significant?
  Language
  • What are the common languages or dialects spoken?
  • Standard words and phrases universal in all cultures (formal and informal):
  (cid:131) Hello.
  (cid:131) Goodbye.
  (cid:131) Please.
  (cid:131) Thank you.
  (cid:131) You're welcome.
  (cid:131) How are you?
  (cid:131) May I help you?
  • Common sayings in a culture, for example, "God bless you" or "God save the Queen."
  • "Excuse me" or "Pardon me."
  • Toasts with appropriate beverages, such as coffee or beer, are sociable.
  • Grace or well wishes (for food)—meals are sociable.
  • What are the common sayings, clichés, or slang?
  • What is customary during greeting and departing (shake hands, kiss, and bowing)?
  Geography
  • What typically defines a community or neighborhoods, for example, economic, ethnic, tribal,
  religious, or political traits? Where are the neighborhood boundaries?
  • Where do new arrivals, immigrants, workers, and IDPs typically come from? Why did they
  migrate here? Is the migration seasonal, temporary, or permanent?
  • What are the most significant local natural and man-made landmarks and structures (for
  example, religious, historical, cultural)?
  Religion
  • What are the main religions? Is there an official religion?
  • What are important religious events and holidays?
  • What is the role of religious leaders within the society?
  • What is traditional for funerals and mourning?
  • Are there any tensions in the nation due to religious differences?
  • What are the tenets of the main religions?
  Communications
  • How do people communicate?
  • How do the people receive information? Radio, TV, newspaper, meetings, word of mouth)?
  • Where do the people usually gather? Bars, tea or coffee shops, cafes, or markets?
  • Where do people socialize or congregate randomly in previously unrecognized manners, for
  example, wait in long lines, for day labor, in traffic, or at sporting events and tournaments)?
  • Who are the principal communicators within the local community?
  Political Science
  • How do people view the role of the Host Nation government?
  • What are the roles of and how important are civilian (nongovernmental) community leaders?
  • What are the major political parties?
  • Is the local government effective? Why or why not?
  • What civil and human rights do the populace hold most sacred?