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Regent uncovers universal blunders of world travel

Over 300 college students laughed as Regent Roger Axtell presented how American gestures, like the "OK" sign mean zero, money and a sexual reference in different countries. 

Axtell also recounted a number of personal experiences abroad. He collided noses once with an Italian business partner who attempted to embrace him at the airport. Axtell, not expecting the hug, didn’t turn his face away form the other man’s, causing the nose slide.

“Once you break through the quirks you make a beautiful discovery,” Axtell said about traveling.

He began world travel as vice president for international marketing for Parker Pen Co. The company realized its pens were ingenious gifts on international business trips, and decided to market pens worldwide. Currently, he is one of 17 regents who manage the affairs of Wisconsin's public universities. The board held its meeting at UW-Eau Claire this week.

Axtell demonstrated some gestures by asking senior Scott Lehmann to participate. The two demonstrated American gestures when greeting each other. They each shook hands and respected each other’s “bubble” by standing a foot apart.

Respecting space and eye contact are essential in Western culture, Axtell said. However, Latin American and Middle Eastern peoples stand very close during conversation. Americans find this space encroachment difficult, and Latinos attempt to remedy the problem in “conversational tango” by bringing the Westerner closer.

He identified two other American traits the two had demonstrated within five seconds of meeting.

The two had given each other a firm handshake. Axtell told the audience mothers scold “dead fish” or wimpy handshakes. However, a firm grip is taboo in most other cultures.

The fifth gesture was sharing first names, which other cultures don't do without consent.

Many American businessmen find these relationships a waste of time because they are focused on finishing deals with other companies. Whereas Eastern culture equally emphasize personal relationships and business deals. He said these people build trust through sharing gifts, body language and gestures.

“These two basic cultures clash,” Axtell said, and the solution for travelers is to show respect and awareness to other cultures.

Axtell provided an example of American hidden customs. He entered an elevator and instead of turning around, as most people do, he just stared at the others with a silly grin. One man was so disturbed by Axtell’s behavior he called 911.

Axtell ended his presentation with three helpful hints. The first thing one should do when checking-in at a hotel is to steal a book of matches with the hotel logo. If one gets lost she can show the matches to a local and get directions back to the hotel. However, one time a taxi driver drove Axtell to the matchbook factory instead of the hotel shown on the book of matches.

Another hint to gain three seats on an airplane is to stare at your neighbor while sucking a baby pacifier.

Finally, Axtell suggested that everyone use the “constant” gesture, which is the smile because it is understood around the world.

Over 300 students crowded into the largest lecture hall in Hibbard, many stood against the wall and sat in front of the speaker for 45 minutes last Wednesday.

Senior Tonya Johnson said she wouldn’t have known about the event if she didn’t mentor a Spanish 101 class which attended with her. She said the event was “funny and informative,” and encouraged her for global travel.

Axtell said the presentation was one in a chain he’s presenting to state universities for free. He said his position on the Board of Regents prevents him from accepting money for public speaking.

Axtell was appointed for a seven-year term on the board by Gov. Tommy Thompson Sep 2, 1999. Thompson appointed him for his interest in international education and study abroad.

When asked about last month’s attacks, he said those events should make Americans more aware not to judge 1.5 billion Muslims by the actions of a small group. He identified other entities like Timothy McVeigh as equally dangerous.

The presentation was important for students even if they don’t plan to travel, said international student advisor, Phil Huelsbeck. He said students will need to learn how to communicate using email, fax, and phone if they plan to conduct international business.

“It’s very important to know how cultures work outside of your own culture,” he said.

The presentation is a classic example of how foreigners have tried to succeed in other cultures and failed, he said.

Lehmann said he will utilize Axtell’s knowledge by working and living abroad someday. He said people should “be open for a new experience” if they want to travel overseas. He wasn’t bothered holding Axtell's hand in a demonstration because he had a similar experience with an Italian.

Axtell explained that he had to hold hands with a foreign business partner because it was an honor in his culture. To pull away would have offended the man, and caused a breakdown in international business. Axtell addresses these issues in his "Do's and Taboos" book series.