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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but not great, July 2, 2011
This review is from: Malaysia - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture (Paperback)
I actually read this after my trip to Malaysia. It's pretty good: I think in broad strokes, it gets most of the important things correct. However, there were a lot of things I learned about on my trip, whether from simple observation, or from talking to locals, that were not covered here, but which should have been covered. It also fails to get the *feel* of the place right. Malaysia is a tremendously complex place, legacies of British colonialism and the aftermath. While the book does mention the different tribes of people who make this place home, it doesn't mention how they are different. I don't even remember the book mentioning the natives in any detail (he does mention Dayaks, but I was under the impression that there are other tribes). Typical of Westerners, who don't like to talk about such things, he doesn't talk about the social position of the different tribes at all, or the various political upheavals which got them this way. It's a difficult and painful subject, and this dumb American said a few things which violated the local version of political correctness. From my observations: the Malay upper classes own everything. The Chinese effectively run all the businesses (many of which are owned by Malays). The Indians comprise a lot of the manual laboring classes. Vietnamese people (an important group of recent immigrants) work in the factories. Malays are the dominant tribe (as one would expect) make up all levels of society. There were horrific race riots mostly involving resentments against Chinese people, and the insurgency seemed to be funded by China as well. These are huge sore spots still, with Chinese residents. Stuff I could have used advice on (fortunately given to me by my Malay hosts): dating -basically, don't mess with the Malay girls if you know what's good for you. This might be difficult if you're an athletic westerner: they're very beautiful and very friendly (in a perfectly wholesome manner). I was asked if I was a football player ... countless times. Nope: nerd -I just look like a football player in a t-shirt. Other stuff missing in action: the way Islamic culture works in this complex society, the relationship to Singapore, and the attitudes of Malay people towards Ang-Mor (Westerners). Upsides: the section on business relations is excellent.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Basic but Useful, January 10, 2012
This is a very basic book for travellers that promotes respect for the culture/s of Malaysia and offers sound advice about how to behave in Malaysia to be respected by and respect the local people. If you have been to South Asia before visiting Malaysia and reading this book, you will find that you know most of what it says, as the book mentions values, customs and ways of seeing life and relationships that are shared by most South-East Asia. Moreover, some of the advice is very common sense, as promotes behaviour that you will also promote, say, if you were visiting America and you were French, or vice versa: Good Manners and Respect no matter how awkward the other culture is to you. Still, I found some specific items of advice specific to Malaysia really spot on, e. g. how sensitive Malaysian are to criticism even if you are right in your complaint. If Malaysia is the first South-Eastern country you visit, the book will be very useful to you, as there are a few cultural things that you need to learn if you are going to spend a few days in Malaysia re addressing people, dressing code, pointing, touching and behaving in general, and also business etiquette. Malaysia is a very complex country, and depending on the area (and prominent religion) the dress code and traditions are more important/pressing than others, and some of the items of advice in the book might not apply. Still, better being conservative in your behaviour and following the book's advice to then relax, than the opposite. It is a good buy, and very cheap.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great little guide, June 10, 2011
This review is from: Malaysia - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture (Paperback)
This pocket sized little book covers general travel advice such as food and where to stay. But it also does a little more than that - it explains how not to put your foot in it when communicating with the locals. It also does this in a fun way that is aimed at both the casual traveller and those travelling to Malaysia on business. The chapter on business etiquette is both informative and very interesting. This is an indispensable guide and make sure you take a copy if you intend to visit Malaysia. It will certainly help you to get the most out of your trip.
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