CultureShock! Brazil dispels the preconceptions about this diverse dynamic country and reveals the beauty and character that is Brazil. Written in a personable style, the book touches on all aspects of Brazilian life presenting the reader with a balanced, realistic and useful guide. Be introduced to the friendly and outgoing Brazilian character and understand how to speak Brazilian. Socialising is key to life in Brazil, which is why CultureShock! Brazil is packed with information and advice on dealing with crowds, noise and learning to not only survive but enjoy the experience that is Brazil.

Race, religion, language, culture, and national character are full of contradictions. Brazil, the largest country in South America, embodies so much paradox that it defies neat description. This book will help students and general readers dispel stereotypes of Brazil and begin to understand what country's bigness means in terms of its land, people, history, society, and cultural expressions. This is the only authoritative yet accessible volume on Brazil that surveys a wide range of important topics, from geography, to social customs, art, architecture, and more. Highlights include discussions of the fluid definitions of race, rituals of candomble, the importance of extended family networks, beach culture, and soccer madness. A chronology and glossary supplement the text.

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * dos, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken "Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel "... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel "...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer "...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine "...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times From the Trade Paperback edition.

This book is a crucial reference source for high school and undergraduate college students interested in contemporary Brazil. While it provides a general historical and cultural background, it also focuses on issues affecting modern Brazil. In recent years, Brazil has come onto the world stage as an economic powerhouse, a leader in Latin America. This latest addition to the Understanding Modern Nations series focuses on Brazil's culture, history, and society. This volume provides readers with a wide understanding of Brazil's historical past, the foundation for its cultural traditions, and an understanding of its social structure. In addition, it provides a look into contemporary society by highlighting both national accomplishments and challenges Brazilians face in the twenty-first century. Specific chapters cover geography; history; government and politics; economy; religion; social classes and ethnicity; gender, marriage and sexuality; education; language; etiquette; literature and drama; arts and architecture; music and dance; food; leisure and sports; and media, cinema, and popular culture. Entries within each chapter look at topics such as cultural icons, economic inequalities, race and ethnicity, soccer, politics, environmental conservation, and women's rights. Ideal for high school and undergraduate students, this volume paints a panoramic overview of one of the most powerful countries in the Americas.

This book is a captivating and authoritative introduction to Brazil—its history, the evolution of its society and culture, and the staggering variety of peoples and landscapes within its borders. Brazil: A Global Studies Handbook provides an easy-to-access, multifaceted introduction to the world's fifth largest nation—a staggeringly diverse region, socially and geographically, that remains relatively unknown even as it becomes increasingly important on the world stage. Brazil offers an expert chronological narrative summary of over five centuries of South America's largest country—from the days of early Portuguese exploration to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's reelection. In addition, it provides a richly informative section of alphabetically organized entries covering important Brazilian people, places, and events. For readers both new to Brazil or researching specific aspects of its unique history, complex politics, heavyweight economy, and vibrant culture, this is the volume with which to begin.

Cultural intelligence is defined as an individual's ability to function effectively in situations characterized by cultural diversity. With contributions from eminent scholars worldwide, the "Handbook of Cultural Intelligence" is a 'state-of-the-science' summary of the body of knowledge about cultural intelligence and its relevance for managing diversity both within and across cultures. Because cultural intelligence capabilities can be enhanced through education and experience, this handbook emphasizes individual capabilities - specific characteristics that allow people to function effectively in culturally diverse settings - rather than the approach used by more traditional books of describing and comparing cultures based on national cultural norms, beliefs, habits, and practices.The Handbook covers conceptional and definitional issues, assessment approaches, and application of cultural intelligence in the domains of international and cross-cultural management as well as management of domestic activity. It is an invaluable resource that will stimulate and guide future research on this important topic and its application across a broad range of disciplines, including management, organizational behavior, industrial and organizational psychology, intercultural communication, and more.

This volume examines some of the ways that Brazil has been represented and seeks to represent itself in popular media. It looks at social inequalities, racial divisions, and legacies of political restructuring as it illuminates the challenges and opportunities that the nation faces at present and going into preparations for and recovery from the upcoming mega events, both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. Drawing on the expertise of scholars in the fields of film and media studies, political science, social movement analysis, and cultural studies this volume features chapters examining the role of stereotyped Brazilian identity and myths of what it means to be Brazilian, the growing interest in favela—slum—culture, and sites of resistance in contemporary Brazilian society.