Helpful New Guide Works to Bridge Cultural Gaps

Cultural Portraits' Helps Avoid Potential Embarrassment, Discomfort in Communication

CLEARWATER BEACH, Florida -/PRNewswire/ -- In today's "melting pot" society, it is not at all unusual to work or socialize with persons who hail from foreign countries and whose cultures differ from our own. While these cultural differences can make for a great learning experience, they can also lead to embarrassment and discomfort on both sides when there is a lack of knowledge regarding important cultural patterns, behaviors, perceptions, actions and expectations. Working to effectively bridge this cultural gap is the helpful new book from Byron P. Palls, Ph.D., "Cultural Portraits: A Synoptic Guide" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com).

"Would you know that Chang Wu Jang's last name is 'Chang' not 'Jang?'" asks Palls. "Or that handing something to an Arab with your left hand is an insult. Or that, at birth, a Chinese person is one year old? In this book you'll find brief, succinct information which will compose for you the cultural portrait of any one of the 72 countries included in this study."

This information includes a map, caveats, educational systems, recording foreign names, forms of address, gender relations, diets, long and short dates, writing numbers, body language, punctuality, evaluation transcripts, national traits and much more, all laid out neatly in a two-page spread for each country.

Written for everyone from teachers, international student advisers and registrars to corporate executives, immigration attorneys, social workers, police officers and world travelers, "Cultural Portraits" answers many questions and empowers readers not only with information about cultural practices, but with explanations about terms that are thrown around daily but rarely defined, such as "jihad" and "Sunni."

According to Palls, there is something for everyone in "Cultural Portraits" to "help you meet the needs of a foreign person without offending their sensibilities and sparing yourself embarrassment. 'Cultural Portraits' is a valuable resource for resolving challenging issues and addressing cultural questions to help you do your job better and with renewed confidence, while fostering understanding for one another in today's complex world."

Byron P. Palls, Ph.D., was born in Greece and immigrated to the United States as a WWII victim soon after completing his secondary education in Athens. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army and spent his tour of duty in Italy, which served as a base for his extensive travel throughout Europe. In the U.S., he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Spanish/French, and a Ph.D. in Spanish literature. He is also the author of a second-year college text, "Intermediate Greek Reader and Grammar Review" (Contos, 1971). For more information, visit http://www.culturalsketches.com.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Promotional Services Department

Tel: 888-728-8467

Fax: 812-961-3133

Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com