Friendships
and how your friendly behavior may be interpreted
How the Words "Friend" (barát) and Friendship (barátság) are
Interpreted in Hungary
Introducing someone as a "friend" communicates more commitment to the Hungarian
than what you probably mean using this word, especially if you come from the American
culture.
It takes time for someone to call you his friend in Hungary, and if it happens, you became
one of the few chosen ones.
Americans tend to have a low wall on the outside, and a higher one on the inside.
Hungarians are slow to make a commitment, and “taming” someone means
commitment.
Most of us have a higher wall on the outside, but once you are in, you are in.
People in Hungary seek a few, but long-term friendships. They will invest time and
emotions in people who can potentially stay around for a lifetime. Since you plan to go
back home in a few years, you will be less likely to be chosen as a Friend because of the
potential pain of loosing you.
In the eyes of most Hungarians, people are not exchangeable. One person can not fill
the place of another one. If you move from being just an acquaintance (ismerős), co-
worker, jogging or ministry partner to being a friend, you will be loved for who you are and
not for the role you play or for the good things you add to the persons life.
You can count on your friend and they would want to count on you.
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Let me suggest to you to read portion of The Little Prince.
(Many Hungarians know this French “bible of friendships” practically by heart.)
While reading, discover values about friendships.
and how your friendly behavior may be interpreted
- How close do you have to be to someone in your home culture to be introduced as
a friend? - How close do you have to be to someone in Hungary to be introduced as a friend?
- Americans tend to have a low wall on the outside, and a higher one on the inside.
- Most Hungarians have a higher wall on the outside, but once you're in, you’re in.
- Short-term vs long term relationships
How the Words "Friend" (barát) and Friendship (barátság) are
Interpreted in Hungary
Introducing someone as a "friend" communicates more commitment to the Hungarian
than what you probably mean using this word, especially if you come from the American
culture.
It takes time for someone to call you his friend in Hungary, and if it happens, you became
one of the few chosen ones.
Americans tend to have a low wall on the outside, and a higher one on the inside.
Hungarians are slow to make a commitment, and “taming” someone means
commitment.
Most of us have a higher wall on the outside, but once you are in, you are in.
People in Hungary seek a few, but long-term friendships. They will invest time and
emotions in people who can potentially stay around for a lifetime. Since you plan to go
back home in a few years, you will be less likely to be chosen as a Friend because of the
potential pain of loosing you.
In the eyes of most Hungarians, people are not exchangeable. One person can not fill
the place of another one. If you move from being just an acquaintance (ismerős), co-
worker, jogging or ministry partner to being a friend, you will be loved for who you are and
not for the role you play or for the good things you add to the persons life.
You can count on your friend and they would want to count on you.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Let me suggest to you to read portion of The Little Prince.
(Many Hungarians know this French “bible of friendships” practically by heart.)
While reading, discover values about friendships.
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Hungarian
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HUNGARIAN HABITS & CUSTOMS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
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The Little Prince and the Fox >>>
- What values do you find in this
reading concerning friendships?
- Among those values, which
ones do you find in harmony with
your home culture, and which
ones do you find different?
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NEXT:
Find the relationship-related features in The distinct features of the Hungarian culture.
Which of these have you experienced directly?
NEXT:
Find the relationship-related features in The distinct features of the Hungarian culture.
Which of these have you experienced directly?
| Friendship, relationships, communication, Hungarian, conversation, building relationships, friend Building personal relationships with Hungarians |
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| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HUNGARIAN CULTURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
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Hungarian Culture Blog
Share your experiences,
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questions and advice!
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Hungarian Culture Blog
Share your experiences,
frustrations,
questions and advice!
www.hunreal.com