Chile Culture Smart - by Caterina Perrone
ISBN: 1857338731Date read: 2024-06-02
How strongly I recommend it: 5/10
(See my list of 360+ books, for more.)
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Basic information in preparation for travel.
my notes
Isolation explains the courage, determination, and strong sense of identity of the Chileans.
Proud people; reserved and almost mistrustful at first.
More sober and restrained than other Latin Americans.
Chileans often see themselves as “provincial” and old-fashioned.
One of the most conservative countries in Latin America and a stronghold of Catholicism.
Chile only legalized divorce in 2004.
Chileans have a strong desire to connect with the rest of the world - hence their interest in foreigners and their fascination with travel.
75 percent of the total Chilean population live in the part of this region that lies between Viña del Mar and Concepción and includes the capital Santiago.
Homogeneous society of European origins.
1950+ Chile experienced a wave of immigration from the Arab world (especially from Palestine and Lebanon),
In the 1970s and 1980s, however, it is estimated that more than 800,000 Chileans left the country either in exile or to escape the harshness of Pinochet’s dictatorship.
Today, a new group of migrants is reaching the country - poor Peruvians who take on low-paid jobs.
Between 1992 and 1997 the country experienced an unprecedented economic boom (8 percent).
In 1997, the year that brought an end to the myth of perpetual growth, Chile entered a period of challenge that continues to this day.
Today, Chile has the most stable economy in Latin America.
Return to democracy in 1989.
With the reorganization of the economy under Pinochet and the subsequent return to democracy, no aspect of Chilean society has remained unaffected by change.
Highly stratified society: life is difficult for those who do not have contacts or a “good” surname.
Foreigners, in a way, are classless, and can easily have friends across the spectrum, a luxury enjoyed by only a handful of Chileans.
The upper class and wealthier middle class keep to themselves in the northern boroughs of Santiago and hardly ever go to the center or to the busy downtown districts.
The sixteen years of dictatorship changed Chile profoundly. Curfews and the suppression of public debate and civic activity largely depoliticized society.
The climate of fear changed people’s behavior: Evening curfews.
Street life was reduced to a minimum, and people became much less talkative and spontaneous. Friends met at home rather than outside.
Though Chileans can be terribly unpunctual, they respect lines and are considered the “ingleses de América Latina” (the English of Latin America).
Chileans prefer to play everything low-key.
Generally austere and sober. They do not indulge in excess.
One of the most “correct” and law-abiding Latin American countries, doing things according to the rules.
Transparency and honesty of civil servants and the police.
Obsession with bureaucracy, receipts, regulations, and signage.
There is a receipt for everything -
Signs are always extremely formal and polite, and address the public as Estimado peatón (Dear pedestrian) or Señor turista (Mr. tourist).
Chile and Argentina: The two countries were on the brink of war in 1978, due to a border dispute in the Patagonian region.
The original inhabitants of Chile, the Mapuche, because they have been marginalized, their traditions and beliefs have had a very limited influence on the national culture.
Lunch is traditionally the main meal of the day.
Dinner starts around 8:30 to 9:00 p.m..
Once (pronounced “on-say”, and literally meaning “eleven”) is a unique Chilean creation, a mix between the traditional Spanish merienda (light afternoon snack) and English afternoon tea.
Once is taken between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. and includes tea or coffee, warm bread with jam, butter, ham, cheese, avocado, and tomato.
Chileans usually start dining between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
Chileans take relatively little advantage of the nature around them.
The uniqueness of Chilean Spanish derives mainly from the thousands of chilenismos (typical Chilean expressions).