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/ Social Life |
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How Dominicans Entertain
Dominicans enjoy socializing and welcome guests into their homes easily. They always serve guests something to eat or drink. If you are invited to a Dominica's house:
 Dominicans take pride in their appearance and judge others on their clothing; therefore, dress in clothes you might wear to the office.
Although punctuality is considered a good thing, guests are not expected to arrive on time for social occasions. Arriving between 15 and 30 minutes later than stipulated time is considered on time.
If you are uncertain, ask if you should arrive on "en punto", which means on the dot.
Do not ask for a tour of the house. Dominicans view the home as private and will only want you in the public parts.
Often several generations live in the same house. Show deference to the family elders.
Send a handwritten thank you note or telephone your hosts the following day.
Table Manners
Table manners are somewhat formal. Dominicans pride themselves on their courteous demeanor and using appropriate etiquette for each situation and judge others on their manners. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behavior.
Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
Table manners are Continental - the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
If you are more comfortable eating in the North American fashion, feel free to do so. The Dominican Republic has strong ties to the USA and people are familiar with their culture.
Meals are generally served family style or buffet style.
Guests are served first.
The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.
Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
You may leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
Meals are social occasions and can be quite lengthy.
Attitude towards time
You can tell a lot about your own attitude towards time by answering a few questions. Do you expect guests to come on time and leave on time? Are you comfortable when business concerns interfere with your private and social time?
Most Dominicans would answer "no" to both questions because they see people and relationships as more important than being held captive by their watch. Although many business people attempt to arrive at meetings on time, if they are involved is a discussion with someone else, they will not rush that discussion in order to arrive promptly.
Dominicans want someone to arrive at a specific time; they say "en punto" (on the dot).
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