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- Drug-trafficking gang detained holding 93 kilos of cocaine in Moreno [04/15/2011]
- Gov’t says political reform 'will not distort the open primary election process' [04/15/2011]
- Gov’t officializes use of combined-list ballots for October elections [04/15/2011]
- Ex-Bodegas Giol site demolition commences [04/15/2011]
Candor
Argentines believe in being open, frank, and direct, but also take pride in being tactful and diplomatic. In both speech and writing, they may be indirect, elaborate, and complimentary. They can be almost poetic in the way they express themselves.
They place a premium on not offending. This impressionistic approach to language is not meant to mislead, and they themselves are seldom confused: they are just trying to be polite and tactful.
It is a matter of pride for Argentines to know the correct response to any query, and they will offer detailed directions if asked for help in finding a destination. Both social and business invitations may be accepted, whether or not the invitee intends to attend.
Argentines are warm and effusive, seldom trying to hide passion or sentimentality. They may touch each other when speaking, and they maintain little physical distance between speakers, much less than is customarily maintained in many other cultures. In their earnest desire to compliment and be warm and friendly, Argentines will lavish praise and compliment extensively even something that-from another point of view-could be considered an insignificant event or achievement. This is not insincerity, and a visitor would be making a grave mistake by deprecating these expressions or misinterpreting them.
Argentines do have strong opinions on many issues, and although they can be circumspect and reserved, they can also voice their opinions forthrightly or publicly. Groups of gesticulating men can usually be found arguing sports, economic policy, or politics. On these subjects the Argentines? usual circumspection gives way to heated debates full of emotional displays. Football (soccer to a North American) is the national sport, basketball, rugby, tennis, volleyball are also important.
Argentines are generally well informed about politics and economic policies, and they take great interest and pride in discussing them.