165 Questions to Ask Someone From a Different Culture

Think of all the times you meet people from different backgrounds—a new coworker, a neighbor, or even someone at a party. Knowing how to ask respectful, engaging questions is a superpower in these moments.

This list has you covered with questions that are friendly, respectful, and perfect for opening up about culture, beliefs, and experiences. With these questions, you’ll have a handy set of questions to connect with people from any part of the world.

And here’s a little extra tip: Be present. When they share, don’t rush—take it in, ask follow-up questions, and let the conversation flow. That’s how you leave a memorable impression!

Questions About Daily Life and Customs

1. What’s a typical day like for you in your culture?
2. What are some common activities people enjoy in your country?
3. How do people in your culture typically greet each other?
4. What’s considered a polite way to decline an invitation in your culture?
5. What’s one custom that visitors might find surprising?
6. What is the common work schedule, and how long are typical work hours?
7. How do people in your culture usually spend their weekends?
8. Is there a standard way to address elders or authority figures?
9. What’s the usual way people celebrate birthdays?
10. How do children and adults typically interact in public?
11. What’s the usual morning routine for people in your culture?
12. Are there any special customs around meal times?
13. What are some common family traditions or routines?
14. How are major life events, like weddings or births, celebrated?
15. Is public transportation widely used, or do most people own cars?
16. How do people dress for work and casual outings?
17. Are there common hobbies or pastimes in your culture?
18. What are some traditional ways of showing respect?
19. How are holidays typically spent with family?
20. What do you consider to be good manners in everyday interactions?

Questions About Values and Beliefs

1. What are some core values that most people in your culture hold?
2. How important is individualism versus community in your culture?
3. How do people in your culture view success?
4. What’s the general attitude toward education?
5. How are honesty and trustworthiness viewed in your culture?
6. Is there a strong emphasis on family loyalty or unity?
7. What qualities are most respected in people?
8. How do people in your culture generally view mental health?
9. How are elders and their opinions treated?
10. Is there a particular age considered ideal for marriage or family?
11. What role does social status play in your community?
12. How important is personal privacy in your culture?
13. What’s the general view on volunteer work and helping others?
14. How are gender roles typically viewed?
15. What’s the attitude toward ambition and career growth?
16. How is financial success viewed in your culture?
17. How do people view change and adapting to new things?
18. Is nature or the environment highly valued?
19. How does your culture handle conflict and resolution?
20. Are certain traits or personality types more appreciated than others?

Questions About History and Heritage

1. What are some key historical events that shaped your country?
2. Who are some of the most respected historical figures in your culture?
3. How does the past influence present-day customs?
4. Are there any particular eras that people in your culture feel nostalgic about?
5. What are some landmarks in your country with historical significance?
6. How are historical events typically commemorated?
7. How has the relationship with neighboring countries evolved?
8. How does your culture honor those who served in past conflicts?
9. What historical events are taught most prominently in schools?
10. Are there certain foods or clothing styles with historical significance?
11. How is the past preserved—through museums, monuments, or festivals?
12. Are there any national heroes or symbols that everyone recognizes?

Questions About Communication and Social Etiquette

1. What’s the appropriate way to greet someone you just met?
2. How do people express disagreement politely?
3. Are there certain gestures that are considered rude?
4. Is it common to make eye contact during conversations?
5. What’s the best way to end a conversation politely?
6. Are there specific ways to address someone based on their age or status?
7. Is it acceptable to use someone’s first name right away?
8. How is small talk generally viewed in your culture?
9. What’s the etiquette around accepting compliments?
10. What are some conversation topics people avoid?
11. Are public displays of affection common?
12. How are conflicts typically handled in public?
13. Is gift-giving common, and are there specific rules?

Questions About Cultural Traditions and Celebrations

1. What are the most important holidays in your culture?
2. How is the New Year typically celebrated?
3. Are there any coming-of-age rituals?
4. How do people celebrate weddings?
5. Are there any annual festivals unique to your culture?
6. How is the harvest season celebrated?
7. Is there a specific ceremony for welcoming new family members?
8. What’s a unique tradition that you love about your culture?
9. How do people celebrate religious holidays?
10. Are there traditions around the changing of seasons?
11. How is death and mourning observed?
12. What’s a typical wedding ceremony like?
13. How do families celebrate new births?
14. How do people show gratitude on special occasions?
15. Are traditional costumes worn for certain celebrations?

Questions About Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

1. What are the primary religions practiced in your culture?
2. How often do people attend religious services?
3. How does religion influence daily life?
4. What role do religious leaders play in the community?
5. Are there specific places of worship unique to your culture?
6. Is it common for families to share the same faith?
7. How is spirituality viewed in your culture?
8. How is charity viewed in your culture’s religious beliefs?
9. Are there specific dietary restrictions in religious practice?
10. Is prayer a common practice, and how is it observed?
11. How does your culture view life after death?
12. Are there any religious ceremonies at major life events?
13. How are religious differences viewed?
14. Is meditation or mindfulness part of spiritual practice?
15. How does religion affect education or upbringing?

Questions About Family and Social Structures

1. How is family defined in your culture?
2. What role do grandparents play in family life?
3. Are children encouraged to stay close to their families?
4. How are household responsibilities typically divided?
5. Are family meals common in your culture?
6. How are decisions usually made within a family?
7. What are common family values?
8. How common are extended families living together?
9. How are single-parent families viewed?
10. How involved are families in each other’s lives?
11. Is it common for families to live near each other?
12. What are the expectations for children as they grow up?
13. Are family gatherings a big part of your culture?
14. How is marriage viewed within families?
15. How does your culture handle elder care?

Questions About Food and Cuisine

1. What are the staple ingredients in your cuisine?
2. How do people view mealtime in your culture?
3. What’s a typical breakfast like?
4. Are there special foods for celebrations?
5. How do you greet someone when serving food?
6. Is it common to eat with hands or utensils?
7. Are there street foods popular in your country?
8. How are meals typically prepared?
9. Are certain foods associated with seasons?
10. Is vegetarianism common?
11. Are desserts a big part of meals?
12. Are meals social gatherings?
13. Are there food taboos?
14. How often do people eat out?
15. What’s a unique local dish?
16. How important is presentation?
17. Are certain foods medicinal?
18. How is food shared?
19. Are meals family affairs?
20. What’s the biggest meal of the day?

Questions About Art, Music, and Entertainment

1. What traditional art forms exist in your culture?
2. How has music evolved in your culture?
3. Are there popular modern artists?
4. How does art reflect history?
5. What role does storytelling play?
6. Are there unique dance styles?
7. How is film used to express culture?
8. What themes are in traditional songs?
9. How is theater viewed?
10. Are festivals part of entertainment?
11. What sports are popular?
12. Are there folk tales everyone knows?
13. How is music taught?
14. Is art encouraged?
15. What’s the view on popular media?
16. Are there classic literary works?
17. Are certain genres preferred?
18. What instruments are traditional?
19. Are art forms protected?
20. How does fashion reflect culture?

Questions About Differences and Stereotypes

1. What are some common stereotypes people have about your culture?
2. Are there any misconceptions that people often make about your culture?
3. How do you feel when others make assumptions about your culture?
4. What do you think makes your culture unique compared to others?
5. Are there any “taboo” topics that outsiders should avoid discussing?
6. How are foreigners or visitors typically viewed in your culture?
7. How do locals react to someone who tries to adopt cultural customs?
8. Are there common myths about your culture that you’d like to correct?
9. What’s the most surprising thing people don’t know about your culture?
10. Are there cultural symbols that are often misunderstood?
11. What aspects of your culture do people often get wrong?
12. Are there any phrases or sayings to your culture that might be misinterpreted?
13. How does your culture celebrate or protect its authenticity?
14. How are cultural pride and heritage expressed in daily life?
15. Are there regional or local stereotypes within your culture?

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Final Thoughts

I hope these questions give you a great starting point to engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds.

Remember, just stay open-minded and listen as much as you ask. A little kindness and a lot of interest go a long way. Who knows? You might just make a new friend, gain a fresh perspective, or even find common ground where you least expected it.