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!
Table of Contents
- Questions About Daily Life and Customs
- Questions About Values and Beliefs
- Questions About History and Heritage
- Questions About Communication and Social Etiquette
- Questions About Cultural Traditions and Celebrations
- Questions About Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
- Questions About Family and Social Structures
- Questions About Food and Cuisine
- Questions About Art, Music, and Entertainment
- Questions About Differences and Stereotypes
- Final Thoughts
Questions About Daily Life and Customs
- What’s a typical day like for you in your culture?
- What are some common activities people enjoy in your country?
- How do people in your culture typically greet each other?
- What’s considered a polite way to decline an invitation in your culture?
- What’s one custom that visitors might find surprising?
- What is the common work schedule, and how long are typical work hours?
- How do people in your culture usually spend their weekends?
- Is there a standard way to address elders or authority figures?
- What’s the usual way people celebrate birthdays?
- How do children and adults typically interact in public?
- What’s the usual morning routine for people in your culture?
- Are there any special customs around meal times?
- What are some common family traditions or routines?
- How are major life events, like weddings or births, celebrated?
- Is public transportation widely used, or do most people own cars?
- How do people dress for work and casual outings?
- Are there common hobbies or pastimes in your culture?
- What are some traditional ways of showing respect?
- How are holidays typically spent with family?
- What do you consider to be good manners in everyday interactions?
Questions About Values and Beliefs
- What are some core values that most people in your culture hold?
- How important is individualism versus community in your culture?
- How do people in your culture view success?
- What’s the general attitude toward education?
- How are honesty and trustworthiness viewed in your culture?
- Is there a strong emphasis on family loyalty or unity?
- What qualities are most respected in people?
- How do people in your culture generally view mental health?
- How are elders and their opinions treated?
- Is there a particular age considered ideal for marriage or family?
- What role does social status play in your community?
- How important is personal privacy in your culture?
- What’s the general view on volunteer work and helping others?
- How are gender roles typically viewed?
- What’s the attitude toward ambition and career growth?
- How is financial success viewed in your culture?
- How do people view change and adapting to new things?
- Is nature or the environment highly valued?
- How does your culture handle conflict and resolution?
- Are certain traits or personality types more appreciated than others?
Questions About History and Heritage
- What are some key historical events that shaped your country?
- Who are some of the most respected historical figures in your culture?
- How does the past influence present-day customs?
- Are there any particular eras that people in your culture feel nostalgic about?
- What are some landmarks in your country with historical significance?
- How are historical events typically commemorated?
- How has the relationship with neighboring countries evolved?
- How does your culture honor those who served in past conflicts?
- What historical events are taught most prominently in schools?
- Are there certain foods or clothing styles with historical significance?
- How is the past preserved—through museums, monuments, or festivals?
- Are there any national heroes or symbols that everyone recognizes?
Questions About Communication and Social Etiquette
- What’s the appropriate way to greet someone you just met?
- How do people express disagreement politely?
- Are there certain gestures that are considered rude?
- Is it common to make eye contact during conversations?
- What’s the best way to end a conversation politely?
- Are there specific ways to address someone based on their age or status?
- Is it acceptable to use someone’s first name right away?
- How is small talk generally viewed in your culture?
- What’s the etiquette around accepting compliments?
- What are some conversation topics people avoid?
- Are public displays of affection common?
- How are conflicts typically handled in public?
- Is gift-giving common, and are there specific rules?
Questions About Cultural Traditions and Celebrations
- What are the most important holidays in your culture?
- How is the New Year typically celebrated?
- Are there any coming-of-age rituals?
- How do people celebrate weddings?
- Are there any annual festivals unique to your culture?
- How is the harvest season celebrated?
- Is there a specific ceremony for welcoming new family members?
- What’s a unique tradition that you love about your culture?
- How do people celebrate religious holidays?
- Are there traditions around the changing of seasons?
- How is death and mourning observed?
- What’s a typical wedding ceremony like?
- How do families celebrate new births?
- How do people show gratitude on special occasions?
- Are traditional costumes worn for certain celebrations?
Questions About Religious and Spiritual Beliefs
- What are the primary religions practiced in your culture?
- How often do people attend religious services?
- How does religion influence daily life?
- What role do religious leaders play in the community?
- Are there specific places of worship unique to your culture?
- Is it common for families to share the same faith?
- How is spirituality viewed in your culture?
- How is charity viewed in your culture’s religious beliefs?
- Are there specific dietary restrictions in religious practice?
- Is prayer a common practice, and how is it observed?
- How does your culture view life after death?
- Are there any religious ceremonies at major life events?
- How are religious differences viewed?
- Is meditation or mindfulness part of spiritual practice?
- How does religion affect education or upbringing?
Questions About Family and Social Structures
- How is family defined in your culture?
- What role do grandparents play in family life?
- Are children encouraged to stay close to their families?
- How are household responsibilities typically divided?
- Are family meals common in your culture?
- How are decisions usually made within a family?
- What are common family values?
- How common are extended families living together?
- How are single-parent families viewed?
- How involved are families in each other’s lives?
- Is it common for families to live near each other?
- What are the expectations for children as they grow up?
- Are family gatherings a big part of your culture?
- How is marriage viewed within families?
- How does your culture handle elder care?
Questions About Food and Cuisine
- What are the staple ingredients in your cuisine?
- How do people view mealtime in your culture?
- What’s a typical breakfast like?
- Are there special foods for celebrations?
- How do you greet someone when serving food?
- Is it common to eat with hands or utensils?
- Are there street foods popular in your country?
- How are meals typically prepared?
- Are certain foods associated with seasons?
- Is vegetarianism common?
- Are desserts a big part of meals?
- Are meals social gatherings?
- Are there food taboos?
- How often do people eat out?
- What’s a unique local dish?
- How important is presentation?
- Are certain foods medicinal?
- How is food shared?
- Are meals family affairs?
- What’s the biggest meal of the day?
Questions About Art, Music, and Entertainment
- What traditional art forms exist in your culture?
- How has music evolved in your culture?
- Are there popular modern artists?
- How does art reflect history?
- What role does storytelling play?
- Are there unique dance styles?
- How is film used to express culture?
- What themes are in traditional songs?
- How is theater viewed?
- Are festivals part of entertainment?
- What sports are popular?
- Are there folk tales everyone knows?
- How is music taught?
- Is art encouraged?
- What’s the view on popular media?
- Are there classic literary works?
- Are certain genres preferred?
- What instruments are traditional?
- Are art forms protected?
- How does fashion reflect culture?
Questions About Differences and Stereotypes
- What are some common stereotypes people have about your culture?
- Are there any misconceptions that people often make about your culture?
- How do you feel when others make assumptions about your culture?
- What do you think makes your culture unique compared to others?
- Are there any “taboo” topics that outsiders should avoid discussing?
- How are foreigners or visitors typically viewed in your culture?
- How do locals react to someone who tries to adopt cultural customs?
- Are there common myths about your culture that you’d like to correct?
- What’s the most surprising thing people don’t know about your culture?
- Are there cultural symbols that are often misunderstood?
- What aspects of your culture do people often get wrong?
- Are there any phrases or sayings to your culture that might be misinterpreted?
- How does your culture celebrate or protect its authenticity?
- How are cultural pride and heritage expressed in daily life?
- Are there regional or local stereotypes within your culture?
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.