I recently travelled to Argentina, Buenos Aires in particular, I know 4 days is just a glimpse of what the culture is, but I was inspired to make a piece on Argentinian culture. The following is based on the experience I have had with clients from Argentina in the past, and together with my research on the subject. Allow me to give you some insight of the most outstanding intercultural factors found in the Argentinian culture.
Argentina, the European Latin America country
Argentina is the Latin-American country most composed of descendants of Europeans. The significant waves of migration occurred around the early 1900s, when approximately 6.5 million European immigrants arrived in the region. During this period, more than 30% of Argentina’s population (and 50% of people in Buenos Aires) was foreign-born. For this reason, the basic culture reflects Europe’s language, religion, value system, and their interpretation of the world.
As one hears the Argentineans’ Spanish, particularly in the city of Buenos Aires, one can clearly hear the intonation patterns that resemble Italian. Another peculiarity is the use of Lunfardo, a slang born and developed in the city of Buenos Aires and spread to other nearby cities. Non-Argentinian Spanish speakers would need to learn a few extra words of this jargon to dominate the language here.
Cultural Dimensions for Argentina
As I had stated in previous posts, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory is a framework used to Build Strong Intercultural Skills. This tool allows us to analyze and compare cultural differences between countries. We can get to know the new cultures before we work or plainly interact with them. Hofstede, a Dutch cultural psychologist and researcher, states a model of five main dimensions.
Looking at this framework for Argentina in particular we find:
- Power distance: The extent to which people in a culture accept unequal distribution of power. Argentina has a relatively low score of 49 on the Power Distance Index compared to other Latin American countries. In this society, status is very highlighted. Appearance is key: dark clothing like NYC and the valuable watch, are just two elements of many used to exhibit power.
- Individualism vs. Collectivism: Argentina ranks in the middle on the Individualism dimension, but stands out as the most individualistic country in Latin America. Nevertheless, collectivistic traits, such as valuing the opinions and obligations towards the extended family or in-group, continue to hold significance.
- Masculinity vs. Femininity: The degree to which traditional gender roles are emphasized in a culture. Argentina scores 56 on this dimension, reflecting the presence of slightly more Masculine than Feminine elements. In the case of women, there is a strong emphasis on achievement and assertiveness. Female managers and politicians both show this masculine behavior. There are equally strong ego must-haves and the need to stand out.
- Uncertainty avoidance: As in many Latin American countries, Argentina’s scores high with ambiguity and risk. This shows a strong desire for rules and complex legal systems to provide structure. However, there is a weak inclination among individuals to adhere to these laws. This can be reflected in corruption, black markets, and the divide between what is real and what is legal.
- Long-term vs. short-term orientation: Argentina has a significantly low score of 20, valuing more “living in the present” vs planning for the future. This indicates a highly normative culture where there is a strong emphasis on establishing an absolute truth. They hold great respect for traditions, show a relatively lower inclination to save for the future, and prioritize quick results.
Drinking mate in Argentina
I cannot finish without touching upon a very special Argentinean custom. As we took off for our tour, Leo, the guide told us rather thrilled, I would say, that he had brought a thermo full of hot water, to prepare Yerba Maté. We just thought he was telling us all this to describe his own intention of drinking or how he had not had breakfast that morning.
As we arrived and walked about El Rosedal park (quite a beautiful place) he started preparing the drink. He took out his gourd-like “bombilla” and started pouring hot water over the yerba mate. Our first reaction was, “I guess he’s hungry or thirsty and has decided to have his drink in front of us”. I can still picture his excitement while he prepared it and tasted it. He sipped it through a metal straw (which also acts as a filter).
After tasting it himself, he offered the gourd to my husband. Call it, precautious, something we learned in the Covid era, and well we really had just met this person. Then it was my turn. As well educated as we are, we tasted it. It was bitter but as a tea and matcha lover, I personally found it pretty good. He mentioned he used sweetened water, so to me it was even better.
Lesson Learned
So big lesson here, is when you are invited to drink maté with Argentinians, you will share the same gourd, which is traditionally passed in a circle among the guests in a counterclockwise direction to go against time. Maté is above all an excuse for meeting and sharing. It can be an intimate ritual. When a mate and a bombilla are shared, secrets come to light, it provokes connection with those who are enjoying it. You have been advised, fully enjoy the moment and the opportunity, with all your senses. In our case we learned.
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
Eleanor Roosevelt
It’s important to remember that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory is a general framework. It does not consider the nuances and complexity of any culture. The scores and characteristics that I’ve mentioned are generalizations and may not apply to every individual in Argentina. Utilize this knowledge quickly to familiarize yourself and engage with your new Argentinian boss or colleagues.
