Opetusmateriaalit: valmistava opetus

 Sometimes Being Late Can Be Polite 

It is interesting to observe how differently people relate to time in various cultures. In Finland, I learned from a young age that an agreed-upon time is “set in stone” and also a promise. Being late would mean breaking that promise, which is considered impolite and disrespectful of the other person’s time. A similar way of thinking can be seen, for example, in Japan, where even a delay of a few minutes in train schedules may prompt a public apology. Arriving on time is therefore important in Finland, whether it is for a job interview or visiting a friend. 

In Nepal, the situation can be the opposite. When visiting a friend or acquaintance, it may even be considered polite to arrive a little later than agreed. This gives the host “more” time, for example, to prepare food or tidy up. The practical goal is to reduce the pressure of preparation for the host and allow extra time to get things ready in peace. 

In Spain, the siesta structures the day in such a way that there is a long break between morning and evening. Work and errands are paused for several hours, often between one and four o’clock. People return home to eat calmly, rest, and spend time with their families. To an outsider, this may seem inefficient, but for locals, the siesta is a natural part of life. In addition to cultural reasons, there are also practical ones, such as avoiding the hottest part of the day. 

The siesta is one example of how leisure time is structured differently in different countries and what kind of value is placed on it. In Finland and other Nordic countries, leisure time is highly valued and treated as almost sacred. After the workday, it is not expected that emails or phone calls will be answered immediately. Vacations are often long compared to many other countries, and working during one’s holiday is considered almost horrifying. This differs, for example, from work cultures in the United States and East Asian countries, where working days can be long, vacations are few, and work plays a larger role than leisure time. 

In some countries, the daily schedule is shaped not only by work and leisure but also by other factors. In the Middle East and many Muslim-majority countries, calls to prayer structure the day. For many people, prayer times are part of the rhythm of everyday life, somewhat similar to coffee breaks in Finland. In many Muslim-majority countries, employees also have the right to a short prayer break, and workplaces may have a small prayer room. 

Religion is not the only factor that shapes time use. In some cultures, belief systems also influence when things should be done. In Nepal, important life decisions—such as weddings, opening a business, moving, or going abroad—are often timed to astrologically favorable moments. The aim is for life changes to happen at the most 

“auspicious time” possible and succeed positively. This can also be seen in unexpected contexts, such as politics, where various inaugurations or ceremonies may be scheduled at astrologically favorable times. The choice of timing may also apply to smaller matters, such as cutting one’s hair: choosing the wrong time is believed to bring bad luck. 

In Western countries, astrology does not guide official or communal decisions in the same way. However, people can still be very particular about choosing the right time. For example, weddings may be scheduled on a beautiful date such as 24 April 2024, or Friday the 13th may be avoided because it is considered unlucky. The idea of the right moment is therefore fairly universal. 

The meaning of time varies greatly between cultures and individuals. Of course, there is also significant variation within a single country depending on region, generation, and life situation. Time is not merely a number shown on a clock but also a cultural agreement. It reflects what we consider respectful, communal, and appropriate behavior. 

While in Finland punctuality functions as a promise and a way of valuing another person’s time, elsewhere the same respect may be shown through flexibility, prioritizing family, or acknowledging religious rhythms. Being late is not always a sign of indifference, nor is punctuality always an idealization of haste. In my opinion, the most important things in intercultural everyday life are understanding and clear communication, which require the ability to ask, listen, and adjust one’s expectations to the situation. 

Aayush Khadka