in some countries, like Italy and Britain, conversation is a form of entertainment. There is an endless flow of talk and if you break the flow for a second someone else will pick it up. In other countries there is a higher value placed on listening - it is not only impolite to break in but listeners will consider what has been said in silence before responding. Finland and japan are examples.
5
If you are talking to people who are also speaking English as a foreign language, they are likely to leave gaps and silences while they search for words or try to make sense of what you have just said. So be patient and try not to interrupt, as you would hope they would be patient with you.
10
Every country has its own codes of etiquette. it is common for north Americans and the British to use first names very quickly, even in a letter or fax or telephone call. Such instant familiarity is much less acceptable in the rest of Europe and Asia where even business partners and colleagues of many years'acquaintance address each other by the equivalent of Mr. or Mrs. and the last name or job title.