The idea of what is early and what is late differs from culture to culture.

The idea of what is early and what is late differs from culture to culture. If an American from the North makes an appointment with someone in a office, such as a professor, a manager or an official, for 11:00 a. m. , he will probably arrive at the office earlier —maybe about five minutes before eleven. He will tell the secretary that he has arrived for the 11:00 appointment, and will wait. The American will wait comfortably for five minutes. But after ten minutes, he will become uncomfortable and a little annoyed. On the other hand, if a Latin American makes an appointment with someone for 11: 00 a. m. , he may not arrive in the office until 11:15 or 11:20. He will not be surprised if he has to wait until 11:45.