The Difference Between Chinese and Western Table Manners Essay

An Introduction to the Difference between Chinese and Western Table Manners Essay

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Talking about the Difference between Chinese and Western Table Manners Essay Part 1

Abstract This paper aims to understand table manners more y by comparing the Chinese table manners with the Western table manners in order to realize cross-cultural communication smoothly.

Keywords table manners; Chinese and Western differences

Introduction In modern society, manners are everywhere, and dining is not only a way to satisfy the basic physiological needs, but also a very important social experience. There are many differences between Chinese and Western requirements for table manners, and it is important to understand the differences between the two in order to prevent rudeness to others. In this article, we point out the different dining etiquette between China and the West in the order of eating.

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In today's advanced spiritual civilization, foreign exchanges are getting closer and closer. Whether it is in business negotiations, or friends' gatherings, we all realize that it is crucial for us to understand the differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Among them, Chinese and Western table manners are a threshold, which is the premise and touchstone of our communication and cooperation.

First, from the invitation in advance and to the banquet punctuality to see the difference.

Generally, whether Chinese or Western, invitations to meals or banquets have to be booked in advance.

In China, if a large wedding banquet is invited more than a few days in advance, this is to express a kind of respect for the guests.

And the western banquet should also be notified in advance, like promise each other after the invitation, if something temporary to be late or even cancel the appointment, must be notified in advance of the other party. In addition, if the banquet time is 7:00, you better be 6:55 to be there. It is acceptable to be a little late for a meeting, but if you are more than 15 minutes late, you will give the other party a bad impression that you don't take the date seriously. So, we must keep the time, this is our first step to success.

Second, the difference in etiquette between the Chinese and Western seating arrangements.

Ancient China has been known as the "state of etiquette", speaking of etiquette, following the etiquette of the law, respect for the etiquette, the importance of etiquette and letter about the Chinese banquet seating etiquette, abide by the etiquette of the Chinese people for thousands of years of tradition. "Do not learn etiquette, in order to stand", the core of etiquette is the norms of human social behavior, is the Chinese people have been accustomed to and customized social norms of behavior, ethical standards and all kinds of etiquette.

China's traditional practice is in the arrangement of side-by-side seating, China's traditional practice is "to the left as the top", that is, the left seat is considered higher than the right seat. The guests are first invited to take their seats, and then the elders are invited to take their seats next to the guests, entering from the left side of the chair. Do not move chopsticks after being seated, and do not make any noise, and do not get up and walk around, if there is anything to greet the host.

And the international practice of side-by-side arrangement of seats, the international practice is "to the right as the top", that is, the right seat is considered higher than the left seat. They will pay attention to: the host and hostess as the center, the left-hand position for the top, near the host hostess position for the top; couples should not be adjacent, men and women in turn adjacent, the host and the main side of the guests should be adjacent to the guests in turn; the interpreter can be seated on the right side of the guest of honor. Some large occasions, can also be behind the host and the guest of honor, in addition to the arrangement of the meal;

Although in the arrangement of seating, the basic seating law at home and abroad is different. In foreign occasions arranged seating, generally should comply with international practice.

Third, from the arrangement of tableware to see the difference.

We know that in China, the tableware is generally only cups, chopsticks, bowls, plates and so on. Its arrangement is relatively simple. Placement of tableware is this: the large plate is the closest to the body, facing the tie; a corner of the cloth pressed under the large plate, a corner of the table hanging down the edge of the table; small plate stacked on top of the large plate; large plate on the left side of the hand towel; the left side of the front side of the small bowl, a small porcelain spoon in a bowl; the right side of the front side of the wine glass; the right side of the chopsticks.

The tableware in Western cuisine, it is the order of dining is outward to inward, so his placement is also outward to inward. It is carefully arranged according to the order of serving a different dish. The food plate (or soup plate) is placed at the front of the seat, the fork is placed in the left hand, and the knife is placed in the right hand. The spoon is also placed on the right side of the plate. On top of the plate, there are spoons and forks for sweets, coffee spoons, and slightly to the right of the plate, wine glasses. Wine glasses, champagne glasses, and beer glasses (water glasses) are placed from the right. The napkin is folded into the beer glass or placed on the serving tray. The bread plate is placed in the left hand and the butter knife is placed horizontally on the plate with the blade side facing you. The number of knives and forks of the meal should be equal to the number of dishes, according to the order of dishes arranged from outside to inside, the knife to the inside, the meal in order from the outside to the middle of the row with, in order to eat appetizers with, eat fish with, eat meat with the more formal meals, napkins are made of cloth. In addition, note that upscale restaurant napkins are often folded beautifully, and some are tied with small ribbons. Note that do not take the napkin to wipe your nose or face.

In this way, it seems that the tableware arrangement in Western food is very delicate, so we can never be rude when dining. We should eat in strict accordance with the arrangement of tableware.

Fourth, from the etiquette of the meal to see the difference.

Generally Chinese people are also very particular about their meals.

First of all, when eating, we should first invite the guests, if you stand and move the chopsticks, clip the vegetables less each time, away from their own far from the dishes to eat less, do not make a sound when eating, do not make a sound when drinking soup, soup with a spoon a small mouth, a small mouth to drink.

Secondly, it is not appropriate to drink the bowl to the mouth, the soup is too hot when cooled before drinking, do not blow while drinking, some people like to eat with chewing food, especially chewing crunchy food, make a very clear sound. This practice is not etiquette requirements, especially when eating with the crowd, we should try to prevent this phenomenon. In addition, if you are chewing something in your mouth, remember, do not speak, so as not to spray out the rice particles, resulting in embarrassment.

On the contrary, Westerners, generally each person a plate, there is no problem of food, but they generally do not like to eat when talking, so eat as much as possible do not talk, only when eating dessert, you can talk about some, easy to talk about.

Just, the general Western tableware is very complex, if you get the wrong tableware is also a very shameful thing. The general use of tableware is like this: dish plate on both sides, such as placed several pairs of knives and forks, should be the first to use the outermost. When the first course is finished, the waiter will remove the plate with the knives and forks, and then use the second set of knives and forks. If there are several different sized spoons, they will be used for different purposes.

Remembering the principles of neatness, cleanliness, and quietness is a good idea.

Here, summarize a little experience, if you do not know the etiquette of Western food, the most practical way is to do a step, you follow the example of how to watch what others do, so at least there will be no error.

Basically, if you learn this, you will not be too rude.

Conclusion Although there are differences in etiquette, but there is no high or low, only we learn the rules of good dining etiquette, which will allow us to be more like a fish out of water in interpersonal communication.

The differences between Chinese and Western table manners essay Part 2

The key to the success of a dinner party depends not only on the quality of the meal, but also on the atmosphere of the gathering, where the guests can talk to each other and understand each other, and therefore have to arrange for the proper seating. Whether it is a formal banquet or a family dinner, it is very important to arrange the proper seating. Proper seating arrangements should take into account gender, age, occupation, status of the guests and the relationship between the guests and the host. Due to the different cultures and customs, there are differences in table manners between China and the West.

First, the reasons for the differences between Chinese and Western table seating

Table seating reflects the culture and customs of different countries, reflecting people's social status and background. Different countries and nations have different cultures, which are influenced by the natural environment, religious beliefs, scientific and economic development, political systems, and regional customs. These factors are also the main reasons for the difference in seating positions between China and the West.

China has paid great attention to etiquette since ancient times. Various etiquettes also reflect the status of the members of the society. In feudal China, the status of women was low, and women were not allowed to sit at the table in some big family dinners. However, in the West, where the law maintains the stability of the state and society, everyone is equal before the law, and men and women are equal in social status, which is also reflected in the seating order. Chinese society is based on the family and emphasizes filial piety and gratitude to parents. Therefore, in Chinese families, parents have the absolute central position, so the older person or the person with a high family status is in the first place. Unlike the Chinese family, the West promotes the concept of the independent family. Under the influence of this family concept, children and parents can discuss problems and exchange opinions on an equal footing. In the Western table seating order, it is not the oldest person who takes the first place but the main guest, even though sometimes the main guest is a young person. Western table seating can be traced back to medieval court etiquette. At that time, the seating position reflected the class and status of the people, as well as their positions in the court.

Second, the international customary table seating

Although there are differences in table seating between different cultures in different countries, there are international customary table seating etiquette. Men should not be seated before women, and should wait for women and the elderly to be seated before they are seated. When seated, men should take care of women and the elderly to be seated. From the host to sit closer to the guests of the higher social status, the guests of the seat higher than the seat of friends and relatives, older than the young, international friends higher than the guests of the country.

Third, the differences between the Chinese and Western different occasions table seating

The elderly or the main guest may not always sit in the main seat, in a particular occasion, who is the core of who is in the main seat. Therefore, different occasions have different `seating arrangements. Due to differences in cultural background and customs, there are also differences in table seating arrangements between Chinese and Westerners on different occasions.

(A) large family gatherings or formal banquets in the Western table seating differences

In formal banquets, it is best to clearly indicate the name and seating on the invitation card or seating table, and to be led by one of the inviting party, so that the guests can find a place to be seated to avoid embarrassment, and at the same time, it will also be a good impression of the banquet.

Western classical table seating requirements are extremely strict. Male and female guests should be a man and a woman cross sitting, couples, including the host couple can not sit together, siblings, mother and son, father and daughter can not neighbor. Guests who already know each other cannot be seated together. Foreign guests should be seated next to guests who can communicate in their language. The purpose of this arrangement is to make the guests communicate better and make more new friends. Artists have higher privileges in Western table seating, and many inviters will give them higher seats than the traditional hierarchical seating. In any case, when arranging the seating plan, it is important to consider the better integration of the guests, to arrange those guests who are interested in each other and have **** the same topic together, so as to make the atmosphere of the party more enjoyable. Specific Western traditional table seating for: the highest status of male guests usually sit on the left side of the hostess, the highest status of women sitting on the right side of the hostess, the status of the next man on the right side of the hostess, and the host of the left side of the status of the next woman. In this way, according to the status of the guests to arrange seating, men and women sit apart, women's position is usually higher than the status of men.

Now China's formal banquet table seating has some development and evolution, on the one hand, inherited some of the traditional etiquette, on the other hand, also borrowed from the international culture of etiquette. Chinese table seating mainly follow the four principles: center for the top, to the right for the top, face the main door, the table with the same direction. "When many tables are placed together, the table in the center is the main table, and the main guests should sit at the main table. "The right side of the table is superior" means that the right side of the table is higher than the left side. "Facing the door is the main seat" means that the seat facing the door is the main seat, and the primary guests should sit in this seat. "The same direction of each table" means that the main seat of each table faces the same direction. The specific table seating order is: the first guest is in the main seat facing the door, the hostess sits on her left, and the host sits on his right. When the inviting party has a higher status than the first guest, the higher status first, the host sits on his left, the first guest sits on his right.

(B) small family gatherings or informal dinners in the Western table seating differences

Western small family gatherings or informal dinners in the seating requirements are not very strict. The main principle is to facilitate the guests to communicate better with each other and meet new friends. Men and women are usually seated in a flower arrangement. Rectangular table host couple usually sit at the end of the table towards the door, young people are located at the end of the table. If a new couple does not want to sit separately, they can ask the host to do so. It is best to arrange a separate table for small children under the supervision of an elderly person.

China's small family gatherings or informal dinners in the seating order is, the elderly in the face of the door first, the other family units were sitting on both sides of the elderly, the higher the status of the people from the first closer to the young people are generally located at the end of the table, back to the door and sit. There are also some family dinners, men drink, so men sit on one side, women sit on one side, respectively, on both sides of the first.

Fourth, the Chinese and Western table seating comparison

Through the analysis of different occasions in the Western table seating differences can be concluded as follows:

(a) Western table seating in the higher status of the woman, the man will first wait for the woman to be seated before you can be seated

Seating to the left for the top, the first guest should be sitting on the left side of the hostess, and take care of her seat. In Chinese table seating, men's seating position is higher than that of women.

(b) The first guest in the Western table seating in the first place, even if there are other guests older than the first guest

However, the Chinese table seating honor the oldest, the oldest or the highest status is usually seated in the first place, in accordance with the "nobility and inferiority, the order of the eldest and youngest, the rich and poor, lightweight all have to be called".

(c) Chinese table seating, couples sit next to each other

While the Western formal banquet, couples can not sit next to each other, men and women cross the seat, the high status of the man is located on the left side of the woman.

With the development of the times, modern people advocate simple and natural. Some complex table seating also slowly disappeared with time, and on some occasions there are new seating arrangements. With the advancement of global integration, in cross-cultural communication, in order to avoid embarrassment and misunderstanding, people usually follow the international customary table seating. We should understand the differences between Chinese and Western table seating, and master the international table seating, in order to rationalize the arrangement of guests in the banquet, so that the atmosphere of the banquet is more enjoyable, and the guests can better communicate with each other, so as to ultimately achieve the purpose of communication.

The differences between Chinese and Western table manners Part 3

First, from the use of tableware, Chinese food use chopsticks, Western food use knives, forks, which is the most basic differences between Chinese and Western table manners. In the use of tableware, there are different norms in both China and the West. When eating Chinese food, you should not play with chopsticks, and you should not use chopsticks to point or gesture to others. Sucking the chopsticks or sticking them in the rice is a big no-no. When eating Western food, do not point and gesture if you have a knife and fork in your hand. When talking or conversing, put your knife and fork on your plate as a matter of etiquette. Do not use your own cutlery for others. Don't bend down to pick up utensils that have been dropped. Meals should not be cut at once, especially with soup meals, to eat a small piece by piece.

Second, from the seating arrangements, both Chinese and Western pay attention to the formal banqueting activities of the seating arrangements. Chinese people invite guests, the elderly, the guest of honor or high status people sit on the seat, male and female hosts or accompanying guests to sit down seat, the rest of the guests in order to sit on the seat. Westerners invite guests, male and female hosts sit at both ends, and then the order of the male and female guest of honor and general guest seating arrangements, that is, men and women interspersed arrangements, pay attention to the "Ms. first" of the Western gentleman, will show the attentiveness of the lady.

Third, from the dining atmosphere, the Chinese people at the table with the Western table on the quiet is the most fundamental difference between Chinese and Western table manners. Chinese people sit on the table, they will be talking, let each other dishes, persuade the wine, enjoy the delicious food. This way of feasting can reflect the host's enthusiasm and sincerity, and the hustle and bustle at the table reflects the diners' heartfelt joy. This "noise" can be reflected to some extent the Chinese family warmth, neighborly harmony, unity of the country's "harmony". Westerners sit at the table and quietly cut their own plate of food. Drinking soup can not make loud noises, such as soup and vegetables are too hot, can wait until a little cool before eating, do not use the mouth to blow. Shut up and chew when eating. Do not lick your lips or smack your lips to make noise. When eating, you can talk with the guests on the left and right, but do not talk with only a few acquaintances. If you don't know the guests on your left or right, introduce yourself first. Do not interrupt when others are talking. Keep the volume of your voice at a level that can be heard by the other person. Chewing food, do not talk, even if someone with you to speak, but also to wait until the food swallowed before answering.

Fourth, from the table on the words, the Chinese invited to dinner, the dishes on the table in a variety of dishes, at least seven, eight dishes, and the host is often to say, "Today there is no good food to entertain everyone," "more tolerance" and so on. Western feasts usually have four to five courses, and the best portion is to finish it or have a little leftover. If you are at home, it is best to eat all the dishes, so that the hostess will be very happy that everyone likes her cooking. When faced with a sumptuous feast, the host will say, "I've given you all I have".

All cultures in the world are equal and there is no difference between good and bad cultures. Avoid using your own culture, morals and values as a standard to measure and judge, and adopt an objective and tolerant attitude towards foreign cultures; at the same time, avoid blindly following and imitating foreign cultures, and stick to your own excellent cultural traditions.

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