Table manners of business etiquette Part I
Etiquette is everywhere in modern society, and it is precisely these etiquette that troubles many of us. Table manners culture is the most important non-verbal culture and also an important social experience. China's food culture has a long history. While adhering to its excellent cultural tradition, we should adopt an objective, tolerant and respectful attitude towards foreign cultures, so as to communicate appropriately in cross-cultural communication.
Keywords: China and the West; Table manners; Comparison; conflict
Chinese and western cultures have always been two major schools of world culture. And food culture occupies a very important position in it, and table manners culture is an important role in food culture. People in every country and region consciously or unconsciously reveal their profound cultural heritage in their diet. When we enter the 2 1 century, we will inevitably participate in transnational cultural exchanges, and food culture is an important part of non-verbal communication in international cultural exchanges. The world is big, and the cultural customs and human geography are different everywhere. By analyzing the differences between Chinese and western table manners, we can improve foreign language learners' understanding of western culture and language.
1. Differences in table manners
Seating arrangement, tableware and dining methods all directly reflect the social production mode and cultural orientation of local people. Etiquette is everywhere in modern society. Dining is not only to meet basic physiological needs, but also a social experience. There are also many differences between Chinese and western table manners. Understanding Chinese and western table manners can effectively avoid being rude to others.
1. 1 Differences in dining atmosphere
Westerners' diet is a single meal system for one person. Westerners will enjoy their dishes quietly as soon as they are served. Even if they want to share food, they will divide it with small plates and eat it separately. Just keep the volume of conversation with the guests at a level that they can hear. Don't talk when chewing food. Even if someone talks to you, wait until you swallow the food before answering. On the other hand, people in China often talk a lot when sitting at the table, helping each other with food, and persuading each other to show their enthusiasm and concern. This kind of noise reflects people's inner joy, warmth, harmony and harmony to some extent. The noise on the dining table in China and the silence on the dining table in the west fundamentally reflect the cultural differences between them.
1.2 seats are poorly ranked.
Both China and Westerners pay attention to the arrangement of seats at formal banquets. China often uses round tables on the dining table. Generally speaking, the seats facing the south or the lobby are the upper seats, and the sides are biased. Usually, the elderly, high-ranking people or guests sit down, the male and female hosts or accompanying guests sit down, opposite to the upper seats, and the rest of the guests are biased according to their importance. In China, Confucian culture and thoughts have been dominant for a long time, so it is the standard of seating arrangement that all ages are orderly and men are superior to women. In short, in China, the left is the respect, and the right is the second; The first is respect, the second is time; China is the most important, followed by. In the west, on the contrary, right is the most important thing, and left is the second. Western dining tables mostly use long tables, with male and female hosts sitting at both ends and guests sitting on both sides. Take the right hand of the host and hostess as the top, and arrange the seats in the order of male and female guests and ordinary guests. In the arrangement, respecting women and giving priority to women will be regarded as the seating standard.
1.3 Tableware differences
Westerners are used to eating with knives and forks, while China people use chopsticks. These two kinds of tableware not only bring about differences in eating habits, but also affect people's life concepts in the East and the West. Influenced by hunting culture, western countries like to be competitive and adventurous. In their view, food is the product of people's violence, and metal knives and forks represent an attack and a toughness. At the same time, food sharing in the west embodies the independence of westerners and emphasizes respect and equality for individuality. China is the birthplace of chopsticks, and its history can be traced back to the late Neolithic period. Only when two chopsticks are matched together can they be used freely and accurately, which embodies the spirit of China's cultural harmony and unity. The dining system brought by chopsticks also highlights the strong family concept of China people. There are different norms in the use of tableware in China and the West. For example, you can't point at people with chopsticks when eating Chinese food, and you can't put chopsticks in the rice. When using a knife and fork in western food, you should hold a fork in your left hand and a knife in your right hand. When you need to put down your knife and fork while eating, you should pose. Eight? Put them on the edge of the plate, with the blade facing yourself, indicating that you will continue to eat. After eating, put the back of the fork up, put the blade and fork together and put them on the plate in parallel.
1.4 dining etiquette differences
What does the western dining etiquette convey? Beautiful? Spiritual pursuit not only requires delicious food, but also enjoys the process of eating. Not only should you dress neatly and sit upright, but you should also speak softly, usually accompanied by soft music in your ears. In the process of eating, don't make any noise when drinking soup, and don't smoke to persuade wine. Don't use your own tableware to bring food to others, don't cut all the food on the plate before using it, don't put bones or food you don't eat on the tablecloth, but on the corner of the plate. What is the dining etiquette of Chinese food? Jane. After everyone sits down, they will wait for the host, who will invite everyone to dinner before they start to move chopsticks. Moreover, the host usually has to help the host and guest with food first, so that they can use it first. When new dishes are served, guests will also help each other to show their concern.
1.5 departure etiquette
Westerners basically don't turn on their mobile phones when eating, and the bell will be very low unless there is something very important. Do you want to tell everyone first if you have a phone call? Excuse me. Then I got up and left the room to answer the phone. At the end of the meal, people first pick up the napkins on their legs, fold them at will, put them back on the left side of the table, and then get up and leave their seats. After dinner, other guests can't leave until the host and hostess leave the table. When they say goodbye, they should thank their host. More formally, they can thank them by phone or thank you card when they get home. It is impolite to answer the phone when eating Chinese food, but people in China don't pay much attention to this detail. When the phone rings, they go out and answer the phone directly, or they answer it in their seats. After dinner, we will wait for the host to announce the end and thank the guests for coming. After the host and guests left their seats, the other guests left slowly.
2. Conclusion
The difference of table manners between China and the West is an important part of cultural differences between China and the West. With the acceleration of economic globalization and information exchange, Chinese and western table manners will continue to merge in the collision and complement each other in the integration. Only by knowing more about Chinese and Western cultures, discussing cultural differences in depth, and integrating them rationally and organically can we truly adapt to the etiquette and cultural system of contemporary China society, eliminate misunderstandings caused by cultural barriers in cross-cultural communication, and play a good role in promoting the spread of Chinese culture and the development of civilization.
References:
[1] Margaret? Visa. Table manners: the origin, development and significance of civilized manners [M]. Liu Xiaoyuan, translate it. Beijing: Xinxing Publishing House, 2007.
[2] Feng Yuzhu. Banquet mode: details of workplace banquet [M]. Beijing: Central Compilation Press, 2006.
[3] Chen Hongmei. Practical knowledge of Chinese and western Japanese table manners [M]. Beijing: World Book Publishing Company, 2005.
Table manners in business etiquette (II)
Abstract: In China and Britain, there are great differences between food and tableware, and the manners people admire and the atmosphere of the table are also different. This paper will compare the two, explore the reasons behind them and give suggestions.
Keywords: Chinese and English; Dining table; Etiquette culture
Etiquette is rooted in culture and connected with people, and its basis lies in respect, that is, when doing things, we should not only consider ourselves, but also consider the feelings of others. However, sometimes it may not produce good results. Different countries have different traditions. If you treat foreign friends with your own manners without considering foreign manners, you will have unnecessary misunderstandings.
China is an ancient eastern country. Confucianism advocates the education of rites and music. Although there is Taoist mediation, in the eyes of China people, etiquette? Almost with? Character? Are equivalent. There is a cloud in the Book of Songs. If a person is immortal without instruments, what is [1]? . Even in modern society, if a person is impolite and does things impolitely, will he be called? Can't be a man? . Britain is a country that values gentlemanly manners and gentlemanly manners. It is no exaggeration to say that the British attach no less importance to etiquette than China. However, the differences between the two countries that attach importance to etiquette lead to contradictions. The way to solve the contradiction is not to give up yourself to cater to each other, because there is no difference in etiquette, but to consider each other's feelings with each other's lifestyle when interacting with each other. Etiquette is not a constraint. Proper manners will make the relationship harmonious and both parties will feel comfortable.
The dining table is a very good platform, which can increase mutual understanding and enhance the relationship between the two sides. However, when the two sides meet for the first time or are unfamiliar with each other, etiquette is very important, especially in formal occasions. On the dining table in China and England, first of all, food and tableware are very different; Secondly, what is different is people's manners and the atmosphere at the table. The author compares the two and excavates the reasons behind them, so that readers can have a preliminary understanding of Chinese and English table manners culture.
I. Food and Tableware
Tableware is determined by food, and food is determined by geography. The grain in China is mainly miscellaneous grains, and livestock mostly exist in the form of labor. Because China is densely populated, geographically unsuitable for animal husbandry, and grain is not as delicious as meat, China people try to satisfy the taste buds. Cooked food is too hot and soft to be grasped by hand, so people in China invented chopsticks. Sima Qian in Historical Records? Is this the record of Zongweizi's family? For elephants? It can be inferred that China people began to use chopsticks as early as Shang Dynasty.
Animal husbandry has been developed in Britain because the local marine climate is suitable for the growth of pasture. As a typical western country, western food is mainly meat, and meat needs to be cut, so British people use knives and forks more. Whether in China or Britain, the correct use of tableware is the first step of table manners.
China people attach importance to interpersonal relationships and respect the elderly at the dinner table. If there is a fish on the dining table, then the fish head should be placed in front of the old man, indicating that the old man is highly respected. In terms of seats, the old man sits in the upper seat, and the person with the lowest status sits opposite the old man. Before the old people moved chopsticks, no one would pick up food. The first bite of food is tasted by the elderly, which shows that China people respect the elderly. If there are no old people at the dinner table, this is the way for China people to be guests, to show their admiration and respect for their hosts. The host usually entertains the guests politely and personally adds food for them, which is a sign of good relationship and an honor as a friend.
British tableware is used with fork in left hand and knife in right hand [3], because the average person's right hand is stronger and easier to cut. Put the knife and fork on both sides to indicate that you are eating, and put them together to indicate that you have finished eating. Formal western food will be accompanied by a set of knives and forks. At this time, you should change a knife and fork after eating a dish and use it from outside to inside. There is a tendency to advocate nobility in British culture, and complex tableware itself is a symbol of superiority. At the same time, different foods use different knives and forks to keep the taste of food pure.
Second, etiquette and atmosphere.
Compared with China people, British people pay more attention to the elegance of table manners. When they sit, they sit up straight and never cross their legs or put their elbows on the table. When spitting fishbones or bones, the British don't spit them out directly, but first cover their mouths with napkins and spit on them. English people are very quiet when eating. If they need to talk, they will whisper, smile gently when necessary, and never laugh at the dinner table. And when drinking soup, the British don't make a sound. When chewing food, they will keep their mouths shut until there is no food in their mouths.
British people will pay attention to appearance when they go to high-end western restaurants, and it is common sense for British people to dress appropriately. Ladies should wear evening dresses or suits and shoes with heels, and wear heavy makeup, because western restaurants are dimly lit, and light makeup or plain makeup will make people look listless. As for men, be sure to wear a tie and pay attention to neatness. When men and women walk together, men should be gentlemanly, for example, open the restaurant door for women, let women walk in front, sit down first and order wine.
No one will make a noise in an English restaurant? Waiter? But sit there patiently, waiting for the waiter to order. When eating, if you need the waiter's help, you will use your eyes or wave to signal to the waiter. Moreover, even when eating, the British? Excuse me. And then what? Thank you? You never leave your mouth.
The dining atmosphere in China is just the opposite of that in Britain. People in China think that eating quietly is a sign that the host and guests are too formal. Everyone likes to chat with each other about wine and vegetables, say a few one-liners and laugh constantly. The more open they are, the better their relationship will be, and the atmosphere at the dinner table will be lively and cordial. People in China think that true friends should not pay too much attention to each other, so people in China don't pay much attention to etiquette when eating, as long as they don't make a fool of themselves.
Unlike the British AA system, China people like to treat guests. It's your treat today, and I'll treat tomorrow. If you invite them, there will be a kind of? Human feelings? Inside. The host will entertain the guests warmly in the restaurant, and the guests are generally not too strange. Because the dining table in China is lively, everyone likes to play games after dinner. Just like Granny Liu in A Dream of Red Mansions enters the Grand View Garden to drink with everyone, it is a typical portrayal of the traditional dining table in China. There are many kinds of modern table games. Guessing boxing is grounded, and there are several other figures, such as idioms solitaire, Tiger Bonzi Chicken and so on.
If both China and Britain look at each other from their own standpoint, China people may think that British people are so formal when eating, while British people think that it is impolite for China people to make noise at the dinner table. In fact, it's not China people who can't be quiet in restaurants. It's just that what China people pursue is a warm atmosphere, in which people are open, inclusive and full of vitality. So, it's not that people in China don't know manners, but that the table should be like this according to the etiquette in China.
Three. Reasons and suggestions
The reason why China and Britain differ so much in table manners is actually because of their different values. China people pay attention to collectivism and sharing, and think that getting along without bad feelings is the best state. There is a magnanimous domineering spirit in the character of China people, who are not afraid of outsiders' speculation and have no secrets. Everyone has a reasonable life. China people are afraid of loneliness and don't like it. This is because there are always many people in China, and they never have the necessity and opportunity to be alone. This character is somewhat naive, but China people are still children when they are old. Middle-aged people are more mature, but they don't have much mature happiness. They only complain about middle-aged life, and China people don't like maturity.
The British are not as open as the Americans. In fact, all Europeans have a European temperament. This European temperament is both aggressive and conservative. Britain advocates personal value, but this personal value is first wrapped in elegant art of life, so it does not show a wanton and carefree. The British choose to eat quietly at the dinner table, and respect for their friends is out of respect for privatization. Everyone is like a noble, polite and temperate, and even the waiter will be respected politely. Elegance itself is alienated, but the British do not feel alienated from each other. On the contrary, they think people should get along like this.
The China people and the British people discussed by the author only have some common nationalities in general, and there are great differences between people, including China people who like quiet and British people who like lively. Table manners are relative. Generally speaking, eating at home is not as particular as eating out. Eating in a small restaurant is very different from eating in a high-end restaurant. The closeness of diners also determines the complexity and simplicity of etiquette. Etiquette is dead, people are alive. Although cultural traditions are rooted in people's blood, they cannot be too conservative. Therefore, the author believes that Chinese and British people should learn to observe words and observe colors on the basis of paying attention to etiquette when dining.
At the dinner table, it is not that people from any country should correspond to the etiquette of any country, but that you should look at each other's attitude. When he likes to be lively, you will laugh more and he will be silent. Just eat quietly. No matter where you are, people with knowledge and flexibility are always welcome.
Generally speaking, there are many differences in table manners between China and Britain, from food and tableware to etiquette and atmosphere. Behind it is the fundamental difference between the two value orientations. The authorities are confused, and the bystanders are clear. In this way, the table manners of the two countries will be more clear. You can choose to do as the Romans do to cater to each other, or you can show your uniqueness and let each other feel the cultural charm of a foreign country. As long as the atmosphere on the dining table is harmonious and comfortable, it is correct to choose which etiquette method.
References:
Edited by Zhang Minghui. Appreciation of the Book of Songs [M]. Hohhot: Inner Mongolia People's Publishing House, 2006, (7): 47.
[2] Cai Ying. On English gentleman culture [J]. Journal of huzhou vocational and technological college, 2007, (6)
[3] British table manners [J]. English pictorial, 20 1 1. (5)
Table manners in business etiquette (3)
With China's entry into WTO, there are more and more exchanges with the world, and table manners, as a food culture, have attracted more and more attention. This paper takes Chinese and western table manners as the starting point, and the following is? Etiquette documents on the dining table? I hope I can help you!
Nowadays, social etiquette is everywhere, and dining is not only to meet basic physiological needs-it is also the most important social experience. Table manners play a very important role in the life order of Chinese and western people.
There are two manners in eating Chinese food and western food. One is from one's own etiquette norms, such as proper dining and elegant manners. The other is the etiquette norms other than eating, such as menu, music, environment and so on. Although there are many differences, there are still many rules that are common to most countries. There is a saying that if you don't know the etiquette of eating western food, you are not an authentic modern person. So what's the difference between Chinese and western dining etiquette? There are mainly the following points:
I. reservations
There are few reservations for eating in China, but they are usually on large and important occasions. In the west, the more expensive the hotel, the more you need to make an appointment in advance. When making an appointment, you should indicate not only the number and time, but also whether you want a smoking area or a seat with a good view. If it is a birthday or other special day, you can tell the purpose and budget of the banquet. It is basic courtesy to arrive within the scheduled time.
Second, dress.
Both China and the West are very particular about this. But in China, people can wear whatever they want in restaurants, even T-shirts and jeans. Only at important banquets will they be dressed in a grand way. It is common sense in Europe and America to dress appropriately and neatly when eating. To go to high-end restaurants, men should wear neat tops and leather shoes; A lady should wear a suit and shoes with heels. If formal clothes are required, men must wear ties. No matter how expensive casual clothes are, you can't just wear them to the restaurant. In addition, the most important thing is to keep your hands clean and your nails neatly trimmed. Don't unbutton or undress in public during meals.
Third, sit down.
If there is a host or waiter when sitting, then the seats should be allocated by the host or waiter, so don't be too polite. If you haven't decided on a seat yet, let the elders sit down and choose a low-grade seat yourself. Don't be too humble. When you want to sit down, remember to pull the chair back by hand before you sit down. If you push the chair away with your feet, you will show that you are a rude person. If a lady has a boyfriend, she doesn't have to pull the chair herself, because it's her boyfriend's responsibility. Sit up straight with your legs together and your feet flat on the ground. Overlapping thighs is not desirable. Don't put your hand on the neighbor's chair, and don't put your hand on the table.
After entering the western restaurant, you need to be led to your seat by the waiter. Don't sit down in a hurry. The most suitable sitting position is to sit from the left. When the chair is opened, the body will stand up straight at a distance that almost touches the table. The leader pushes the chair in, and the legs bend and touch the chair behind, so you can sit down. Don't put your elbows on the table or cross your legs. Don't leave your seat while eating. If you really need to leave, you should whisper hello to the guests around you. When eating, sit up straight, keep your back straight and stretch your neck. The upper arm and back should lean on the back of the chair, and the abdomen should keep a fist distance from the table. It is best to avoid sitting with your feet crossed. Remember to eat with your head up. When you put the food in front of you in your mouth, you should eat it with your mouth instead of bending down.
Fourth, napkins.
Restaurants in China usually put a small flower made of paper in each guest's glass before serving, which is convenient and beautiful. Western-style napkins are generally made of cloth, and the napkin cloth is square and flat, and the color is simple and elegant. Always put it on your legs, on your chest for ceremonial occasions, and on the table for leisure occasions. The corner of the napkin is facing your chest, pressing the plate. Napkin cloth can be used to wipe your mouth or hands, folded diagonally into a triangle, or folded in parallel into a rectangle. When wiping, face down and gently press the corner of napkin several times. All stains should be wiped inside, and the appearance always looks neat. If the napkin is badly dirty, please ask the waiter to change it. When you leave your seat, even if you leave temporarily, you should take off your napkin cloth, fold it into a square or triangle at will and put it on your seat. It is suggested that after the meal, you can put napkins on the table.
V. Feeding
In China, most restaurants and family banquets use round tables, and everyone sits around the dishes, which not only embodies the round atmosphere, but also facilitates eating. In western countries, most of them use long tables or T-shaped tables, and it is inevitable that they will not get food. West? Small tray? This is inevitable, but sometimes, especially in public, don't stand up and let others hand you food that you can't reach while sitting. Sometimes the host will advise the guests to add some food. If they have an appetite, it is not rude to add meals. On the contrary, the host will be proud. You should also put some food you don't want to eat on the plate to show politeness. When attending a western-style buffet, food is piled up on the whole plate at another time. The food on the plate makes people think you are greedy. Take less at a time, not enough to go again.
Six, diet and taboos.
In China, chopsticks are tableware handed down from ancient times, and the use of chopsticks in daily life is very particular. Generally, when we use chopsticks, the correct way to use chopsticks is to hold chopsticks with the right hand, hold the upper end of chopsticks with the thumb and forefinger, and hold chopsticks with the other three fingers naturally bent, and the two ends of chopsticks must be aligned. In the use process, chopsticks must be placed neatly on the right side of the rice bowl before eating, and must be placed neatly in the middle of the rice bowl after eating. Be careful when eating.
In the west, people often use knives and forks. Its basic principle is that the right hand holds a knife or spoon and the left hand holds a fork. If there are more than two, you should take them from the outermost one in turn. The way to hold a knife and fork is to gently hold the end of the knife and fork and press the index finger on the handle. The spoon can be held with a pen. If you feel inconvenient, you can change your right hand to hold the fork, but it is impolite to change it frequently. When eating big vegetables, you can fold and cut them with a knife and fork. Soft food can be put on a fork and arranged with a knife. When having a rest or taking bread, the knife should be placed on the right side of the plate and the fork on the left side, both of which are splayed. It should be noted that the tip of the knife can't slide off the edge of the CD, and the back end of the handle can't touch the desktop. Another thing to note is that the fork back must face up. Because, no matter how to take the fork when eating, putting the fork in it is a sign that the meal is finished.
Table manners is a knowledge that can't be underestimated. Only by constantly using it in practice can we master and use it better. Table manners are a more important way of communication. Based on the differences and comparison between Chinese and western table manners, this paper gives a comprehensive description of Chinese and western table manners on the basis of referring to Chinese and western table manners. I hope that through this comparison, English learners can learn more about food culture in cross-border cultural exchanges.
References:
[1] Zhao Hongqun. Edited. World food culture. Current affairs publishing house. 2006
[2] Yu. Modern business etiquette. China Material Publishing House. 2006
[3] Xu. Introduction to cross-cultural communication [M]. Zhejiang University Press 2004. P48-50
[4] Pinoye. Zhang. Chinese and foreign ethnic customs. Beijing Tourism Education Press. 2006
[5] Kim. Business etiquette. Peking University Press. 2005.
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