|
|
| Social
Observations - Etiquette |
Chinese Etiquette
- Beer, Tea, Table Manners |
|
Introduction:
Chinese people practice quite strict rules of
etiquette, although you as a visitor may not realise
they even exist!
As a visitor, you are not expected to know any of this.
I will leave you to work out yourself whether this means
you are seen as 'uncultured'? Try reversing things and
see what you would consider Chinese actions to be in
the West?
This page is designed to help you master the very basics
of Chinese etiquette. You will give your Host and companions
great honour by trying to follow even the most rudimentary
etiquette for any given situation. Having lived in China
for 5-years, even I cannot follow the strictest etiquette
codes. I do know exactly what to do at a British Banquet,
which utensils to use when, The Loyal Toast etc. Chinese
etiquette is equally difficult, and perhaps more-so?
Here I will be looking at personal interactions at a
daily level, business level, and Regional Government
level. Every Chinese person excepting some ethnic minorities,
practices the basic level daily
Basic Etiquette
There are only three main areas for you to be concerned
with: Tea, Beer, and Table Manners
Briefly:
Initially you may find the way that ordinary Chinese
eat food to be uncouth. Please know that they are also
judging you equally badly and will probably think you
are totally un-cultured. Perception is a wonderful asset
1. The host should sit opposite the door
2. Toasts regularly pundtuate a formal Chinese meal
a) Don’t drink (Alcohol) before the host has proposed
the first toast
b) The honoured guest (Probably you) should repay this
toast either immediately, or as soon as the next dish
is served
3. If you drop a piece of food on the tablecloth –
leave it there
4. When using toothpicks, the mouth should be covered
5 . If eating something large and awkward, cover your
mouth
6 . Most meals are not considered too formal –
but be aware of the above, especially ‘toasting’
7. Less formally, never drink alone. Tap your glass
on the Lazy Susan - so anyone wanting a drink will join
you
Chinese
Tea
Taking Tea is very central to Chinese peoples, and the
Japanese Tea Ceremony you may know from books and film,
is based in Chinese Tea Culture (Just taken to extremes)
When meeting at home, work or for leisure, Chinese always
offer tea. Sometimes this is just plain water, which
is usually served warm. Sometimes people go straight
onto the beer or rice wine. Etiquette dictates you should
be proficient at making and serving Chinese Tea, even
in a restaurant!
Chinese
Beer
Chinese men like to drink either beer or rice wine,
which they practice doing frequently. The etiquette
is virtually the same, and I have chosen beer because
glasses are larger and Westerners are more likely to
drink it
Follow the link above for three main categories:
1. Language and tips
2. Normal drinking
3. Formal drinking
Cheers!
Chinese
Table Manners
Chinese table manners can vary depending upon which
part of China you are in. There are also normal and
formal versions, so for this study I will keep things
simple, and in cases of Regional differences, will use
the Guangzhou Cantonese style
You may find some common practices alarming at first,
but usually by the time you have mastered using chopsticks,
the reasons for the behaviour have also become apparant.
Chinese will also find a few common Western table manners
as being barbaric! Read on...
|
|
|
| This
information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy in
UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable sources.
This particular page also contains my personal, unbiased,
and apolitical observations. Please check this information
yourself as it may alter without notice, and whilst
we try our best to ensure it is correct, please do not
hold us responsible for any errors - this is intended
as a simple guide only |
|
| Search
this Website |
|
|
| Our
Friends |
Excellent
& Free Online Chinese Language Portal
Thousands of free print-friendly Chinese reference sheets,
tests and revision aids.
Easy Learning format &
Listen to Spoken Words |
British Foreign Office
Resource and Advice for Travellers Worldwide |
Chinese Embassy in UK
Information About China
International Relations
Visa & Consular |
UK Embassy in China
Information About UK
International Relations
Visa & Consular |
|
Excel
Education |
Languages Courses
Study Abroad
Employability
Summer Camps
Information for Teachers |
|
Down The Road.org
How We Traded Our Ordinary Lives For a Global Bicycle Touring Adventure
See
Us in China |
|
