Abstract

Whether in the east or the west, diet plays an important role in the development of human society. People around the world are seeking for food, but different peoples’ diet and eating habits are different, this is because the diet and the culture of a nation is closely linked, therefore, only in their culture, people can better understand their diet and habits. China and Western countries have obvious differences about diet concept,attitude and other aspects. This paper aims to "cultural structure" and "Intercultural Communication" as the theoretical basis. We hope we can enhance the awareness of intercultural communication and improve intercultural communicative competence through the discussion of cultural differences.

Key words: Cultural differences; Cross-cultural communication; food culture 

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. The definition of culture3

2.1 Major characteristics of culture.4

2.1.1 Culture is learned4

2.1.2 Culture is based on symbols.5

2.1.3 Culture is ethnocentric6

2.2 Definition of food culture6

2.2.1 Chinese food culture.7

2.2.2 Western food culture.8

2.3 Cross-cultural communication perspective8

3. Differences on concepts in Chinese & Western food cultures10

3.1 Collectivism VS. Individualism.10

3.1.1 Collectivism in Chinese food culture11

3.1.2 Individualism in western food culture12

3.2 Extravagance in Chinese food culture.13

3.3 Simplicity in Western food culture13

4. Differences on Etiquette in Chinese & Western food cultures14

4.1 Chopsticks VS. Forks and knives14

4.1.1 Chopsticks in Chinese food culture14

4.1.2 Forks and knives in Western food culture.15

4.2 Different seating arrangements .16

4.2.1 The south and north seating arrangement in Chinese food culture.16

4.2.2 The left and right seating arrangement in Western food culture.17

5. Conclusion18

References.20