Abstract

China is a nation of etiquette, whose table manners have a long history. With the development of China’s opening up, more and more western cultures get into our daily life. As we face with unfamiliar cultures and countries, some unpredictable conflicts might happen in the communication, which will seriously affect the contacts. Table manners have a decisive position in the communication between Chinese and western countries. Learning the right table manners will not only step up our own impression, but also promote our core-competitiveness.

This thesis especially focuses on the differences between Chinese and western table manners. Mainly from the use of tableware, seating arrangements, dining etiquette and serving procedures on western table manners. Based on this, this thesis conducts comprehensive and detailed analysis and comparison. I hope this research can help people understand the differences between Chinese and western table manners, and then promote cross-cultural communication between China and Western countries.

Key words: cultural background; table manner; China and the West; difference

Contents

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction-1

2. Manners and table manners-1

3. Chinese and western table manners-3

3.1 Similarities of table manners-3

3.2 Differences of table manners-4

4. Main factors causing the differences-9

4.1 Different geographical conditions-9

4.2 Different cultural traditions-10

4.3 Different cultural customs-10

5. Conclusion-11

References-13

Acknowledgements-14