Abstract

China is a country of etiquette, with abundant table manners. In fact, English-speaking countries hold particular dining customs. With the development of China’s opening-up, there are more exotic civilizations  into our sight. Upon confronting various national cultures, many ineluctable culture conflicts would occur when we communicate with each other which severely influence the contracts being implemented smoothly. Table etiquette plays an important role, which impacts on the process of communication between China and English-speaking nations. By knowing correct manners won’t just promote our own images and it also can benefit our competitive power and achievements. This article first depicts the beginning of Chinese and English-speaking countries’ dinning manners. Secondly, it analyses the distinction between Chinese and English-speaking countries’ table etiquette based on the seating etiquette, dinnerware, serving order etc. After that, the article analyses the internal causes of the differences. Finally, it brings forth a conclusion that each country ought to esteem both parties as well as seek agreements while shelving differences.

Keywords: China；English-speaking countries；table manners

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literal Review-1

3. The Origins of Table Manners and the Fusion of them between China and English-speaking Countries-2

3.1 The origin of the Chinese table manners-2

3.2 The origin of English-speaking Countries’ table manners-3

3.3 Table manners of communication and fusion between China and English-speaking Countries-4

4. Different Table Manners between China and English-speaking Countries-5

4.1 Differences in table setting-5

4.2 Different in dinnerware-5

4.3 Differences in order of serving-7

4.4 Differences in the host's presentation-8

5. Internal Reasons of the different Table Manners between China and English-speaking Countries-9

5.1 Cultural connotations-9

5.2 Ways of thinking-10

5.3 Values-10

6. Conclusion-12

Works Cited-13