Abstract: With the development of the economic globalization, more and more western culture gets into our sight. Different cultures show the different core values.The study aims at analyzing the differences of table manners betwwen China and the United States and the reasons that cause the differences, which can deepen the understanding of the table manners and the core values and thus to successfully achieve cross-cultural communication. First, the thesis reviews some related  literature. Then the author contrasts the table manners between China and the United States from the following aspects: tableware, order of seats, repast atmosphere, dining time concepts, table discourse. Afterwards, the thesis analyzes the reasons of the differences of the table manners between China and the United States from the following aspects: different core values and thinking ways of the two countries. Finally, the thesis reaches the conclusion by pointing out that the comparative study of the table manners of China and the United States will have positive influence on the promotion of cross-cultural communication.

Key words: table manners; differences; core values

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review....1

  2.1Definition of Table Manners

  2.2Previous Studies on Differences of Table Manners between China and the United States

3. Differences in Table Manners between China and the United States2

  3.1Tableware 

  3.2Order of Seats

  3.3Repast Atmosphere

  3.4Dining Time Concepts

  3.5Table Discourse

4.Reasons of Differences of Table Manners Between China and the United States6

  4.1 Core Values of China and the United States

  4.2 Differences in Thinking Way between China and the United States.

  4.2.1 Perceptual Thinking and Rational Thinking

  4.2.2Comprehensive Thinking and Analytical Thinking

5.Conclusion....11

Bibliography....12

Acknowledgements....13