Abstract：Since the reform and opening up, China in all areas and at all levels of external communication activities increasing, especially in the public affairs and business world. As the famous ceremonies in the world, China has a strong tradition in polite manners. So we should treat others with due respect in the foreign relations. With China acceding to WTO, our international exchanges are more intensive. Meanwhile, banquet plays an important role in social interaction, and banquet relevant ritual is indispensable. While in some areas, there is general international etiquette and rules of engagement, but different countries have different habits and taboos. Firstly, the paper carries out and analysis the concept and types of banquets and later uses Intercultural Communication theory. by comparison, it is from several aspects like dining etiquette and the concept of time to analyze the differences about banquet etiquette between the two countries. Also, it explores the cultural differences between the two countries.

Key Words: banquet etiquette；table manner；different cultures

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction-1

2.The types and significance of banquet etiquette -1

2.1.The concept and significance of etiquette-1

2.2.The types of banquet-2

3.Differences between American and Chinese eating etiquette at banquet -2

3.1.Different tableware-3

3.2.Different diet ideas-3

3.3.Different behaviors-4

3.4.Different eating ways-5

3.5.Different terms at table-5

4.Differences between American and Chinese dressing etiquette at banquet-6

4.1.Chinese dressing etiquette at banquet-6

4.2.American dressing etiquette at banquet-6

5.Differences between American and Chinese banquet etiquette-6

5.1.The polite invatations -7

5.2.Differences in the sense of time-7

5.3.Differences in seating arrangement-8

5.4.Differences in dining manners-8

5.5.Differences in taboos-9

6.Conclusion-9

References-10

Acknowledgements-11