Differences between Chinese and American Etiquette Culture

王 楠 （中國環境管理干部學院 河北秦皇島 066000）

王小琳 （河北科技師范學院財經學院 河北秦皇島 066000）

Differences between Chinese and American Etiquette Culture

王 楠 （中國環境管理干部學院 河北秦皇島 066000）

王小琳 （河北科技師范學院財經學院 河北秦皇島 066000）

Abstract:In this paper， by analyzing the types and reasons of different etiquette cultures between Chinese and American， it helps us to understand other countries’ etiquette and communicate with them successfully， avoid misunderstanding and trouble， and promote the friendly relationship between two countries’ people.

Key words:etiquette culture；difference

Different Definition of Etiquette

Etiquette is the product of our socialization about how to act properly in a given communicative situation and how to maintain smooth relationships with other people. However， Chinese and Americans have different understanding about the definition of etiquette，Chinese thinks that etiquette is a principal that all members must obey， and its purpose is to keep the normal living order of the society.Americans thinks that etiquette is courteous behavior，good manners and system of rules governing formal occasion.

Types of Etiquettes

1.in Social Contact

When we go to a new place， or meet some new people， we want to know firstly is how to be polite.However， because of the different cultural norms and orientations， etiquette differs from community to community.

（1）Greetings

Greeting helps to establish and carry on personal relationships， and embody politeness， status， position and the equality of both parties.In China when people meet acquaintances or friends， people consider shaking hands as a basic formality， even if they meet for the first time.However， when Americans meet friends， they just smile to greet each other.

（2）Sending a Present， Visiting

Generally speaking， Americans don’t send a present at random; they often send a small gift which was not expensive.After receiving present， Americans will open it at once and enjoy or degust it in front of the giver.If you want to visit them you should pre-contract ahead of schedule and you must arrive on time， make sure not earlier or late.

2.on Table

There is not much requirement for table manners in America today.Many families only gather around the dinner table at holiday or feasts.If you are invited to have a dinner by American friend， you should keep the basic rules for polite behavior.Firstly， arrive on time （but not early）and better to bring a small gift.You must wait for all dishes have been put.However in China the hostess is the last to eat.After dinner the hostess should leave seat first， and then the guests.During the dinner， host should make the talk lively and humorous so as to let everyone happy.

3.Forms of Costume

American’s costume is famous for its individuality;it is difficult to predict whether they are rich or poor， even their status.In America you can’t judge a person by dressing.Americans wear voluntarily， but they also pay attention to wear right dressing on right occasions.On the contrary， nowadays most Chinese pay extraordinary attention to dress.Generally speaking the president or boss wear tastefully， it seems that the dress symbolize the status of them.

Reasons of Difference

With the continuous development of Chinese and American economy，their culture is mixing together，however differences still exist.

1.Way of Social Contact

Both Chinese and American attach importance to interpersonal communication， but there is an obvious distinction on conception and way of communication.China has been a feudalistic society for several thousand years.Chinese are also enthusiastic and hospitable.However in America， they particularly attach importance to rights of privacy.They don’t like interfering in other’s life and privacy， also disgust others interfering in them.Chinese attach importance to emotion but Americans pays more passion to individual independency.

2.Individual Philosophies

It is believed that the Chinese tend to be collectivistic， and Americans tend to be individualistic.Chinese are more concerned with “how others think about me”， “what are the others doing”rather than “what I think” what I want to do”.

3.Social Customs

In China， men always receive more respect because of the effect of feudal system.Nowadays both west and east culture advocate that men and women are equal， but sometimes men still take precedence of women.In America， respecting women is a traditional custom; lady first has been one of the principles of intercommunication.

Conclusion

Different nation owns different etiquette cultures，so we can’t ignore the importance of etiquette.Knowing other countries’ etiquette and avoid some troubles and misunderstandings in various aspects.Indeed some good manners of Americans’ are worthy of us to learn.China and America have respective culture and customs;therefore it generates different etiquettes and manners.It’s necessary to understand American etiquette during communication with them.It will promote the friendly relationship between two countries.

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