A comparison of Chinese and western table manners ---开题报告

Etiquette, is the foundation of the whole social civilization, is the most direct and comprehensive performance of social civilization. China is a state of ceremonies, has a splendid culture of 5000 years of Chinese civilization, far-reaching influence in the world. Chinese and Western culture, which is deeply influenced by different social culture, historical culture and social background, has resulted in two different cultures. 

Over the past few years, there are many studies on the table manners’ differences between China and the West. China, its table manners have a long history. Western table manners are also very particular. In Craig Claiborne’ s book A guide to table manners in an Imperfect World. (1992,Newyork ) and found that the main difference on the Chinese dinner table is the chopsticks instead of knife and fork, but that’s only superficial. Besides, in decent restaurants, you can always ask for a pair of knife and fork, if you find chopsticks not helpful enough. The real difference is that in the west, you have your own plate of food, while in china dishes are placed on the table and every share.

Zhang Yahong has said in book The comparison of the differences between Chinese and Western food culture and table manners, that the biggest difference between Chinese and Western food culture is the focus of attention. That is "nutrition" and "delicious" both of which one is more important. Rational Westerners pay more attention to nutrition and survival. Diet is just as a necessary means of survival and communication. Regardless of color, smell, taste, shape, nutrition must be guaranteed. Sensual Chinese people more to pursue is to taste and enjoy. In Chinese, a folk saying goes: "hunger breeds discontentment, food to taste first." Taste is the highest standard of cooking.

Zhang Wenjuan points out in her book The reasons for the differences in the east and western table manners, that the differences come from the way of thinking. The Chinese people's thinking is more comprehensive, integrated. Western countries emphasize the analysis of the logic and local reasoning thinking. Take the tableware chopsticks and knife and fork as an example, it is not difficult to find out the suitable process of the chopsticks, which reflects the Chinese national psychology and the collectivism of the Chinese nation. While the western countries reflect the modern civilization in the industrial society. In the process of the use of knives and forks is reflected in the analysis of philosophical thinking.

Yao ZhouHui in The Tnterpretation of Chinese dietetic culture, wrote Han mainly engaged in agriculture, with wheat, corn, rice and other staple food is given priority to, supplemented by vegetables, soy products and chicken, fish, pork, beef, mutton and other non-staple food, tea and wine is a traditional beverage. Rice is the staple food of, used to be a rice made of rice, porridge or rice flour, rice, glutinous rice balls, dumplings, cakes and other various food; to wheat is a staple, used to be a wheat flour made steamed buns, noodles, steamed bread, steamed buns, dumplings, wonton, fried dough sticks, spring rolls, fried cake, pancake. Pay attention to and good at cooking, is a characteristic of Chinese diet.

Hu Wenzhong wrote in the British and American culture dictionary, Chinese eating habits is that if the dishes are dropped on the table, they generally will not be picked up to eat. But on the western table, they should be picked up to eat. The leftover chicken bones and scum should be put on the outer edge of the plate, but not on the table, or thrown to the ground.

Table manner also reflects the quality and taste of the individual. Eating is not only a method of meeting the basic physiological needs, but also the most important social experience. To this end, to master certain knowledge of Chinese food and beverage rules is particularly important, whether you are a master, or just a guest, must have some rules. In my thesis, I compares the two different table manners. The purpose is to find their similarities and differences, to help readers understand this new culture, and to improve the communication effects of table manners. I hope that no matter who often attended the official banquet, or frequently contact with foreigners will get help.

Outline 

1. Introduction

2. Comparison of Chinese and western table manners 

2.1 Introduction

2.2 An overview of table manners in China and west culture

2.3 Comparison of Chinese and western table manners 

2.4 Comparison of Chinese and western culture influence on table manners

3. Conclusion

References

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