Tonight before a 2000-word essay on the topic of comparing the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western table manners, and analyze the differences between the two from a cultural point of view. Table Manners and Culture compares the differences in tableware use, seating arrangements, dining atmosphere, and table discourse between Chinese and Western table manners, aiming to illustrate that while adhering to one's own excellent cultural traditions, one should adopt an objective, tolerant, and respectful mindset towards foreign cultures in order to communicate appropriately and appropriately in cross-cultural communication. Mr. Yi Zhongtian once made a subtle explanation of Chinese and Western cultures in "Culture at the Table" that the kernel of Chinese culture is "group consciousness", while the kernel of Western culture is "individual consciousness". Therefore, even when Westerners invite guests to dinner, they order their own food and drink their own wine, so as not to impose their will on others. Chinese culture, on the other hand, believes that the will of the individual must be subordinate to the group's **** with the will. Since its purpose is intended to be humane, intended to be blood, then its way of etiquette, naturally, and valued, so the Chinese people love to get together, like *** food, talk about and harmony. The author believes that in cross-cultural communication, in the face of unfamiliar cultures, due to different ways of thinking, living habits and behavior, the process of interaction is inevitable cultural conflict. First, from the use of tableware to see the cultural differences between China and the West chopsticks knife and fork is the most basic differences between Chinese and Western table manners. Prof. You Xiu Ling of Zhejiang University believes that the difference between chopsticks and knives and forks, which are the eating tools of the East and the West, has something to do with the environment. Chopsticks to be originated in the place where there is bamboo. China's northern wood, southern bamboo, our ancestors on the ground, bamboo and wood have become China's most primitive chopsticks raw materials. Knives and forks appeared much later than chopsticks. According to the research of Prof. You Xiu Ling, the initial origin of the knife and fork and the ancient nomadic habits of Europe, they immediately live with a knife, often will be cooked meat, cut down to eat. Around the 15th century, in order to improve the posture of the meal, Europeans used a double-tipped fork. To the 18th century there are four fork tines fork. Forks, knives and chopsticks not only brought about differences in eating habits, but also influenced the concepts of life between the East and the West. According to Prof. You Xiu Ling, the knife and fork inevitably brought about a system of sharing food, while chopsticks definitely went with family members sitting around the table*** eating together. In the West, eating separately from the beginning has given rise to the idea and habit that Westerners emphasize independence and that their children will be independent in the world when they grow up. And chopsticks bring the joint meal system, highlighting the young and old sit together family unit, so that the Oriental people have a more solid concept of family. The author reminds us that there are different norms in the use of cutlery between Chinese and Westerners. For example, Chinese people should not play with their chopsticks when eating, nor should they use them to point or gesture at others. Of course, you should never suck on your chopsticks or stick them in the rice, which is a big no-no. There are also some taboos when using a knife and fork. For example, do not point when holding a knife and fork in your hand. When you are speaking or talking, you should put your knife and fork on the plate as a matter of etiquette. Do not use your own cutlery for others. Don't bend down to pick up dropped dishes. Meals should not be cut at once, especially with soup meals, to a small piece by piece all food and so on. Second, from the seating arrangements on the Chinese and Western cultural differences between China and the West are concerned about the seating arrangements for formal banquets. Chinese people traditionally invite guests with eight immortal table. To the door for the top, on both sides of the partial seat. When inviting guests, the elderly, the guest of honor or high status people sit on the upper seat, male and female hosts or accompanying guests sit down seat, the rest of the guests in order to sit in the partial seat. Westerners invite guests with a long table, male and female hosts sit at both ends, and then arranged in the order of male and female guest of honor and general guest seating, i.e., men and women interspersed arrangements, subject to the hostess's seat, the guest of honor sits on the upper right of the hostess, the guest of honor Mrs. sits on the upper right of the hostess, pay attention to the "Ms. first" of the western gentleman, will show the lady's Attentive to the lady. In China, the left is honored and the right is second; the top is honored and the bottom is second; the middle is honored and the side is second. And in the West, the right is honored, the left is second. Third, from the dining atmosphere on the Chinese and Western cultural differences between the Chinese people at the table and the Western table on the quiet is the most fundamental difference between Chinese and Western table manners. Differences in the atmosphere of the table, the Chinese table on the move, the Western table on the quiet. Chinese people take food as the most joyful thing in life, and the big rows and lively atmosphere are often marvelous. Once the Chinese sit on the table, they will talk incessantly, let each other dishes, persuade the wine, enjoy the delicacies of the sea, delicious food. This way of feasting can only reflect the host's enthusiasm and sincerity, and the bustle at the table reflects the diners' heartfelt joy. This "noise" can be reflected to some extent the Chinese family warmth, neighborly harmony, unity of the country's "harmony". Westerners sit at the table and concentrate on quietly cutting their own plate of food. When drinking soup, do not make loud noises; if the soup is too hot, wait until it cools down a little before eating it, and do not blow on it with your mouth. Shut up and chew when eating. Do not lick your lips or smack your lips to make noise. When eating, you can talk with the guests on the left and right, but do not talk with only a few acquaintances. If you don't know the guests on your left or right, introduce yourself first. Do not interrupt when others are talking. Keep the volume of your voice at a level that can be heard by the other person. Chewing food do not talk, even if someone with you to speak, but also to wait until after swallowing food and then answer. Fourth, from the table on the words of the Chinese and Western cultural differences in the Chinese people invited to dinner, the dishes on the table in a variety of styles, at least seven or eight dishes, if it is a feast, the main dish will be more, the more expensive, the more exotic dishes will show the director of the more attentive and the identity of the guests. And the hosts often have to say "there is no good food to entertain you", "food is not good, eat a little more", "more tolerance", "slow you! "and so on. Western feasts usually consist of four to five courses, and the best portion size is to finish or have a little leftover. If you are at home, it is best to eat all the dishes, so that the hostess will be very happy that everyone likes her cooking. When faced with a sumptuous feast, the host will say, "I've given you all I have". Reasoning about the table talk of Chinese and Western hosts, it is easy to conclude that the Chinese follow the principle of "demeaning oneself and honoring others". Westerners, on the other hand, emphasize the values of efficiency and pragmatism, and pay close attention to the need to save face in communication. For example, Westerners do not discuss disgusting things at banquets, and will try to use subtle and elegant words to replace toilet, such as: "WherecanIwashmyhand", "IwonderifIcouldgosomewhere. IwonderifIcouldgosomewhere.", "CanIaddsomepowder?" and so on. Don't ask "Have you eaten?" in western countries. and other greetings that are customary in our country. "Have you eaten?" It is easy to make people puzzled, and even misunderstandings may occur. For example, in the UK, if you ask someone if they have eaten, it means that you intend to invite them to dinner; for unmarried men and women, it indicates that you intend to date each other. All cultures in the world are equal. There is no superiority or inferiority of cultures. We should avoid using our own culture, morals, values as a standard to measure, judgment and should adopt an objective, tolerant attitude towards foreign cultures; at the same time, we should avoid blindly following, imitating foreign cultures, but should adhere to their own excellent cultural traditions.