China is a country of etiquette, and traditionally attaches great importance to reciprocity. Therefore, giving gifts has become a way of communication. Professor. Bettina Gransow, the head of the East Asian Studies Program of the Free University of Berlin and a famous social assessment expert, once said: "As a form of social exchange, gift-giving has played a positive and negative role in the social and economic development of China in the past and now. It has both positive and negative effects. Gift-giving is also a cultural phenomenon and a way of communication formed by China people under the influence of China traditional culture. " Gift-giving is also very common in the west, but China and the west have different views on gift-giving, and their handling methods and receiving methods are also different. Starting with the social phenomenon of "gift giving", this paper analyzes the differences between Chinese and western cultures in detail, so as to further understand Chinese and western cultures and better carry out cross-cultural communication.

The difference between China's gift giving and Western gift giving.

1. Different views on gift giving

People in China pay more attention to the value of gifts. Gifts given by westerners are generally light, such as expressing love to your girlfriend and sending a rose; Send a greeting card on a friend's birthday; Take a box of chocolates to a friend's weekend party. They don't care about the price of the gift, they think it will do if the meaning arrives. A man gave his girlfriend a stale flower as a birthday present. She is still very happy and thinks that he has not forgotten his birthday. China people pay more attention to content when giving gifts, while westerners pay more attention to packaging. Westerners give gifts in exquisite packaging, and the value of packaging often exceeds the value of connotation. Sometimes you will receive a gift that looks big and luxurious, but when you open it, it is a very small and ordinary item.

2. Different ways to handle gifts

People in China pay attention to hiding gifts. Even if nothing happens, the host won't find it until all the guests have left. Westerners, on the other hand, pay attention to opening it in person and expressing surprise and gratitude in person to show respect for the giver. When British and Americans accept gifts, they immediately say, "That's nice." "I really like it." "This is exactly what I want." So as to live up to the heart of the giver. If for some reason, you don't want to open it in person, you must explain clearly and apologize.

3. Different ways to accept gifts

When Chinese people accept gifts from others, they like to repeatedly refuse to show humility and politeness. Even if they are full of joy after receiving gifts, they will put them aside. But westerners don't. He thinks that your gift has been chosen by thousands, so when you send it, you should "accept" it rudely, open it in front of you, and praise it again besides exclaiming.

Cultural differences between Chinese and western gift-giving customs

1. Different social customs and habits

People's gestures, words and deeds strictly abide by the customs and habits of their respective societies. It can be said that they are a true portrayal of certain social values, and different societies have different customs and societies.