摘 要

随着经济的发展，参加正式的宴会、享受美味的食物已经成为人们生活的重要组成部分，宴会中的餐桌礼仪历来是人们关注的焦点，成为体现个人素质与品位的标志之一。然而不同的国家其餐桌礼仪也不尽相同。本文集中分析中美两国的餐桌礼仪在座位安排、餐具以及用餐习惯这三方面的差异，并在此基础上通过气候、宗教、生活方式和价值观来探讨导致两国餐桌礼仪间差异的主要因素，以期帮助国人更深入地了解美国文化，减少人际交往交往中的误解，促进国际文化的交流与发展。

关键字：餐桌礼仪；中美；差异；因素

Contents

1. Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
2. Demonstration ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

2. Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners -------------------------------1

2.1.1Differences in Seating Arrangements -------------------------------------------------------1

2.1.2Differences in Dinnerware -------------------------------------------------------------------3

2.1.3Differences in Serving Ways -----------------------------------------------------------------4

2.2 Reasons for Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners --------------5

2.2.1Climate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

2.2.2Religion -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

2.2.3Lifestyle ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

2.2.4Values -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

3. Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Works cited------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

Bibliography ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners

1. Introduction

With the rapid development of globalization, the status of China has increased in the world. More and more foreigners come to China to learn Chinese and focus on the culture of Chinese food. At the same time, with the pace of reform and opening-up, western food has appeared in each city of China. The conflict and interaction of Chinese and Western food has been promoting the culture of human beings.

Manners reflect one’s personality. Table manners are art that reveals one’s culture. There are many table manners around the world. It is also necessary to learn more table manners because of the rapid process of globalization. China and America have their own set of table manners and etiquettes. Seating arrangement, dinnerware setting and serving food are different between Chinese and America.

This article focuses on the differences between two countries in terms of table manners and explores the reasons for such differences, hoping to help people know more about the table manners between two countries. It also can reduce the misunderstandings and can promote the interactions between them.

1. Demonstration

2.1 Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners

2.1.1 Differences in Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements is an important part of table manners. There are many rules to follow when Chinese people arrange seats. We can feel the strict manners through Chinese dinner. When Chinese gather together, they will use round tables, because round tables can hold more people. What’s more, all people can talk happily face to face. In China, usually, male masters will entertain the guests. When everyone is ready for dinner, the master will sit opposite to the most important guest. Seats that are located in the north and face south and far from the door are more important. On the left is the most significant seat and on the right is the less important one.

In America, people usually show greater respect for females. The seating arrangements in America are quiet different from those China. American likes to use rectangle tables. Also, on the right hand of the master, the seats are important. On the right hand of the male master is the first main female guest. On the left hand is the second main female guest. And then, on the right hand of the main female guest is the first main male guest. On the left is the second main male guest. It is convenient for them to communicate well and build their relationship well. People in western countries treat the meal as a chance to know more new friends. In general, the seating arrangement is often closely related to the distances from the main position. Under normal circumstances, the seat close to the main position is more important than the seat far away from it. In China, guests can sit with their close friends, especially lovers or spouses. However, in America, there is a different case. Some formal western dinner parties will be regarded as communication occasions. Therefore, when arranging seats, they should follow the principle of crossing array. According to this principle, men and women should be cross lined, and strangers and acquaintances should also be cross lined. As a result, each person doesn’t know the opposite isomerism and the people next to them. The biggest benefit of doing this is to make friends widely.

Seating Arrangements

China: