CHINESE
CUSTOMS - The
Chinese people have a vast amount of customs that many people
from the western world would be somewhat confused by. These
customs are things that they do daily, without giving a
second thought to them. Let’s take a look at the customs
that the Chinese culture brings to the world.
Greeting People is our first
topic of culture to note. In Chinese
Customs, you will not shake the hand of
the person you are meeting. It is it not at all rude to
not say hello to a stranger that you encounter. Instead,
you will provide them with a business card with your information.
You will not ask how the family is, but you may ask about
how the prosperity of the individual is and about their
age and marital status.
What about eating? It seems
like such a common thing, yet in the Chinese
Culture, it can be quite different. For
example, rice or a noodle dish will be served at each meal.
You will find that for breakfast, foods include congee or
over cooked rice or bread. For lunch time, you will eat
a rice dish. Expect dinner to be a family function with
soup being served, as well as several other dishes –
often a large number of “courses”. The only
beverage drank with meals is tea. Also, did you know that
burping or slurping your food and drink, smacking your lips
etc. is a compliment in China?
The family is a close bond in
the Chinese Culture.
They honor members of the family with special names that
symbolize their place of honor in the home. Names are said
opposite to in western culture - the surname or family name
is given first.
Chinese culture is quite different
than that of the western world. It offers a different understanding
on the typical day. In fact, many of the most exciting differences
are those that are simple. Chinese
Customs can be learned but it is in learning
that you’ll understand the vast difference between
their culture and your own.
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