Modern social etiquette and eloquence

Chapter 30 Etiquette and eloquence of Chinese and foreign nationalities (3)
Like the Japanese, Koreans attach great importance to the etiquette between juniors and elders, and between subordinates and superiors.When shaking hands with elders, put your left hand lightly on top of your right hand and hold each other bowed to show respect.When sitting with the elders, you should always maintain a straight and chest-high posture, and you must not show a lazy or sluggish look.When getting along with others, if you have the desire to smoke, you must seek the opinions of others, and then smoke with permission.When eating, it is impolite not to move the chopsticks first. If there is an elderly person or a person with a higher position than yourself, you have to wait for the other person to move your chopsticks before eating.When the two parties meet and say hello, they can bow first, and then shake hands straight.

Korean etiquette and customs have higher requirements for women. Women are not allowed to laugh out loud when getting along with others. Even if they want to laugh, they must cover their mouths with their hands to avoid laughing out loud.In South Korea, women respect men very much. When men and women sit together, men generally sit on the upper seat and women sit on the lower seat.When many people get together, seats are often arranged according to their status and age.

5. Etiquette and taboo
Koreans also taboo the number "four" and believe that "four" is a symbol of bad luck, so it is rare to find No. [-] buildings in residential areas in South Korea, and many restaurants do not have No. [-] tables.

[-]. Indian Etiquette

India is the most populous country in the world after China in terms of population, and it is also an ancient civilization with a long history and brilliant culture.Therefore, the folk etiquette of Indians is also quite rich. Specifically, there are the following aspects.

1. General Etiquette

Cows are considered sacred in India, and Hindus do not eat beef.Muslims in India do not eat pork.Devout Christians do not drink alcohol.Orthodox Sikhs don't cut their hair, wear turbans around their heads, they don't smoke, and they don't eat beef.

India is a country where Eastern and Western cultures coexist. When some Indians meet foreigners, they can greet "Hello" in standard English, while others use traditional Buddhist gestures—hands folded.Most Indians are familiar with aphrodisiacs, spells and divination.Married Indian women are marked by a red spot on the forehead between the brows.

2. Communication Etiquette
Indian men sometimes shake hands when meeting or parting.But men cannot shake hands with Indian women. To show politeness, they should put their hands together and bow slightly.Men don't touch women, and don't talk to women alone, even in public.Muslims and some non-Muslim women are rarely seen in public.

Indians like to talk about cultural achievements, Indian traditions as well as foreign affairs and lives of foreigners.

3. Hospitality and gift-giving etiquette
Orthodox Indian Muslim women generally do not see male guests.But when Indians are invited to social events, their wives should also be invited.When eating in an Indian home, remember to use your right hand.Guests can bring some fruit and candy as gifts to the host, and they can also bring some gifts to the host’s children.Many women do not chat with guests, nor do they eat with guests.

Eight, British etiquette

The United Kingdom is a famous large colonial country in history, and its colonies used to spread all over the world. Therefore, English and British life etiquette are also widely used and spread in the world.Therefore, it is very necessary to master the etiquette and customs of the British.

1. General Etiquette

British public schools (known as private or preparatory schools in the US) specialize in etiquette and self-cultivation.The British attach great importance to etiquette procedures in business contacts and formal workplaces, and they seldom show their personal feelings in public.

When talking to British people, when referring to Britain, avoid using the word "English" and use "British", "Scotch" refers to a kind of whiskey, "Scots" or "scotsman" refers to the Scots, and " Scottish" refers to a kind of gingham cloth unique to Scotland, the Scottish Shepherd Dog and the local language of Scotland.

The UK also has hereditary titles such as Sir, Duke, Viscount, etc.Although some people with status do not have hereditary titles, they should also bring honorific titles such as Mr., Mrs., and Your Excellency when addressing them, even among acquaintances.There are two words for Mr. in English, one is "Mister", which can be used for all men; the other is "Sir", which is only used as a respectful title, which is equivalent to "You" in China.

The British are very fond of being called honorary titles.The smart thing to do when addressing an Englishman is to see how others address you and follow suit.

The British keep their schedules very precise and follow the rules, sometimes days, or even weeks, before the party.If you invite a British person to dinner, you must notify in advance.In general, if dinner is set at 07:30, it must start at 07:30. You can be 10 minutes late, but not 10 minutes early.

When talking with the British, don't talk about politics, religion and royal things.Don't ask "what do you do", it will be considered meddling in other people's private affairs.The British dress conservatively, behave conservatively, and they don't like to argue like the French.The safest topic for outsiders is to talk about animals, and the British, especially the English, are famously fond of animals.They keep dogs and cats in the living room and love to hunt at the same time.

British people often use hand gestures to help with conversation.Since the Second World War, a common gesture in the world is to extend the index finger and middle finger into a "V" shape, which symbolizes victory (the prefix of the English "Victory").When using this gesture in the UK, be sure to turn your palm toward the other person, that is, the person you are speaking to.British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once used this gesture to turn her back to the audience during a speech, causing boos.

2. Hospitality and gift-giving etiquette
The British don't talk about official business after work. What they hate most is talking about work while eating.

The British like to invite guests to their homes temporarily.But remember, if you invite a British person, you must tell the other party in advance.

If you get an invitation that says "black tie" or "smoking is allowed," that means full evening gown from pectoral studs to black stockings for the men, and long dresses for the women.

Usually the British do not invite colleagues or people with work contacts to eat at home, and most official banquets are held in hotels and restaurants.But once you're invited, the perfect hostess gift is flowers and chocolates.But you should be careful not to send lilies, because lilies mean death in England.

At formal dinners, the host sometimes offers prayers before the meal, wishing Her Majesty the Queen good health.Only after toasting to Her Majesty, those attending the banquet can smoke and drink.

In Britain, inviting people to eat and drink, or going to the theater to watch ballet, drama, etc., are considered as a form of giving or returning gifts.

[-]. French etiquette

France is a European country known for its romance and freedom. Their fashion is as famous as their Nair perfume, so understanding French etiquette and customs is equivalent to mastering the most cutting-edge information.

1. General Etiquette

The French think that only they can speak standard French, and they don't take seriously the French spoken by foreign guests, or even by people from other French-speaking countries.Hearing some broken French is as disgusting as someone stomping their flag underfoot.

The French are very willing to help foreign guests. When they see a foreigner looking for something with a French book on the road, they will come over and explain to the foreign guest immediately.

The French consider themselves well-educated, consider themselves in the right, and love to have heated arguments with others.The French talk straight to the point when talking about problems, but they are slow to make conclusions and decisions because they spend a lot of time discussing the details of the problem.Once they make a decision, good or bad, they make it clear to each other.

French industrial and commercial people are more rigid in etiquette.For example, a date must be agreed upon in advance, and it is polite to attend the appointment on time; avoid talking about politics and money when talking, and do not involve the other party's personal affairs.

2. The rules of hospitality and gifts
Generally speaking, the French don't invite others to their home. Once you are invited, you can bring a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates to the hostess.The French love culturally and aesthetically pleasing gifts, but avoid gifts with your company's obvious logo.

The French talk about their cooking skills, and their dinners are even more meticulous.Even if it's a casual work meal, guests should appreciate each dish.Many French people resent scotch and martini before meals, believing that the alcohol will cloud people's appreciation of their fine dishes.

[-]. American Etiquette

In the United States, the "superpower" in the world today, etiquette is even more set. Although the Statue of Liberty towers over the United States, it does not mean that in the United States, you can speak freely and do whatever you want.Americans also have their own etiquette and customs.

1. Communication Etiquette
Americans pay special attention to punctuality in business dealings. If a meeting is held at 9 o'clock, it must be held at 9 o'clock.But there are exceptions. For example, in big cities such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles, due to heavy traffic, it is impossible to arrive on time for the meeting, and being ten minutes late will not cause criticism.

In social activities, if Americans arrange the reception at 7:7 p.m., it usually doesn’t start until 30:12, but if it’s an appointment to have dinner together in advance, then it’s time to arrive on time , traffic congestion can not be an excuse.Americans can do many things at lunch, they can talk about work, or gather with colleagues and friends.If it is about work, lunch usually starts at 30:[-] and ends at [-]:[-] in the afternoon.

In formal exchanges such as negotiations and meetings, Americans do not offer tea or take a breath, but talk about business right away after saying hello.

American men shake hands when they meet, and women also shake hands.If you are very close to each other, kiss on the cheek between women, men and women.When meeting and shaking hands with American women, let the other person take the initiative.If it is a business relationship, American women will take the initiative to extend their hands, but not necessarily on other occasions.In addition, guests should be mentally prepared at all times. Once a woman reaches out her hand, she should quickly respond and shake hands with the other party, otherwise she will be considered impolite.If you eat in a restaurant with an American woman and she has to pay, you let her pay.

Treat women as casually as you treat men, with or without other people present.But don't ask them if they've ever been married. If they tell you, you can ask them if they have children, what their husband does, and that's all.Don't say flirty things to the ladies or you'll get a cold shoulder.

Giving business cards to each other is very common in some countries, but in the United States, business cards are only given when the two parties want to keep in touch.If you send a business card to an American, the other party will also take it.But don't be upset if the other party doesn't give you his business card.

Americans use two gestures to express "OK" and "OK", one is to stretch out the thumb, and the other is to pinch the thumb and index finger together to form a circle.Extending the index finger and middle finger into a "V" shape means victory. When the British make this gesture, the palms are facing outwards, while in the United States, the palms are facing inwards and outwards.

Americans are more casual. Gestures that are considered indecent and impolite in other countries can be used in the United States.For example: after eating in a restaurant, make a handwriting gesture to the waiter to indicate that you want to pay the bill; put your hand next to your ear to ask someone to answer the phone; intersect the middle finger and index finger to express good luck to others; wave your hands and arms when saying goodbye to others Wait.

Tapping the shoulder is an indigenous gesture in some parts of the United States, but many Americans don't like it and often respond with a slight grin.

The traditional habit of Americans is to refer to married women as "Madame", unmarried women as "Miss", and men regardless of whether they are married or not.

But now most Americans feel that this kind of address is too rigid and unnatural, especially young people, who call each other by their first names almost from the first time they meet.Nicknames that express closeness and friendliness are also popular.However, according to an informal survey, when Americans are addressed abroad, or when foreigners in the United States address Americans, using titles such as Mr., Mrs., and Miss tends to arouse their sense of novelty and be willing to be accepted. .

When Americans meet, the usual polite words are "How are you?"When you meet for the first time, you often call each other by their first name, and you don't necessarily shake hands with them, just smile and say "Hello".When leaving a social occasion, it is not necessary to shake hands and say goodbye. Just wave your hand or say goodbye, and you can leave.

2. The etiquette of giving gifts
If you are invited to an American home as a guest, there is absolutely no need to bring a gift.If you want to bring it, it is best to have some cheap small gifts.For example, bring a pot of flowers or a freshly picked bouquet.You can also bring a bottle of wine if you know the host likes to drink.There is nothing better for a host or hostess than a toast and thanks in your own language or in English.After hearing your toast, they will be as happy as drinking pink champagne.

There are two other occasions where modest gifts of congratulations and kindness can be given.One is that on December 12 every year on the Western traditional Christmas Day, family members, friends and people who are connected at work all give gifts to each other.If the relationship between each other is only work, then the gift is limited to office supplies, such as leather office diaries, calendars, pens, a set of pencils, paperweights, etc.The other is to choose the date of arrival or departure from the United States.At times like these, the most appropriate gift is something from home.For example: jade or translucent stone carving crafts, all kinds of knitwear, wine with hometown characteristics or not very expensive arts and crafts, etc.You can also send picture albums and books that introduce the life of the people in your country.

If you are a man, don't send American women's perfume, clothing and cosmetics (except headscarves and handkerchiefs), but you can bring some small things with national characteristics to give to the American wife and children who receive you.You can also give the hostess a Chinese cookbook.

Gifts in business contacts should be given after the talks are over. A better time is to give them at the farewell lunch or reception.Under normal circumstances, don't give gifts in public, unless you and the recipient are old acquaintances or friends.Don't feel uncomfortable if the American doesn't return the salute right away.Sometimes Americans don't return the salute until you return home or go to the United States again.In the United States, reciprocity is not limited by time.

In the United States, the most common form of gift-giving is to invite guests to have a meal, drink a glass of wine, or go to the villa to spend the weekend together.This doesn't mean you have to reciprocate, you just have to say thank you or entertain Americans when they visit your country.

3. Conversation Etiquette
When talking to Americans, be sure to keep them in the eye.Because Americans believe that people who don't look into their eyes must be elusive inside, or they don't pay attention to their conversation.Therefore, if you talk to an American, you should keep a close eye on the other person, so that the other person will feel at ease.

There is a customary distance for anyone to talk.Greeks, Levantarians, and South Americans talk so close that they almost touch their faces when excited.Americans tend not to be used to being that close.A survey showed that keeping a distance of about 60 centimeters was considered the most appropriate conversation distance.

Americans generally try to avoid physical contact, even in crowded elevators.But when talking, they sometimes touch each other's body as a supplement to the language.If you put your hand on the other person's shoulder or put your arms around the other person's neck, it is an expression of agreement; lightly touching the other person's elbow with your elbow is to draw the attention of the other person; touching the other person's arm is to express commitment.Lead the way for strangers, but take each other's arms without any scruples.

Saying thanks is the most common thing in American daily life.When someone does something for you, even if it is a very small thing, you should say: "Thank you!" If your American friends invite you to visit, you should say: "Thank you, I am very happy." Excessive words of thanks can make your American friends feel bad.He will think you are forced or too formal, making him feel unfriendly.He will respect you from now on.

(End of this chapter)