CHINESE CUSTOMS.docVIP

CHINESE CUSTOMS, , MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE Westerners have a hard time figuring out all the customs and formalities in China, especially because they are so different from the customs and formalities in other Asian countries. It is a mistake, for example, to assume that Chinese customs are like Japanese ones. The two countries are very different and Chinese will be quite insulted if you assume their culture is like Japanese culture. When in doubt about unfamiliar customs simply watch what the Chinese people do. And dont worry too much. Westerners arent expected to know all Chinese customs and if mistakes are made or a custom is forgotten it usually no big deal. Primary Source: The Travelers Guide to Asian Customs Manners by Elizabeth Devine and Nancy L. Braganti. Also check Chinese Business Etiquette, Manners and Culture in the People’s Republic of China by Scott Seligman (Warner Books, 1999). International etiquette expert: Mary Kay Metcalf of Creative Marketing Alliance in New Jersey. Greetings in China Greeting gesture In China it is rude to call someone by their first name unless youve known them since childhood. In work-related situations people address each other by their title; in social situations Mr., Mrs., and Miss are used; at home people often refer to each other by nicknames or terms of kinship. Remember, in China, the family name is first. Terms of kinship are often used for close non-relatives. A younger man often calls a man who is five years older than him big brother and someone who is considerably older uncle. Chinese often address their friends as juniors and seniors even if they are just a few months younger or older. When a Chinese person asks someone their age they often do this so they know how to address the person. Chinese sometimes dont smile or exchange greeting with strangers. Smiling or being friendly to someone you dont know well is sometimes considered rude and too familiar. When saying goodby it is considered appropriate to g