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China is always
regarded as the Nation of Etiquette. According to western norms some Chinese
behaviors are impolite. The reason for that lies in the different cultural
and historical views of social manners. In order to avoid unnecessary
mistakes and embarrassment during communications, a better understanding
of Chinese etiquette is important.
Handshaking
Handshaking is considered formal greeting behavior in China. It is used
to show respect when people meet on the formal occasions. Handshaking
should be firm, but not overly strong, and should not be prolonged because
Chinese, like other Asians, prefer a brief handshake. After shaking hands,
you may introduce yourself and exchange your name card. Kiss and hug are
not normal manners in China.
Chinese ¡°Mianzi¡± (face)
Mianzi, commonly referred to as 'face', is a reflection of a person's
social status among the people. Having 'face' means you are respected
by others. As a foreigner, it is not necessary to take Mianzi too seriously
when engaged in discussions that may be confusing. Mianzi can be understood
as the avoidance of embarrassment in front of others. You should not insult,
embarrass, demean and yell at a person because that will result in making
him loose his ¡°mianzi¡±. Neither try to prove someone wrong nor shout at
him in public. In order to get a successful effect without letting a Chinese
lose ¡°face¡±, any criticism should be delivered privately, discreetly and
tactfully.
Chinese ¡°Guanxi¡± (relations between people)
Chinese people really attach great importance on ¡°Guanxi¡±, which means
relationship between people. Good and rich social relations or personal
relations are always regarded as a symbol of one person¡¯s ability and
influence. To establish good relations with Chinese people will be much
helpful for your business and trip in China.
Sending gift
Gift plays important roles in Chinese daily life. Chinese people always
send gifts to each other on festivals or when they pay a visit to each
other. It is a courtesy to present a gift to your Chinese counterpart.
However there are some taboos for sending gifts. The gift packaging should
be red or any other festive color. White and black are ominous and should
be avoided. It is not proper, and is even considered to be unfortunate,
to send a clock as a gift because the pronunciation of ¡°sending clock¡±
in Chinese is similar to another word which means attending upon a dying
person. No. 4 is also a taboo because it sounds like death in Chinese.
When you present a gift please do not parade the gift in front of the
recipient, and you should use both hands when presenting it. Generally,
the recipient may graciously refuse the present when first offered. In
this case, you should correctly assess the situation and present it once
again. If the recipient did not open your gift, it does not mean that
he or she is not interested in it. It is polite to open it after you leave.
When you visit a Chinese family you can bring them chocolates, fruits,
wine and flowers. When your Chinese friends entertain you they will try
to offer you much more food in order to show their hospitality. They will
also toast you frequently. Even you don¡¯t drink it is polite to drink
a little bit otherwise they will feel disappointed.
Keqi (humble)
¡°Keqi¡± in Chinese not only means considerate, polite, and well mannered,
but also represents humbleness and modesty. Keqi is a good manner in Chinese
culture. It is impolite to be arrogant and brag about oneself in China.
The expression is most often used in the negative, as in buyao keqi, meaning
"you shouldn't be so kind and polite to me," or "you're
welcome."
If you follow the usual rules of etiquette in China, you will properly
extend your respect to the Chinese and you will be respected by them also.
But there is no need to worry more about the cultural barriers because
the friendly Chinese will try their best to understand and respect your
customs when communicating.
