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The differences between Chinese culture and American culture in terms of their etiquetteName : 李金锦 Number: 071031228 Major : 商务英语 Tutor : 宋健 Date : The differences between Chinese culture and American culture in terms of their etiquetteAbstract:Since different countries have different histories and cultures, there are a lot of differences in the habit of conducts and the ceremonies, especially between China and the America, the jokes and the mistakes caused by misunderstanding are not unusual. This shows that the understanding of the different etiquettes between Chinese and the Americans is absolutely necessary. On the one side, to understand each others etiquette will be conducive to the exchanges between the countries both in politics and business. On the other side, a person who understands others rituals and folk customs can be seen as respecting for others and can be easier to make a good impression on the counterparts. Along with the constant development of Chinese culture and the American culture, Chinese ritual and the American ritual have absorbed a lot from each other. Americans have accepted the reasonable factors in Chinese culture, such as emphasizing on the human relationship. Chinese people have gradually accepted the advanced civilization of the American culture and etiquette style. However, in real life, the etiquettes impacts due to cultural differences between China and American still exist. Therefore this paper tries to find out the differences between Chinese culture and American culture in terms of their etiquette, to explore the root of these differences and the ways to deal with these differences. .It aims at letting people understand and respect the difference between countries in cross-culture communication; avoiding the culture conflicts, then realizing the successful cooperation; meanwhile, enhancing our sensibility to the culture difference, forecasting the counterparts reaction and then , making effective and efficient communication. Moreover, it also tries to eliminate the out-of-date part of our culture and enrich the advanced part.Key Words：Etiquette; Difference; Chinese etiquette; American etiquette摘 要 由于各国的历史和文化底蕴不同，各国人民在进行礼尚交往时的习惯也有不少差异。特别是中美之间，礼仪上的差异很大，因为不了解这些差异而引起的误会和笑话也不少见。往大处来说，一个国家无论是在政治上，还是在经济贸易中，了解对方国家的礼仪习惯，将有利于各国之间的交往。从小处来说，一个人了解对方的礼仪和民间习惯，是对对方的尊重且容易给对方留下好印象，以便交往的顺利进行。随着中美文化的不断发展，中美的礼仪正在相互融合，美国人逐渐接受了中国文化中重情感等合理因素，中国人也逐渐接受了美国化中先进文明的礼仪和交往方式。但在现实生活中，由于中美文化的差异对礼仪产生的影响还很多，因此本文从礼仪角度探索了中美的文化差异，并找出这些差异深刻根源。目的是：在跨文化交际中能够理解和尊重国与国之间的差异，避免文化冲突，实现平等交往，成功合作。 增强对文化差异的敏感性和对他文化的适应力，帮助我们预测对方的交际行为，做好相应的心理准备，从而提高交际效率。同时能够剔除我国文化中不合时宜的封建糟粕，结合时代变化发展的实际，丰富发展关键词：礼仪；差异；中国的礼仪；美国的礼仪ContentsAcknowledgements.IContent.IIAbstract in English. IVAbstract in Chinese.VI1. Introduction .12. The Concept of Etiquette and Value of Studying Etiquette .2 2.1 The Definition of Etiquette .2 2.2 The Important Role of Etiquette 3 2.3 The Value of Studying the Chinese Etiquettes & American Etiquettes .43. The Differences between Chinese Etiquettes and American Etiquettes .7 3.1 Addressing .7 3.2 Greetings and Partings .9 3.3 Apologies and Responses .12 3.4 Thanks and Responses .13 3.5 Invitation and Saying Good-Bye .144. The Reasons of These Differences .16 4.1 The origins of Chinese Etiquette and American Etiquette .17 4.2 The Impact of the American Culture and Chinese Culture on Etiquette .18 4.3 Comparison of Chinese Etiquette Education and American Etiquette Education.22 5. How to Deal with the Difference .27 5.1 Establish a Right Attitude toward Cultural Differences .27 5.2 Reading Extensively for Cultural Information .27 5.3 Attend Lectures on Culture .28 5.4 Communicate With Native Speakers .296. Conclusion .30Bibliography.31IntroductionEtiquette is the process and means to show respect to each other in interpersonal relationship by certain common procedures. The etiquette can be said to be a persons external appearance of inward cultivation and quality. Firstly, it can help people promote their self-cultivation. Secondly, it will promote social interaction and improve peoples interpersonal relationship. It also can purify the society. Since different countries have different historical and cultural backgrounds, there are a lot of differences in the ceremony, especially between China and America, therefore the understanding of the differences between Chinese etiquette and the American etiquette are absolutely necessary. Especially in modern society, it seems that the world is getting smaller and smaller, people are very active with frequent exchanges. Many countries are paying much attention to combine international etiquette with national etiquette creatively. Etiquette is the common wealth of Chinese civilization and the American civilization.2. The Concept of Etiquette and Value of Studying Etiquette2.1 The definition of etiquette When asked “What is the definition of etiquette?”, Naomi Polson, who received her etiquette certificate in Washington D.C. and is the founding director of The Etiquette Company, replies, “Etiquette has to do with good manners. Its not so much our own good manners, but making other people feel comfortable by the way we behave. So its more or less thinking of others and how others perceive us, so that everyone knows the rules for doing things and everyone is in a very comfortable position in society.” She continues, “Thats what I do; thats my bread and butter. I teach individuals and I go into very large companies and teach in groups.” Therefore, has etiquette changed much over the years? Certain aspects of it yes, but the basic definition of it remains unaltered. “Believe it or not, etiquette or good manners, if you like that phrase better, is one of those basic principles. Rules of good behavior have been built up over hundreds of years; worthless ones are continually being discarded and those proven to be useful are kept and improved upon.”, which was quoted from the book “The Emily Post Book Of Etiquette From Young People” written by Elizabeth L. Post, and published in 1967 by Funk & Wagnall,: Many experts say that etiquette is simply showing respect for others and yourself at the same time. So, even though aspects of good manners do vary from place to place and some rules may be added or “tweaked” to keep up with technology or lifestyles, the foundation of etiquette, its meaning, will forever remain strong. Need further proof? Lets exam the first few paragraphs of the preface to a book entitled “Todays Etiquette”, published in 1941 by Doubleday Doran and written by Lillian Richler. It reads: “Good manners are not only indispensable in society, but they have a very practical value in the business world. Breeding is an essential part of the equipment of anyone who wishes to go far in his particular work or profession. No doubt many failures can be traced to boorishness, to lack of consideration for ones fellows, to neglect of the courtesies essential to civilized living. In both social and business life we seek the people with whom we can be at ease, the people whose manners do not offend us and in whose company we feel entirely comfortable. There is, indeed, nothing that costs less and at the same time is of more value to you than good manners. However, it must be remembered that just as words die from our language and others are born into it, just as skirts so far to the knees in one season and tumble to the ankles the next, so do the formalities and outward gestures of etiquette vary according to the times. Although the spirit of etiquette remains always essentially the same, the expression of etiquette, the rules of conduct which govern social life and our associations with one another are forever adjusting themselves to new conditions. Therefore, in other words, learn the definition of etiquette early. Take in all the basic knowledge that you can now, so that you too can adjust to our ever changing world, especially in todays world. 2.2 The important role of etiquette As mentioned in the previous part, etiquette is an important part of human life; it plays an important role in human society. From the aspect of communication, interpersonal etiquette can be regarded as a kind of art, a method of communication. It is a common respect for person and a friendly practice in interpersonal relationships. From the perspective of transmitting, interpersonal rituals can be roughly divided into chief etiquette, business etiquette, service etiquette, social etiquette, foreign etiquette and several other major branches. Firstly, it can help people to raise their self-cultivation. Secondly, it will promote social interaction and improve peoples interpersonal relationship. It also can purify the ethos of society. From the point of view of collectivity, etiquette can create the image, improve the customs ultimately and achieve the purpose of enhancing the economy and social benefits. Etiquette, which is an important part of the companys culture and the entrepreneurs spirit, is a major attachment of groups image. Almost all international enterprises have a high standard of etiquette and regard etiquette as an important part of groups culture. At the same time, it also can be regarded as the important software to obtain international fame. Therefore, studying etiquette is the trend of the times and the actual need of enhancing the competition.2.3 The value of studying the Chinese etiquettes & American etiquettes Since different countries have different histories and cultures, there are a lot of differences in the habit of conduct and the ceremony, especially between China and the West, the jokes and the mistakes caused by misunderstanding is not unusual.Here is a typical example to show the embarrassment and misunderstanding caused by etiquette difference. An officer of high status in China and his wife went to the airport to meet a consultant from the United States. After the meeting, the consultant said “Your wife is really beautiful!” The officer felt embarrassed and replied : “ 哪里，哪里！” It is just a polite way which is very common in China for the kind of the words he addressed. But the clumsy interpreter translated : “ 哪里，哪里！” like “where, where?” American consultant couldnt understand, he thought “I just praised his wife, and why he asked me where his wife is beautiful”. Then, he said: “she is beautiful from head to toe.” This joke is due to the lack of etiquette knowledge about the differences between China and the America. This shows that the understanding of the differences of the American etiquettes and Chinese etiquettes is definitely necessary. To the officials, to understand each others customs will be conducive to the exchanges between the different countries. A person who understands others rituals and folk customs can be seen as respecting for others and can be easier to make a good impression on the other side. Along with the constant development of Chinese and the American cultures, Chinese rituals and the American rituals have absorbed a lot from each other. Americans have accepted the reasonable factors in Chinese culture Chinese people have gradually accepted the advanced civilization of the American culture and etiquette style. However, in real life, the etiquettes impacts due to cultural differences between China and American still exist. Therefore, this paper tries to find out the differences between Chinese culture and American culture in terms of their etiquette and to explore the root of this difference. Our purpose is to let people understand and respect the difference between countries in cross-culture communication; to avoid the culture conflicts, then to realize the successful cooperation; meanwhile, to enhance our sensibility to the culture difference, to forecast the counterparts reaction and then to make effective and efficient communication. Moreover, it aims at eliminating the out-of-date part of our culture and enriching the advanced part.3. The Differences between China Etiquette and American Daily EtiquetteEtiquette is the product of social civilization. It is the norm created by human beings to formulate the social behaviors. As long as there is human connection and communication activities, people need etiquettes to express their feelings and respect. China is well known for her rich culture since ancient times, hospitality and courtesy are the traditional virtues of our country. As the development of globalization, especially after China successfully holding the Olympic Games as well as the upcoming Shanghai Exposition, China is exposed to the outside world more and more, and the world also begins to understand China in a new way, therefore, not knowing the cultural difference between countries will cause misunderstanding and hinder the communication and connection. Sometimes, there are some behaviors we do not mind. However, they appear to be rude and offensive in the eyes of the foreigners, thus knowing the cultural difference between Americans and Chinese is very important.3.1 Addressing Both Americans and Chinese people have two kinds of personal names: a surname and a given name. But the order and the use of these names in the two languages are somewhat different. In Chinese, the surname comes first and then the given name. And people like to add“小”(Xiao) before their family name. Such as“小王”(Xiao Wang)、“小郑”(Xiao Zheng)、“小李”(Xiao Li )、“小徐”(Xiao Xu) and so on. While American names are written and spoken with the given name first and the family name last. So John Smiths family name is Smith, not John. In a formal setting, address men as “Mister” (abbreviated as “Mr.”), married women as “Misses” (abbreviated as “Mrs.”), and unmarried women as “Miss” (abbreviated as “Ms.”). These days many women prefer to be addressed using the abbreviations “Ms.” or “M.”, pronounced “miz.” If the person has an M.D. or Ph.D., they will often be addressed as “Doctor” (abbreviated as “Dr.”). Faculty is addressed as “Professor” (abbreviated as “Prof.”). In an informal situation, Americans will introduce each other by first name, without titles, and occasionally by just the last name. If you are introduced to somebody by first name, you can address him or her by first name the next time you meet. The only exception would be for someone who holds an important position, such as the university president or provost. Unless they tell you otherwise, faculty should be addressed using their title and last name (e.g., “Professor Smith”). When in doubt, use the formal manner of address. It is also appropriate to ask how they prefer to be addressed. Another difference is about the form of addressing. From the viewpoint of sociolinguistics, forms of addressing can serve as an indication of the relationship of power and solidarity in the society. In calling their superiors or elders, the Chinese are accustomed to the non-reciprocal or asymmetrical addressing, in other words. They use “title +surname” to address their superior or elders rather than call them surnames, while the superior or elders call the addressers their names. The Chinese tend to abide by the polite principle of depreciating oneself and respecting others to show appropriate respects towards the persons being addressed, otherwise, the addresser may be considered as ill mannered, ill educated or rude. But in American countries, people have a tendency to follow the reciprocal or symmetrical addressing. Although they are different in age and status, they can call the other directly, namely, their names, even first names except when they call the doctors, not arousing offence between them, but demonstrating the sense of intimacy and the conception of “everyone is created equal”. Chinese people feel unnatural addressing an American by his given name, feeling that it indicates too close a relationship, and Americans, on the other hand, may feel that if a Chinese insists on using his surname, it indicates an unwillingness to be friendly and maintains a gap between them. So the use of forms like” Miss Mary” or “Mr. Smith ” may be a Chinese forms of compromise. With Miss Mary, the use of the given name indicates friendliness, but the addition of the title indicates the respect they feel they ought to show. And with Smith, the lack of a title indicates friendliness, but the use of the surname prevents if sounding too intimate. However, both addressing used by the Chinese sound very strange and uncomfor