中西礼仪的不同(英文)

The Difference Between Chinese Etiquette and the Western Etiquette

Since different countries have different histories and cultures, there are a lot of differences in the habit of conducts and the ceremony, especially between China and the West, the jokes and the mistakes caused by misunderstanding is not unusual. This shows that the understanding of the different etiquettes between Chinese and the Westerners is absolutely necessary.

Etiquette has many functions.So it plays an important role in human society.Etiquette is the process and means to show respect to each other in interpersonal relationship by certain, common procedures.

There are two main differences between Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette. The first one is different origins of Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette. In China, etiquette is equal to courtesy and ceremony. In the West, the word ‘etiquette’ used to mean “keep off the grass”. The second one is the differences of cultural backgrounds.

A. The Origins of Chinese Etiquette and the Western Etiquette

Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette have different origins.

1. The Origin of Chinese Etiquette

In China, etiquette is equal to courtesy and ceremony. The essence of etiquette is the method of dealing with people and the belief in ghosts and spirits. People consider that all things are controlled by the ghosts which can not be seen. Therefore, the etiquette is originated from the belief in ghosts and spirits, as well as a special form of belief in ghosts and spirits. China is a state of ceremonies. Back to five thousand years ago, etiquette used to be the core of traditional culture. Up to now, the etiquette has been really reformed. Thus it becomes rituals of modern civilization. Chinese etiquette in Chinese culture plays a “quasi-legal” role. Etiquette’s origins can be traced back to the early time of human beings. It should be said that at the very beginning of the history of the Chinese nation, etiquette was generated along with the human activities and with a primitive religion. Etiquette is the system to deal with the three relationships among the people, God and the ghosts. It is said that there were “five ceremonies” in ancient China. In fact etiquette can be divided into two main parts, one is politics, and the other is life. Chinese legal system was bred during the establishment and implementation of the protocol. The essence of etiquette is the way how to deal with people and the belief in ghosts and spirits.

2. The Origin of the Western Etiquette

In the Western countries, the word ‘etiquette’ used to mean “keep off the grass”. Louis XIV’s gardener noticed that the aristocrats were walking through his gardens and then he put up signs (etiquette) to warn them off. The dukes and duchesses walked right past these signs. Due to this blatant disregard, the king of Versailles decreed that no individual was to go beyond the bounds of the etiquettes. The

meaning of etiquette would later include the ticket to court functions that lists the instructions on which a person would stand and what was to be done. Etiquette, like language, has evolved, but it still means literally “keep off the grass”. Until the 1960’s, the importance of good manners was taught without question, but with the liberated 70’s, it came a decline in the popularity of teaching proper etiquette. In 2004, a new emphasis has been placed on returning to traditional values. Proper etiquette and protocol have given children and adults a vital tool that provides not only a competitive edge, but a sense of confidence.

B. The Impact of the Western Culture and Chinese Culture on Etiquette

Chinese and the Westerners have different cultural backgrouds. Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette are affected by their culture deeply.

1. The Impact of Different Modes of Social Interaction on Etiquette

Chinese cultures and the Western cultures have attached great importance to interpersonal relationship. However, they were clearly different in exchanging ideas. Chinese are very warm and hospitable, which contained in relationships, being not seemed to be preserved. It is granted to understand the age, occupation, income, marital status, children and other issues with each other. The Westerners will generally not do like that. Chinese will ask the price of goods which is bought by others directly. In the eyes of Chinese people, the price is only for items or rank. It is said the quality of goods. In Westerners’ eyes, if you do the same thing, it may be regarded as the inquiry of other’s economic conditions. It is also the privacy of the Westerners which should notbe asked directly. If you want to know the price in details, you can only tactfully praise the achievement of the goods. Under such circumstances, the Westerners will tell you if it is cheap or expensive in general, but they normally do not tell you the price. Chinese prefer to ask “where are you going?” when they meet others. This is just a form of calling in China. And if it happens in the United States, it might make the other feel embarrassed, because it belongs to other’s privacy you should not interfere in. In addition, the distance of the interaction between people can be divided into four types. There are close distance, individual distance, social distance and public distance. Chinese people’s kind relatively belongs to close distance. We often see two Chinese girls walking on the street arm-in-arm which is rare to see in the West. The Westerners think that the Chinese are too close. On the contrary, the Chinese feel that the Westerners are very cold, arrogant, distant with others, and unfriendly. If Chinese people find that there is a thrum in other’s clothes, they will naturally pick it off. It is a bad behavior in the eyes of the Westerners. When Chinese meet a friend who wears very pretty clothes, he will stroke the clothes before asking pr

ice or texture. The Westerners will not do like that but directly praise his friends and his beautiful clothes.

2. The Differences between the Personal Philosophies of Etiquette

Chinese and the Westerners have differences between the personal philosophies of etiquette.

(1) Individualism of the West and Modesty of China.

The Westerners are proud of the achievements of individuals. They never cover up their self-confidence, and are always proud of the accomplishment and the ecstasy of themselves. Conversely, the promotion of Chinese culture does not flaunt personal honor. Generally, Chinese people usually oppose or defy the people who are proud of themselves. However, the Westerners are dissatisfied with the Chinese self-denial or self-modesty. “Your English is very good!” “No, my English is poor.” For Chinese people, it is a modest response. But for the Westerners, it is not only denying himself but also denying people who appreciate him. This shows that the modesty of Chinese style is not feasible in the West.

(2)Self-centered and Selfless Education

The Westerners have a strong sense of independence and self-center. One should be responsible for himself. In the Western society, every one’s quality of life and survival depends on their ability. Therefore, each person must be self-struggle and put personal interests to the first place. They are not accustomed to caring for others, helping others or talking about the affairs of others. It precisely can be seen from the above that helping others or being helped by others in the West are some embarrassing incidents. Being helped by others expresses their inability and helping others will be considered as interference in others’ private affairs. Chinese code of conduct is “I am useful to the community, no matter whether it is useful to others.” The value of the individual is embodied in the dedication. Chinese culture promotes a noble sentiment—selfless devotion. In China, activities concerning others and giving others very careful consideration is a virtue. Therefore, Chinese people are willing to care about other’s family affairs. This would be regarded as intrusion in the Western countries.

(3) The Spirit of Exploration and Innovation and the Spirit of Middlebrow

In Western countries, people are encouraged to be explorative, be innovative and do outstanding terrific cases that can not be done by our predecessors. Traditional Chinese culture requires people to be impartial, follow moderation. They are more willing to maintain the status quo and harmony. Of course, China has also made great efforts on promoting innovation. However, the adventurous spirit still can not be comparable with the West.

(4)Individual Freedom and Teamwork

The Westerners cherish individual freedom and independence. They are not willing to be subjected to any limitation. Chinese culture mostly emphasizes on collective interests. They subordinate their personal interests to advocate col

lective interests. They advocate unity, cooperation and unison.

3. The Impact of Different Social Customs on Etiquette

In Chinese culture, men are usually respected highly. This was mainly affected by the feudal system. Chinese culture attaches importance on gender equality in modern society. But in some cases man is still superior to women. Women are still subjected to discrimination. In Europe and the United States as well as other Western countries, respecting on women is their custom. Lady First has become one of the main principals of communication in the Western countries. No matter in public places or in other places, men should take care of women, for instance, when lady want to shake hands, then man can be followed; man has to let lady sit down firstly in a dinner; lady orders dishes firstly, lady firstly enters room, and lady firstly enters elevators. The Western etiquette is gradually changing into integration and unity and becoming more international.

Moreover, as one of the special representatives of the Eastern countries in dealing with generational relations, China is the special representative of the Eastern countries of treating the elders respectively and honorably. For example, many Chinese people are concerned that the person who takes care of elders is a good person. During the New Year and any other important holidays, the elders will have fun with their children together more than usual. In Western countries, people have been advocating self-reliance, so the connection between parents and adult children are on the decreasing. It makes many elders often feel lonely and with a sense of misery in the Western countries.

4. The Impact of Different Hierarchism of People Status on Etiquette

Chinese culture has a strong sense of hierarchism. In the originations or in the families, people who ignore the differences of hierarchism will be regarded as impolite people. The traditional concepts of monarchs and officials, father and son or other concepts are still deeply rooted in Chinese mind. Father has absolute authority of his son, and the teachers also have absolute authority of students. Family background still plays an important role in people’s lives. In such families, the elders help the young parents to take care of the children. The children grow up to help their parents to support the elders. They help each other. There is interdependence among family members and a closer family tie. The Western countries, except Britain and a few other countries, have a hereditary aristocracy and a rigid hereditary system. Most Western countries are advocating the concept of equality. Especially in the United States, people advocate equality for all. Very few people will be proud of their illustrious family background. Few people will feel ashamed of themselves for being born in a poor family, because they know that their efforts would be crowned with success. There is a popular saying: “If working hard, even a cow boy can be p

resident.” There are no different grades in American family. They respect each other. Parents and children can address each other’s name directly. The concept of the family is rather weak. They are usually reluctant to make too many sacrifices for the family.

From the discussion above, we can see there are two main differences between Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette. The first one is different origins of Chinese etiquette and the Western etiquette. In China, etiquette is equal to courtesy and ceremony. In the West, the word ‘etiquette’ used to mean “keep off the grass”. The second one is the differences of cultural backgrounds.In modern society, it seems that the world is getting smaller and smaller, people are very active with frequent exchanges. Human decency plays the basic role of social ethics. The international etiquette combines ritual characteristics of various countries and people and can be understood by the people of different countries and nations. International etiquette can be shared by more and more people of different countries, because etiquette itself is a cultural phenomenon. Therefore, many countries are paying great attention to combining international etiquette with national etiquette creatively. This means that etiquette in the Western and Chinese society is in a more appropriate location.

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