Chinese etiquette

CHINA IS a country that has long been known for its ceremonies and etiquette through the ages. However, it can be something of a culture shock when it comes to the differences between the social niceties between the country and the Western world. The following is an introduction to the daily manners and courtesies of social life in China.

GREETINGS

In different countries, people have different ways of greeting each other. Before your China trip, it is essential to learn about China and its greeting etiquette.

SELF-INTRODUCTION

With regard to introducing yourself there is little difference between China and elsewhere. It is considered polite to give your full name, job position, and the place you work for, especially on more formal occasions. Only your full name with a simple greeting is enough on informal occasions.

If someone is making the introductions, to introduce yourself is considered disrespectful. So when it is your turn to be introduced, stand up, smile, and look with ease at the people also being introduced. After being introduced, you can shake hands with each other and give mutual greetings, sometimes with an exchange of calling cards.

BEING INTRODUCED TO OTHERS

In China, there are many strict conventional rules on introduction to others: a. The junior should be introduced to the senior first; b. The male should be introduced to the female first; c. The inferior should be introduced to the superior first; d. The host should be introduced to the guest first.

These ways of introduction is to show high respect to the senior, the female, the superior, and the guest. However, if you are at a generally more informal occasion, the introduction to others can be less ceremonious.

HAND SHAKING:

Handshaking is a kind of silent language, which is especially more important in China, although it is a popularly used form of greeting in many countries worldwide. Especially social occasions as an expression of courtesy and greeting when people meet or say goodbye to each other. Besides, handshaking is also a way to express congratulations, thanks, and encouragement to others. Generally, you can make a simple address or beckon and then shake hands with each other, simultaneously exchanging greetings.

As for the question as to who should offer his hand first, there are some basic principles you should follow. Generally speaking, the elder, the senior, the teacher (compared with the students), the female, the married (compared with the unmarried), the superior should reach out their hands first. If you have to shake hands with more than one person, you should shake hands with, in order of succession the senior and superior to the junior and inferior, from the nearest to the furthest.

When the host meets the guest, the host should shake hands first to show his welcome; however, when they say goodbye with each other, it is the guest who should offer his hand first.

There are also some exceptions. If someone, whether he is superior or not, offers his hand before you, it is courteous to give an unreserved response.