Overview
This lecture discusses good and bad manners (etiquette) in different countries, focusing on dining etiquette and cultural differences between the US, Japan, China, and Mexico.
What are Manners and Etiquette?
- Manners refer to how people behave in social situations.
- Etiquette is another word for manners, especially in specific contexts like dining.
- Dining etiquette varies greatly across cultures.
Dining Etiquette in the US
- It is impolite to make noise while eating, such as chewing with your mouth open or slurping drinks or soup.
- Burping in public or in restaurants is considered very rude.
- It's polite to refuse food the first time someone offers it, even if you want it, to avoid inconveniencing the host.
- Keeping elbows off the table while eating is considered good manners, but this rule is becoming less strict.
Dining Etiquette in Other Countries
- In Japan, slurping your soup loudly is polite and expected; not slurping is considered rude.
- In China, burping after a meal is not rude and can be a compliment to the chef.
- In Mexico and many Latin American countries, refusing food offered to you is considered rude; guests are expected to accept and eat.
- In Mexico, people might use a hand gesture to say “no thank you,” even with a full mouth, which would be rude in the US.
Questions for Understanding
- Another word for manners is "etiquette."
- Slurping soup is acceptable in Japan.
- It is considered rude to refuse food in Mexico and many Latin American countries.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Manners — the way people act in social situations.
- Etiquette — accepted social rules for polite behavior.
- Slurp — to make a loud noise while sipping a liquid.
- Burp — to make a sound with your throat after eating or drinking.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences in dining etiquette among the US, Japan, China, and Mexico.
- Practice answering the three comprehension questions for review.