Behavior
- Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host. - Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public. - Do not point when speaking. - To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm. - It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth. - Avoid acts that involve the mouth. - Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China. - It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world. - It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment. - The most acceptable gift is a banquet. - Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts. - The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given: clocks, straw sandals, a stork or crane, handkerchiefs, anything white, blue or black - Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest. - Do not discuss business at meals. - Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host. - As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered. - Sample meals only, there may be several courses. - Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death. - Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck. - Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry. - Women do not usually drink at meals. - Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
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