Questions before reading:
Speak about the table manners you should observe in your homes or in the public cafeteria. What do you do before eating? Are there rules about your hands or the way you sit? What do you do at the end of a meal? Why do we have rules about how to eat? Have you ever been in situations where the rules you are used to are not appropriate?
| Different Countries, Different Etiquette
Whether one is travelling for business or for pleasure, new cultures are generally part of the process. Although there are many differences between cultures in the world, there are also similarities. The similarities do not get us into trouble, but the differences can destroy a business deal or a pleasure trip. Learning some facts and some of the patterns of other cultures, as well as various travel customs and tips, can help you be successful.
France
In a country where food is king it's good to have courtly manner. So:
Don't cut your salad with a knife or fork. Instead fold your salad on your fork using your knife.
Never cut bread. Break bread with your fingers. And usually there aren't bread/butter plates. So place your bread on the table above your dinner plate on the left.
Cut cheese vertically. Do not cut off the points.
Never eat fruit whole – Always peel and slice it before eating.
When you're finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:20 position. The fork should be on the left and the knife should be on the right with the blade of the knife facing the fork.
To signify that you would like more food, cross your knife and fork across your plate.
Italy
Italians are known for expressing themselves through body language. So:
Greet friends with a kiss on both cheeks.
Keep eye contact while talking. If not, Italians think you are hiding something.
To call a waiter or waitress, raise your index finger and make eye contact.
Stand when an older person enters the room.
China
In China, it's all about respect. So:
When introduced to a group of Chinese people, they may greet you with applause. Be sure to applaud back.
Greet the oldest, most senior person first.
Address the Chinese by Mr., Mrs., Miss plus family name.
The Chinese dislike being touched by strangers. Other than shaking hands when greeting them, do not hug, lock arms or make any other body contact.
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| | Argentina
Always fashion-conscious. So:
Dress well if you want to make a good impression.
Women are expected to dress stylishly.
And don't be offended by their humor, which may mildly attack your clothing or weight.
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Questions after reading:
- What are the differences and similarities between the table etiquette in your country and the countries that you have read about?
- What are some mealtime habits or rules in your home that a visitor from one of these countries may find unusual? What could you do to make your visitor feel comfortable?
- How did you learn what behavior is appropriate at mealtime?
- Why are rules of etiquette so important? Whose rules do you follow when you're sharing a meal at someone's house? Whose rules do you follow in a restaurant?
Table manners in Ukraine:
- DO partake in toasts. Toasting is a very important part of Ukraine's social culture.
- DO be prepared with an excuse if you don't drink. If you don't drink alcohol, blame it on an medical problem. Ukrainians can sometimes be suspicious of people who don't drink.
- DON'T clink glasses during a toast if you aren't drinking alcohol.
- DON'T eat until the host invites you to begin.
- DO rest your wrists at the edge of the table.
- DON'T refuse a dish. Try everything and save room for seconds. Turning down food could be seen as rude.
- DON'T leave an empty bottle on a table. It's considered bad luck.
- Put your napkin on your lap when the food is served. After you have finished eating wipe your hands and mouth with the napkin and then put it on the table on the left of your plate. Don’t fold it, don’t wipe your face with it.
SUGGESTIONS FOR DISCUSSING:
1.National cuisine (Ukraine) (national dishes, recipes, order of meals, the way you lay the table for the guests).
2.National cuisine (Great Britain) (national dishes, recipes, order of meals, traditional English breakfast, Sunday lunch).
3.National cuisine (USA) (variety of foods, Mexican, Spanish and New England influence).
4.Table manners (correct way to sit at table, way of using spoon, fork, knife).
5.Healthy food/ Junk food (describe your diet and what helps you to be healthy, bad diets, calories).
6.Genetically engineered food (arguments for and against).
7.How to make the right choice in a restaurant? (book tables, discuss the menu, ask about the price, order dishes).
8.The recipe of your favorite dish (ingredients, process of cooking, words used in recipes).
9.Eating disorders (overweight, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, psychological problems, depression).
10.Express your attitude towards extraordinary dishes like French frogs, Polynesian insects… (taste, looks, healthy/unhealthy).
11. PROJECT TIME: prepare a good project on a topic either given by the teacher or your own (related to food). Ask your teacher for further instructions on the activity. This is to be done after you have done all the other tasks on the topic.
Revise the things:
