1. Never Leave a Chopstick Upright
The easiest of all the mistakes listed here
is leaving your chopsticks upright in your bowl when eating. Avoid this at all
cost because chopsticks presented in the upright position means you’re offering
food to the dead. So, don’t leave them upright in your food, or you’ll risk
offending your hosts or friends. 2. The Three T’s - Tibet, Taiwan and Tiananmen
For most mainlanders, Tibet, Taiwan and
Tiananmen are sensitive subjects. The simple mentioning of Taiwan or Tibet
isn’t offensive, but discussing them as topics often leads to uncomfortable
discussion you should invariably try to avoid.
In my personal experience, it can vary from
year to year. For example a few years ago there was tension with Tibet, but
these days it’s not considered such a taboo topic.
3. Complimenting Their English
In a business context especially, but this is
valid everywhere really. People generally dislike being complimented on their
English skills, it implies that’s all there is worthy of complimenting. In
general, it is important to adopt a subtle and conservative approach with any
compliments you give. In general the Chinese people prefer indirectness.
4.
Never Giving a Clock as a Gift
Strangely, this is taken very serious for
many cultural and linguistic reasons. The Chinese believe the gift of a clock
signifies time running out and ultimately death.
More compellingly though, the Chinese term
for clock is zhōng and is often used to describe death.
Unlike the west, Chinese culture influences
language and language influences culture and customs. It is one of the uniquely
Chinese things that make the place and language so fascinating.
5.
Give Anything Using One Hand
This seems like a non-issue but using both or
giving with two hands goes a long way toward in demonstrating cultural
awareness and shows that you’re sincere, committed or serious about whatever
you’re doing. It is showing respect.
When exchanging business cards, it is
essential to use both hands, with the Chinese side facing up (if your card is
bilingual of course), regardless of whether they can read English. Remember to
acknowledge and read the card first before putting it away, even leave it on
the table until your meeting ends. And remember that not taking it with you at
the end when you leave is jus about the worst you could do.
Retail store workers will often hand you
your change with two hands, and believe it or not, it is still important to
accept your change with both your hands as well.
Obviously, this isn't an exhaustive list. There
are many strange and wonderfully quirky traits, traditions and cultures to
discover during your travels. We think if you can avoid the above you’ll do
just fine.
Being humble and showing respect with your body
language is just about the most important aspect. Take care, pay attention, and
if you don’t already master it, then learn to read body language.
