Abstract:Food is the physical foundation of human being. Culture is the combination of material and mental values of human being. Table manners，as a part of food culture，becomes more and more important. Due to the differences between material and cultural background, there exist distinct differences between Chinese and American food culture, especially table manners.

The paper is intended to explore and analyze the differences between Chinese and American table manners from the following aspects: different concepts of time, different seating arrangement, different tableware, different dining atmosphere and different perception of cuisine. And the last chapter makes a conclusion that a better understanding of different table manners can help us increase cross-cultural awareness to tolerate, understand, appreciate and respect cultural differences so as to conduct communications more successfully and smoothly.

Keyword:  table manners   difference   China   America

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

Chapter Two Cross-Cultural Communication-2

Chapter Three Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners-3

3.1 Different Concept of Time-3

3.1.1 “M-time” and “P-time”-3

3.1.2 Lateness in Chinese Table Manners-3

3.1.3 Punctuality in American Table Manners-4

3.2 Different Seating Arrangement-5

3.2.1 South & North Vs. Right &Left-5

3.2.2 Elderly Male First vs. Lady First-5

3.3 Different Tableware-6

3.3.1 Chinese Chopsticks-6

3.3.2 American Fork and Knife-6

3.4 Different Dining Atmosphere-7

3.4.1 Lively Dining Atmosphere in China-7

3.4.2 Elegant Dining Atmosphere in America-7

3.5 Different Perception of Cuisine-7

3.5.1 Exquisiteness and Taste in Chinese Cuisine-7

3.5.2 Nutrition and Balance in American Cuisine-8

Chapter Four Possible Reasons for the Differences between Chinese and American Table Manners-9

Chapter Five Conclusion-10

References-11