Taboos in China and Western Countries

Chinese use “Have you eaten yet?” as ...

• a greeting

• as an invitation to dinner, lunch and breakfast on all family holidays

• as an insult to someone who is acting irritated and angry

In China, among family members and relatives, it is normal to address each other…

• in strict accordance with seniority and relationships

• by education level

• directly by name

When first meeting someone new, questions such as ““Are you married?”, “Where are you living?”, “What’s your salary?” in China are considered…

• Impolite

• Not only impolite - that also means that you two will probably never talk to each other ever again

• Polite and shows people’s kindness and concern for each other

In Western and Chinese culture, the word “old” is…

• a taboo in both cultures

• perceived differently in both cultures

• a offensive term towards elders

Western countries like to express their feelings through physical contact, but how do chinese perceive it?

• Strict taboo

• Would be good if u do not make any unnecessary physical contact

• Same perception as western countries

What is the perception of "Sudden visit" in Chinese culture?

• Displeased

• It is a social taboo

• Making an appointment without any notice

How could we describe relationship in early stages in China?

• Affectionate, romantic, and demonstrative

• Shy and undemonstrative

• Like in every other country

Why do chinese people avoid having eye contact?

• Minding their own business

• Lack of eye contact is insincere

• To show courtesy, respect, or compliance

Westerners are very sensitive to the words related with the

• Body

• Personal privacy, such as incomes, family, age and so on

• Appearance

In Chinese culture palm down means serious attitude in a formal situation but in Western countries

• Individuals are thinking the same way like in China

• Palm down implies depression

• People don’t care in which way they are greeted