International Etiquette Culture Etiquette Culture n The western

International Etiquette & Culture § Etiquette § Culture

n The western definition of “禮儀” etiquette, courtesy, politeness, manner Webster’s dictionary: Etiquette (> French “label”: rules, norms) --the formal rules of proper behavior --the forms, manners, ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in social relations. --the rules for such forms, manners, ceremonies Ø Courtesy --polite behavior, good manners; a polite or kind action or expression --courteous behavior; gracious politeness Ø Politeness --having or showing good manners --consideration for others and/or correct social behavior --having or showing culture or good taste Ø

Ø Manner --a way or method in which something is done or happens --a person’s way of acting or behaving towards other people --ways of social life prevailing social conditions or customs --ways of social behavior --polite ways of social behavior

Quotes of Manners “They smooth the rough edge, prevent friction, help to make new friends, and endure old ones. ” -- Anonymous “The greater the man, the greater courtesy. --Tennyson, English poet “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use. ” -- Emily Post, American author

The Origin of International Etiquette 1. Etiquette observed in multinational/cultural occasions : European Feudal society in the Middle Ages > British imperial court > colonized America > America (George Washington) > the rest of the world 2. Etiquette observed by a specific culture, region, or country: • • • Customs & traditions (風俗習慣) Norms and rules (典章制度) Religion (宗教信仰)

CULTURE The definition of “culture”: Culture is “everything people learn to do”. ----Seelye, American linguist Why do we need to learn about foreign cultures? to avoid behavior blunders & to facilitate communication § To help to understand appreciate people who are “different” from us § To broaden our mind and enrich our lives § The relationship between etiquette and culture: Culture determines etiquette; etiquette reflects and modifies culture.