Proper Table Manners:
1. Scenario: You are attending a business dinner in Japan. As
the host presents you with a pair of chopsticks, you
graciously accept them with both hands and avoid sticking
them vertically into your rice bowl, as this resembles a
funeral ritual. Throughout the meal, you use your
chopsticks skillfully and quietly enjoy the various dishes
presented, refraining from speaking with food in your
mouth.
2. Scenario: You are invited to a formal dinner party in
France. As you take your seat at the table, you wait for the
host or hostess to initiate the meal before beginning to eat.
Throughout the dinner, you engage in polite conversation
with your fellow diners, making sure to keep your elbows
off the table and your napkin on your lap when not in use.
You use utensils appropriately, from the outermost ones
inward, and you refrain from placing your hands under the
table.
3. Scenario: You are attending a formal dinner in South
Korea. As the main course is served, you wait for the eldest
person at the table to start eating before you begin.
Throughout the meal, you use your spoon for rice and soup,
and you use chopsticks to pick up side dishes. You make
sure to finish all the food on your plate to show
appreciation for the meal.
4. Scenario: You are dining at a restaurant in England with
colleagues. As the meal progresses, you engage in polite
conversation with those seated around you, making sure to
maintain eye contact and listen attentively. You use your
knife and fork to cut and eat each course, resting them on
the side of your plate between bites.
5. Scenario: You are attending a formal dinner in South
Korea. As the main course is served, you wait for the eldest
person at the table to start eating before you begin.
Throughout the meal, you use your spoon for rice and soup,
and you use chopsticks to pick up side dishes. You make
sure to finish all the food on your plate to show
appreciation for the meal.
6. Scenario: You are dining at a restaurant in England with
colleagues. As the meal progresses, you engage in polite
conversation with those seated around you, making sure to
maintain eye contact and listen attentively. You use your
knife and fork to cut and eat each course, resting them on
the side of your plate between bites.
Improper Table Manners:
1. Scenario: You are dining at a restaurant in China with
potential business partners. As the dishes are served, you
eagerly dig in with your chopsticks, stirring them around in
the communal dishes to find your favorite pieces. You talk
loudly and animatedly, occasionally reaching across the
table to grab more food, oblivious to the discomfort of your
dining companions.
2. Scenario: You are attending a formal dinner in Italy. As the
pasta course is served, you eagerly reach for the grated
Parmesan cheese and proceed to sprinkle it generously over
your dish before even tasting it. You then use your bread to
mop up the remaining sauce on your plate, leaving no bread
or sauce for others at the table.
3. Scenario: You are attending a formal dinner in South
Korea. As the main course is served, you wait for the eldest
person at the table to start eating before you begin.
Throughout the meal, you use your spoon for rice and soup,
and you use chopsticks to pick up side dishes. You make
sure to finish all the food on your plate to show
appreciation for the meal.
4. Scenario: You are dining at a restaurant in England with
colleagues. As the meal progresses, you engage in polite
conversation with those seated around you, making sure to
maintain eye contact and listen attentively. You use your
knife and fork to cut and eat each course, resting them on
the side of your plate between bites.
5. Scenario: You are attending a formal dinner in Russia. As
the meal begins, you start eating immediately without
waiting for the host to give the signal. During the meal, you
speak loudly and interrupt others while they are talking,
unaware that in Russian culture, it is important to listen
attentively and take turns speaking during meals.
6. Scenario: You are dining at a restaurant in Brazil with
potential clients. As the dishes are served, you use your
fingers to pick up food from the communal plates,
disregarding the proper etiquette of using utensils provided.
You also reach across the table to help yourself to more
food, unaware that in Brazilian culture, it is considered
impolite to reach across others while dining.
These additional scenarios highlight the importance of
respecting cultural norms and etiquette when dining in
different countries. Proper table manners contribute to a
positive dining experience and show respect for the host
and local customs.
