Η κατάσταση (Αγγλικά)

Attending a traditional 宴会 (banquet | yànhuì) in 成都 (Chengdu), two foreign guests are eager to respect Chinese dining customs. They start by using 礼貌用语 (polite language | lǐmào yòngyǔ), understanding the importance of 宾主关系 (host-guest relationship | bīnzhǔ guānxì) in 交际礼仪 (social etiquette | jiāojì lǐyí).

The 餐桌布置 (table setting | cānzhuō bùzhì) is complicated, reflecting cultural norms and 文化差异 (cultural differences | wénhuà chāyì). They make sure their 行为 (behavior | xíngwéi) is 合宜 (appropriate | héyí), showing 尊敬长辈 (respect for elders | zūnjìng zhǎngbèi) throughout the evening. During the meal, 觥筹交错 (toasts | gōngchóu jiāocuò) are common, and they participate, being mindful of 饮食习俗 (eating habits | yǐnshí xísú).

They practice 应答技巧 (response skills | yìngdá jìqiǎo) to ensure 宾至如归 (making guests feel at home | bīnzhìrúguī) and 建立良好的待人接物 (establishing good manners | jiànlì liánghǎo de dàirén jiēwù). The principle of 礼尚往来 (mutual courtesy | lǐshàng wǎnglái) guides their interactions, and they are careful in their 言谈举止 (speech and behavior | yántán jǔzhǐ).

Throughout the evening, they observe 主客互动 (host-guest interaction | zhǔkè hùdòng), learning to 避免尴尬 (avoid embarrassment | bìmiǎn gāngà) and 维护场面 (maintain the atmosphere | wéihù chǎngmiàn). Their goal is to 熟悉规矩 (learn the rules | shúxī guījǔ) while embracing the values of 尊老爱幼 (respect the old and love the young | wéihù chǎngmiàn). (respecting the old and loving the young | zūnlǎo àiyòu) and 行为合乎礼仪 (acting in a culturally appropriate manner | xíngwéi héhū lǐyí).