Written by: Tsui Yu-Wei, Member of the Yuru Team and College Student Fellow
Amid the wave of globalization, “international etiquette” has gradually become a part of our daily lives. However, there are still recurring mistakes and misconceptions that we need to pay closer attention to and apply more effectively, especially during formal high table dinners. To address this, the College took the opportunity of the Dean’s Evening Talk to invite Associate Professor Joanne Chou from the Graduate Institute of International Affairs and the Diplomacy Program at Ming Chuan University to give us an in-depth introduction on the topic.
In the lecture, the speaker begins by asking and answering the question, "What is international etiquette, and why do we need to learn it?" International etiquette refers to the set of universally applicable behavior guidelines that facilitate smoother, more comfortable interactions between people from different cultures. By adhering to these norms, we can ensure that our communication and exchanges are respectful and effective. Therefore, "international etiquette" is an essential skill that global citizens should develop.
The speaker then uses the universal truth "Food is the most important thing for the people" to emphasize the relevance of table manners. Whether socializing or traveling, dining in public settings is inevitable, making dining etiquette particularly important. The speaker provided a few basic yet commonly overlooked examples of proper dining etiquette. For instance, when you're not yet finished with your meal, you should cross your fork and knife on the plate; once finished, you should place the knife and fork parallel, pointing to the 11 o'clock or 12 o'clock position. Additionally, salt and pepper shakers should be passed together, and at a round table, dishes should be rotated in a clockwise direction.
These are just a few examples of how international etiquette plays an important role in making dining experiences more pleasant and culturally respectful. Would you like to dive deeper into any specific point from the lecture?
As the saying goes, "The Buddha requires golden adornments, and people require proper attire." Clothing not only affects how others perceive us but also influences our own self-confidence. Its importance cannot be overstated. The speaker used examples of formal dress etiquette to explain the importance of appearance in such settings.For men, the tie should ideally reach the belt line in length. When wearing a suit jacket, it is customary to unbutton it when sitting down and to button it back up when standing. For women, the skirt should be approximately knee-length, and a suit jacket can be either buttoned or left unbuttoned, depending on preference.
These guidelines help ensure that individuals present themselves appropriately in formal settings, reflecting respect for the occasion and for others. Would you like to discuss more etiquette tips for specific situations?
When it comes to "living" or daily habits, Eastern and Western practices can be quite different. The speaker gave several examples of hotel etiquette to illustrate this, such as the proper way to use a shower curtain. In many Western hotels, it's important to place the shower curtain inside the bathtub to prevent water from spilling all over the floor and potentially damaging it.
Another example was about the towels in hotels: in some hotels, the smallest towel provided is meant to be a bath towel, not a washcloth or face towel, which is a subtle difference in the way towels are categorized.
These small yet significant differences can affect how we adapt to different environments, whether we are traveling or staying in a place with a distinct cultural background. Would you like to explore more about adapting to different cultural practices in daily life?
The "action" aspect of international etiquette goes beyond just communication; it extends to interactions in both professional and social settings. The speaker introduced some practical points for us to consider in terms of proper conduct.For example, the principle "前尊、後卑、右大、左小" (respect in the front, humility in the back, the right is more esteemed than the left) serves as a guide for seating arrangements in both social and professional situations. The most respected position is typically on the right front, so elders, those of higher rank, or women are often seated in the most honored position.
Additionally, during international visits, important officials are often seated with the guest on the right-hand side as a sign of respect. However, some cultures also follow traditions such as "letting others go first" rather than focusing on the position of power.
When making introductions, the lower-ranking person should always be introduced to the higher-ranking person, ensuring that respect is shown according to social hierarchies.
These small but significant rules can help ensure that interactions remain respectful and harmonious, especially in cross-cultural settings. Would you like more tips on how to navigate international etiquette in specific situations?
At the end, the speaker emphasized that "respect" is the most important core value in etiquette. If we make small mistakes unintentionally or others do not follow etiquette perfectly, there's no need to worry too much or dwell on it. The key is to genuinely convey our intentions with sincerity.
Additionally, the speaker shared the idea of “Fake it until you make it.” When starting something new, it might feel difficult or awkward at first. However, with continuous practice and imitation, eventually, these actions will become second nature and will be fully internalized.
This approach encourages us to keep trying, knowing that through persistence and learning, we'll improve over time. Would you like to explore how to incorporate these ideas into your daily interactions or specific situations?
At the end of the lecture, someone asked the speaker for more reliable sources of information on international etiquette. The speaker recommended that if anyone is interested, they can refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or look for books on international etiquette available in bookstores.
These resources can provide more comprehensive and updated guidance for those seeking to deepen their understanding of global customs and etiquette. If you're interested, I could help you find some popular books or online resources on this topic!
After listening to this lecture, we gained a deeper understanding of international etiquette and became more aware of the core value of respect. Ultimately, we hope that this lecture on international etiquette not only prepares our students to handle the activities of the Honorscollege but also inspires everyone to incorporate these principles and theories into their daily lives. This will not only enhance our interactions with people from various cultures but also contribute to our personal growth as global citizens.
