International Table Manners

 

When I taught international business communications at Webster College's campus in Geneva, Switzerland, I had 18 students from 18 countries. Although they all spoke different languages, the common language was English.

I wanted them to know that business communication is more than communicating through press releases, the internet, reports, conferences, meetings, etc. It involves cross cultural awareness and reading body language. 

One thing to understand is how table manners differ from country to country. Those who haven't traveled might not be aware how much if they had only lived within their own bubble. If they moved into a different bubble, they could save embarrassment, if they knew what to do.

Growing up, good table manners were required at each meal my family ate along with interesting conversation and great food. The left hand was NOT to rest on the table but in the lap except when holding a fork as I cut my meat with a knife in my right hand. 

Likewise, wiping my lips before drinking from a glass even if it was the milk that I detested from an early age, was a must do.

My first awareness that different people in different countries might have differ ideas of table etiquette that were outside my Emily Post* bubble, was eating with a French family. The mother, who'd made a delicious salmon pizza, mentioned to her son that I kept my hand in my lap. "Was that American?" she asked.

Now having lived in several countries, I'm even more aware of the differences. If I don't know in advance what the correct manners are, I follow my host.

In the classroom what was fun was seeing the students set a dinner place at their desks and watch them pretend to cut food and lift it to their mouth. Two students asked my Japanese students how to use chopsticks. 

Even methods of toasting varied, with the Swiss student mentioning you look everyone at the table in the eyes individually. It might have been even more fun if the students had brought a traditional dish to eat, but that would have presented problems.¨

To read more about what to do and where around the world. where: www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/international_dining_etiquette.html

*Emily Post (1872-1960) Born in Philadelphia to wealthy parents, she was said to be spoiled. Post became the arbitrator to good manners for people wanting to break into better society followed. Home | The Emily Post Institute today teaches good etiquette but with an American slant.