Templates for living

The etiquette observed while dining sheds many connotations. The protocols of cross-cultural dining, differs across various cultures and, is very obviously a form of intercultural communication we should be mindful of. 

Dining Etiquette in Germany: 

. It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where to sit.
. Table manners are continental - fork in left hand and knife in right.
. Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so.
. It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table.
. Try and cut food with the fork as it compliments the cook by showing it is tender.
. Everything should be eaten on the plate.
. Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife parallel across the right hand side of the plate.


Dining Etiquette in Japan:

. An honoured guest sits at the centre of the table furthest from the door and begins eating first.
. Learn to use chopsticks - never point them, never pierce food with them, rest them on the chopstick rest when breaking for drink or chat.
. It is good etiquette to try a bit of everything.
. Conversation is subdued.

Dining Etiquette in Turkey:

. Meals are a social affair. Conversations are animate and loud.
. The head of the family or honoured guest is served first.
. It is good etiquette to insist the most senior is served first instead of you.
. Asking for more food is a compliment.
. If taken to a restaurant, Turkish dining etiquette has strict rules that the one who extended the invitation must pay.

Dining Etiquette in the USA:


. The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating.
. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
. If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner it will not offend anyone.
. Foods or drinks can be refused without causing offense.
. Many foods are eaten by hand.

Dining Etiquette in the Middle East:


. Guests are honoured with prime choice of meats - head, eyes, etc.
. Eaten with right hand only.
. Meat is torn by holding down the piece against the dish and ripping off a desired amount with forefinger and thumb pressed together
. Rice is scooped up.
. Do not be afraid of making a mess.
. If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately.
. It is proper etiquette to compliment the host on the food and his hospitality.

Our florishing economy is very inter-reliant yet culturally diverse. Individual or organisational, every form of communication either positively or negatively influences your dealings. A lack of cross cultural awareness may spell misinterpretations or come across as offensive. Cross cultural appreciation is vital for today's globe trotters if they want to avoid such negative repercussions.

Reference: Neil Payne, Director and Middle East Consultant for cross cultural awareness company, Kwintessential.