Is it really any surprise that the Chinese government has developed a conversational etiquette guideline for the country’s residents when they meet foreigners during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing? The Chinese, who have a strong inclination for the number lucky number 8, which they consider lucky will entertain record number spectators at the Olympics, beginning the eighth of August at 8.00 pm (8/8/08 at 8.00 pm).
The last thing the gracious host wants is to offend or to create cultural gaps during the events. In step with that tradition of eight, the Chinese have issued eight don't ask questions. The Eight Don’t Ask propaganda posters are displayed prominently around the city and prepare the country’s citizens for dialogue with its guests. In order to avoid being considered in bad form and to minimize any potentially awkward situations the government has instructed citizens to avoid the following conversations:
• don't ask about income or expenses
• don't ask about age
• don't ask about love life or marriage
• don't ask about health
• don't ask about someone's home or address
• don't ask about personal experience
• don't ask about religious beliefs or political views
• don't ask what someone does
Apparently it is normal everyday idle chit chat for Chinese to ask people they just met such questions. And occasionally those asked such personal questions find them intrusive, responding negatively. The edicts don’t stop there. The local city government issued a comprehensive etiquette book to 4 million households instructing residents not to wear, such as limiting garments colors to three, no white socks with black shoes, and no parading in pajamas and slippers. The books details the proper procedure when shaking hands, advises that there should be no public displays of affection, describes that feet should be slightly apart or in the shape of a V or Y when standing, and that a handshake should not last more than three seconds. The government has also issued warnings against queue-jumping, spitting, littering and speaking too loudly in public, all in an effort to project a good image to outsiders. However, some of the locals are not happy with these restrictions. Would you want your country instructing you on how to behave in public? Actually maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Respect and consideration go hand in hand. They should be practiced in a reciprocal manner. Hopefully the World will return the favor and smile upon the Chinese and their effort to make the Games a success for all.
Check out some of the great Olympic Garden Sculptures .
Source
The last thing the gracious host wants is to offend or to create cultural gaps during the events. In step with that tradition of eight, the Chinese have issued eight don't ask questions. The Eight Don’t Ask propaganda posters are displayed prominently around the city and prepare the country’s citizens for dialogue with its guests. In order to avoid being considered in bad form and to minimize any potentially awkward situations the government has instructed citizens to avoid the following conversations:
• don't ask about income or expenses
• don't ask about age
• don't ask about love life or marriage
• don't ask about health
• don't ask about someone's home or address
• don't ask about personal experience
• don't ask about religious beliefs or political views
• don't ask what someone does
Apparently it is normal everyday idle chit chat for Chinese to ask people they just met such questions. And occasionally those asked such personal questions find them intrusive, responding negatively. The edicts don’t stop there. The local city government issued a comprehensive etiquette book to 4 million households instructing residents not to wear, such as limiting garments colors to three, no white socks with black shoes, and no parading in pajamas and slippers. The books details the proper procedure when shaking hands, advises that there should be no public displays of affection, describes that feet should be slightly apart or in the shape of a V or Y when standing, and that a handshake should not last more than three seconds. The government has also issued warnings against queue-jumping, spitting, littering and speaking too loudly in public, all in an effort to project a good image to outsiders. However, some of the locals are not happy with these restrictions. Would you want your country instructing you on how to behave in public? Actually maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Respect and consideration go hand in hand. They should be practiced in a reciprocal manner. Hopefully the World will return the favor and smile upon the Chinese and their effort to make the Games a success for all.
Check out some of the great Olympic Garden Sculptures .
Source
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