Par Filomena Mitchell

Salutations
Adressez-vous à une personne employant son nom de famille seulement, comme M. Chen ou mme. Hsu. Le nom de famille chinois vient d'abord et est habituellement une syllabe. Celui ou un nom donné parsyllabe suit un nom de famille. Par exemple, dans le cas de Teng Peinian, Teng est le nom de famille et Peinian est le nom donné. Parfois, le Chinois occidentalisé pourrait renverser leurs noms en visitant et en envoyant la correspondance à l'étranger. Par conséquent, c'est toujours une bonne idée de demander à un naturel quel nom est le nom de famille.

Que les affaires, il est traditionnellement acceptable appellent une personne chinoise par le nom de famille, ainsi qu'un titre, tel que « directeur Wang » ou « Li de Président. » Évitez d'employer quelqu'un nom donné à moins que vous l'ayez connu pendant une longue période. La formalité est un signe de respect, et il est recommandé de clarifier comment vous vous adresserez à quelqu'un très tôt dans un rapport, généralement au cours de votre première réunion.

N'essayez pas de devenir trop amical trop tôt, et n'insistez pas sur le fait que vos contre-parties chinoises s'adressent à toi par votre nom donné. Le modèle américain de l'absence de formalité rapide devrait être résisté.

La manière chinoise de la salutation est un signe d'assentiment ou un léger arc. Cependant, en agissant l'un sur l'autre avec des occidentaux, les Chinois se serrent la main habituellement. Considérez qu'une poignée de main molle et un manque de contact d'oeil n'indiquent pas nécessairement la timidité. Il implique seulement que la personne n'est pas accoutumée aux poignées de main fermes utilisées généralement dans l'ouest.

Réunions d'affaires
En Chine, on le suppose que la première personne qui entre dans la salle est le chef du groupe. Americans should observe this convention so as not to confuse the Chinese. Important guests are usually escorted to their seats. If the meeting room has a large central table, the principal guest is likely to be seated directly opposite the principal host.

When exchanging business cards, hold out your card using both hands with the writing facing the recipient. Cards should always be exchanged individually (one-on-one). Never toss or “deal” your business card across the table, as this is considered extremely rude. Receive a business card with both hands and scan it immediately for vital information. Then lay the card in front of you on the table. It is demeaning to put someone’s card directly into your pocket without looking at it first.

Meetings begin with small talk. Resist the temptation to get down to business right away. Also, avoid telling American-style jokes, because jokes sometimes do not translate across cultures and can cause confusion or hurt feelings.

Social Events
At a formal banquet, be prepared to give a brief and friendly speech in response to the host’s speech.

When inviting Chinese to a party, serve a “real” meal rather than snacks and drinks.

When invited for dinner, it is considered to be proper etiquette to sample every dish served. Your host may serve some food for you, and it is nice to reciprocate, if you feel comfortable doing so. Always leave something on your plate at the end of the meal or your host might think that you are still hungry.

Gift Giving
If is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event. Gifts indicate that you are interested in building a relationship. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black or white paper because these are the colors of mourning. Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value.

Never give a clock, handkerchief, umbrella or white flowers, specifically chrysanthemums, as a gift, as all of these signify tears and/or death. Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they would signify the cutting of a relationship. Lucky numbers are 6 and 8 (especially in a series, such as 66 or 888). An unlucky number is 4.

Survival Tips
Bring a large supply of business cards. You may meet many more people than anticipated.
Keep in mind that in China, and virtually all other countries, that 3/6/00 means June 3, 2000. When sending correspondence, avoid confusion by writing your date in full.

As a health precaution, it is advisable for international visitors to drink bottled water, even in hotels and restaurants.

Bring basic cold and anti-diarrhea medicines and your own prescription drugs.

Avoid talking politics or religion. Good topics: Chinese food, sports or places one should visit.

If a Chinese person gives you a compliment, it is polite to deny it graciously. Modesty is highly valued in China.

The Chinese point at objects with an open hand instead of the index finger. Beckoning to someone is done with a palm facing down. Avoid beckoning with your index finger facing up.

Do not try too hard to “go Chinese.” Chinese do not expect you to know all of their etiquette, and they make allowances for foreigners. Keep the above guidelines in mind, but above all, be yourself.

Do learn a few words of Chinese. This shows an interest in your host’s language and culture. It also is a very good icebreaker.

Filomena Mitchell,
China Correspondent Cross Point International