由Filomena Mitchell

问候
对使用仅他们的姓，例如先生的人演讲。 陈或女士 Hsu。 中国姓首先来并且通常是一个音节。 那个或二音节教名跟随姓。 例如，在Teng Peinian情况下， Teng是姓，并且Peinian是教名。 例如，当参观和送书信海外时，被西化的汉语也许扭转他们的名字。 所以，它总是一个好想法问一个说母语的人哪个名字是姓。

为企业目的，由姓氏叫中国人，与一个标题一起，例如“主席李主任Wang”或“传统上是可接受的”。 除非您长期以来认识他或她时间，避免使用某人的教名。 形式是尊敬的标志，在您的首次会议期间，并且一般澄清怎么您对某人演讲非常及早在关系是适当的。

不要设法太很快变得太友好和不要坚持，您的中方由您的教名对您演讲。 应该抵抗快的非正式的美国样式。

问候中国方式是点头或轻微的弓。 然而，当互动与西方人时，汉语通常握手。 记住软的握手和缺乏目光接触必要不表明胆怯。 它只暗示人没有习惯牢固的握手常用在西方。

业务会议
在中国，它假设，进入屋子的第一个人是小组的头。 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