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It is
common social practice to introduce the junior to the senior, or the
familiar to the unfamiliar. When you start a talk with a stranger, the
topics such as weather, food, or hobbies may be good choices to break
the ice. To a man, a chat about current affairs, sports, stock market or
his job can usually go on smoothly. Similar to Western customs, you
should be cautious to ask a woman private questions.
However, relaxing
talks about her job or family life will never put you into danger.
Chinese consider gifts as an important part to show courtesy. It is
appropriate to give gifts on occasions such as festival, birthday,
wedding, or visiting a patient. If you are invited to a family party,
small gifts like wine, tea, cigarettes, or candies are welcomed. Also
fruit, pastries, and flowers are a safe choice. As to other things, you
should pay a little attention to the cultural differences. Contrary to
Westerners, odd numbers are thought to be unfortunate.
So wedding gifts and birthday gifts for the aged are always sent in
pairs for the old saying goes that blessings come in pairs. Though four
is an even number, it reads like death in Chinese thus is avoided. So is
pear for being a homophone of separation. And a gift of clock sounds
like attending other's funeral so it is a taboo, too.
As connected with death and sorrow, black and white are also the last in
the choice.
Gift giving is unsuitable in public except for some
souvenirs. Your good intentions or gratitude should be given priority to
but not the value of the gifts. Otherwise the receiver may mistake it
for a bribe.
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