Chinese Etiquette?

Question

what are some chinse/taiwanese etiqutte that i should observe when i go to Taiwan?

Answer 1

I disagree with not trying to speak their language in Taiwan. Many foreigners come to Taiwan and have lived here for several years, and still can't properly pronounce 你好 [ni-hao].
If you are just going to be in Taiwan for a short period of time, there shouldn't be a problem in having to speak Taiwanese/Mandarin/Hakanese so don't worry about any of those things.

However, language is a given obstacle, what you should try to remember about Taiwan is that it has a "third-world" mentality. Nothing degrading about that, I'm just reffering to the way that everything that is done here has a reason.
Remember that you should not try to be sarcastic, and that you don't need to be overly polite or reserved. Many Taiwanese enjoy to be in the company of "foreigners" and you will probably be constantly looked at by many people (depending on where in Taiwan you will go).


Some more specific things to remember are as follows.

Do not shake your leg (trembling) it's a sign of no fertility and bad luck.
When using a tooth-pick you use one hand to use the tooth-pick and the other hand to cover your mouth. No-one wants to see you use your tooth-pick so leave it to yourself.
When greeting someone, just use your typical greeting, Hey, Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening.
Typically you will be asked, How are you? Most of the time it is not a REAL question, and more of a formality to which most people in Taiwan respond a simple "I'm fine, thank you and you" (if you are the first one to ask).
Modesty is a very big thing in Taiwan, along with "saving face".
It is practically a culture in and of itself. Remember that if they compliment you that you should not return the compliment with another, but rather deny graciously.
For example:

A: Your Chinese is very good.
B: No, no no. (While smiling, almost as though it was a joke).

Remember that you should keep yourself modest. When leaving, a typical way of saying "good-bye" is quite simple "Bye-Bye". Lots of saying "Thank you" over and over, it's not 'normal' to say Thank you once and then expect it to be over, say Thank You several times, and say thank you to everyone.
Saying 'Thank you' in Chinese is quite simple as well. 謝謝你 [xie - xie - ni]

When Greeting people, you should keep in mind that Taiwanese enjoy their space, so keep it like that. If they offer their hand, then shake it, if not, just say "hello" or (if you can pronounce it properly) 你好 [ni-hao]. A simple nod of the head is the best way to go.


Most web-sites will offer different "english" versions of Chinese, however what I typed above is probably the best way to learn chinese using roma-pinyin. If you have any more questions, or if there is anything else that I can help with, please ask some more!





Remember key points:

Modesty
Taiwanese enjoy space, no handshaking *unless offered*
Deny Compliments Graciously


If you keep those in mind, you can get through most challenges.







If you need something in particular relating to business or the such, feel free to ask (the question is quite vague and I'm not sure what kind of etiquette it is that you want)...



Hope this helps!

Answer 2

If its electrical or clothing believe me you have had it. Your being ripped off! Do not believe for one minute that China is anything like you see in the movies or on the discovery channel. Its not all about good luck and wishing your family good health. The place is the most corrupt place I have ever been. To put it in perspective, prostitutes were voted the 3rd most trustworthy people in China by its own public in a newspaper survey. Only beaten by waitresses and soldiers! So to be frank just send a mail saying send my goods or a refund and see where it gets you ? I wish you the best of luck but seriously I think you have been had.

Answer 3

Be careful of what you give: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faux_pas_derived_from_Chinese_pronunciation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette_in_Asia#China.2C_Taiwan_and_Hong_Kong
http://chineseculture.about.com/od/etiquette/Chinese_Etiquette.htm

BIG KEY TIP: Do not be picky with food. If you be picky, this would be considered as disrespectful. You have to be grateful for the food that has been made for you. If you do not eat all that is given to you, this would also be taken as being desrespectful. When we can't finish eating, we would pack the food up and take it home as leftovers, to eat at some other time.

Answer 4

keep smiling and be polite. Don't try to use their language, you might say something you regret. I slip of a vowel can change word meanings into all sorts.

Answer 5

These links should help you, have fun!

http://www.crazycolour.com/os/taiwan_02.shtml
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/taiwan.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Taiwan-Robert-Storey/dp/0864426348

Answer 6

Just be polite.