摘　要

本文拟研究中美两国宴客礼仪在历史背景饮食对象和方式、饮食工具、酒文化以及座位安排方面的不同点并做一个比较。礼仪是一个民族在特定的历史条件和地理环境中发展和承袭下来的礼节文明规范，是一种文化形态的象征和体现。两国的宴客礼仪也是在不同的地理，历史，气候和宗教等不同因素的影响下经过长久的积淀而形成的，也都俱有了自己的特色。两国的宴客礼仪身后也包含了许多非凡的意义并且也反映出了不同民族的不同个性。从宴会礼仪的比较中我们也能够看出两国民族不同的本质特征。通过对两国宴客礼仪差异的比较，帮助人们更深入的了解两国社会文化的本质，同时也能更好的保证跨文化交际的有序进行。

关键词：差异；宴客礼仪；比较；跨文化交际

Abstract

This paper is going to make a comparison on the banquet etiquette in the different historical background, diet objects and patterns, wine culture and seat arrangement between China and USA. Etiquette is civilization which a nation developed and inherited in the specific historical conditions and geographical environment. It is a cultural symbol embodiment. Their banquet etiquette is formed in the influence of different history and also acquired their own characteristic. The significant behind the banquet etiquette also reflect the different national personalities and substantive characteristic. Through the comparison, we can have a deeper understanding in these two countries’ culture. The comparison also can help keeping our international order going smoothly.

Key words: difference; banquet etiquette; comparison; cross-cultural communication

1    Introduction

As the saying goes, “etiquette is used to respect other people.”  As we all know, etiquette is a kind of way to get along with people’s behavior, but also the art of communication. It is formed in the influence of historical tradition, customs, religious beliefs and so on in people’s social activities, both for people identity and for people to comply with, and it is the summation of all the principles and standards which are according with the communication requirements and in the aim to build a harmonious society. For an individual, etiquette is the outward expression of his ethical standards, cultural cultivation and communicative competence. And for our society, etiquette is the mirror of our country’s civilization process, morality and lifestyle habits. And the banquet is one central form in people’s communication.