Keywords: etiquette; International etiquette; Difference; custom
I. Overview of International Etiquette
(A) the basic meaning of international etiquette
Etiquette is a comprehensive behavioral science, which refers to the complete behavior norms and standards of self-discipline and respect for others in interpersonal communication according to certain and established procedures and methods from beginning to end, which are embodied in manners, etiquette, appearance and ceremony. Etiquette is a form that people use to regulate behavior, communicate ideas, exchange emotions, respect each other and promote understanding in social communication. It is an established norm and an external manifestation of a nation's moral cultivation and civilization.
International etiquette, also known as foreign etiquette, means that due to geographical and historical reasons, different regions and nationalities have different understandings of etiquette. In the long-term international communication, in various ways of showing friendship and respect to foreigners, as well as in various activities and celebrations, foreign-related etiquette norms have gradually formed. With the smooth progress of reform and opening up, cooperation and exchanges between China and other countries and regions in the world in the fields of economy, politics, science and technology, culture and sports have become increasingly frequent, and foreign etiquette has become increasingly important. On the one hand, it is highly political and embodies a country's opening-up policy; On the other hand, it reflects the social fashion, national culture and civilization of a country in a certain sense.
(B) the development and process of international etiquette
1. In ancient times, people knew to be polite when hunting, because hunters had to keep a proper distance when hunting. Even if they didn't catch anything, they had to tell some interesting stories about the game, so that their companions wouldn't be disappointed. With the progress of human history, the development of social economy, politics and culture, interpersonal communication has become increasingly frequent, social life has become more complicated and diverse, and "courtesy" has been constantly enriched and developed.
2. In the period of class society, the development of "ceremony" has also reached a new stage. At this time, "ceremony" not only becomes the "private etiquette" of personal communication, but also becomes the means of state rule. As a result of the emergence of countries, there will be exchanges between countries. International communication also needs certain norms and guidelines. In the process of long-term international communication, many countries have formed international etiquette. Modern international etiquette is the continuation and development of international etiquette in history.
3. With the rapid rise of modern industry, the large-scale development of commodity economy, the increasingly developed transportation, posts and telecommunications, and the increasingly frequent interpersonal communication, people need to use "etiquette" to adjust and enhance their relationship. Communication etiquette has become an indispensable thing in people's social life. Paying attention to etiquette, manners and observing certain etiquette norms has become an important symbol of modern civilized social life.
4. Modern international relations. The evolution of etiquette habits and the rapid, extensive and in-depth development of international relations will inevitably lead to corresponding changes in the international etiquette procedures used in the past, thus forming a set of modern international etiquette. Modern international etiquette includes daily communication etiquette, ceremony, diplomatic etiquette, diplomatic privileges and immunities in international communication. Some of them have formed international conventions, such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which are legally binding and internationally binding. Most of the rest were "established" through mutual communication, and gradually became an international practice, which was generally recognized and accepted by all countries and played a certain normative role.
(C) the characteristics of international etiquette
1 must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. Modern international relations should be between completely sovereign countries. This is different from the feudal regime in the past and the image of a closed-door feudal country; It is also different from the relationship between the suzerain and the colonial dependent countries. We believe that modern countries, big or small, strong or weak, should have equal sovereignty. Therefore, modern international etiquette should also reflect the relationship between sovereign States.
2. Multilateral exchanges have greatly increased. Due to the above-mentioned changes in international environment and conditions, apart from developing bilateral relations, the trend of multilateral exchanges between countries is very obvious. As a result, many new problems have been raised in etiquette practice, and some new practices will inevitably appear.
3. The connotation of international etiquette is richer. Including political diplomacy, economy and trade, culture and education, military and national defense, and non-governmental exchanges, all kinds of multi-level international exchanges are also conducted through certain forms of etiquette. Social groups and non-governmental exchanges involve a lot of social activities. Especially with the development of international economy and trade, many companies and enterprises have full-time etiquette personnel or public relations departments.
4. Etiquette activities are more pragmatic, the forms of activities are more diversified, and the specific arrangements are more flexible. For example, substantive talks between leaders have received more attention; The schedule is more compact and reasonable; Banquet pays attention to etiquette without extravagance; The number of people attending the party decreased; The number of formal speeches at the banquet has decreased; The number of delegations visiting each other should be controlled, and life reception should pay more attention to safety, comfort and convenience, and less extravagance and waste.
In a word, protocol procedures and etiquette practices are constantly changing and updating with the progress of the times, so we should continue to pay attention to and study them.
(D) the significance of learning international etiquette
International etiquette is a norm of cross-international communication. If we study it carefully and use it correctly, we will give full play to its role and become our right-hand man to achieve the expected goal.
1, in order to further strengthen the quality education of the whole people, actively promote the strategy of rejuvenating the town through science and education, comprehensively improve the comprehensive quality of the whole people and create a civilized and harmonious social environment.
2. Improve your inner strength. As a modern person, it is very important for you to deal with others, do your own work and show your own qualities properly.
3. Create a good external image. Whether in international communication or domestic communication, the personal image of employees represents the image of the organization and the image of products and services.
4. Improve interpersonal communication. Learning etiquette is helpful to our interpersonal communication, such as what we can say and what we can't say when we speak. It has rules of the game. We must understand and abide by this.
Second, the differences between Chinese and foreign international etiquette
Due to different cultural backgrounds and habits, there are many differences in specific etiquette. Now it is mainly in western countries, as follows:
First, the difference between appellation and appellation. The appellations of westerners are generally general, and usually one appellation can cover multiple appellations of China. For example, westerners call men gentlemen and women ladies or young ladies. The first explanation of the word "Mr" in various dictionaries in China is "teacher", which is the oldest and oldest title for teachers and has been circulated for thousands of years. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, we often add the word "comrade" to the names of acquaintances. For example, there is no need to elaborate on the words "learning from Comrade XX" during the meeting. However, in today's life, with the reform and opening up, "Mr." has become the most popular honorific word in society.
Second, the difference of meeting etiquette. People in China usually like to nod, shake hands or bow when they meet, or lean slightly to shake hands, while westerners feel that leaning seems inferior. In the west, especially in Europe and America, hugs are very common meeting gifts and farewell gifts, and kisses and hand kisses are also common meeting gifts in the west. The handshake ceremony originated in the semi-barbaric and semi-civilized period of western human beings. This habit has gradually evolved into a "handshake" etiquette for meeting and leaving today, which is accepted by most countries. In our country, the handshake ceremony is not only used to meet and say goodbye, but also to express congratulations, thanks or mutual encouragement. Therefore, it is the most widely used greeting etiquette in social intercourse. Courtesy when meeting and saying goodbye has evolved into two phrases: "hello" and "goodbye" today. Politeness can only shake hands with each other, which is concise, hygienic and appropriate in today's strange diseases. In western countries, we are not used to and can't accept the face-to-face, kissing and kissing hands in front of us.
Third, the differences in banquets. Drinking has always been regarded by China people as an indispensable part of social occasions such as doing business and making friends. China usually follows the principle that the cup should not be empty and the tea should not be too full. In westerners, they usually like beer and wine, but they don't like to persuade wine. Their behavior will follow that of the hostess. China is a big country of wine culture. Wine-making techniques handed down for thousands of years and the beautiful meaning given to wine by people make drinking an indispensable part of China people's activities such as entertaining guests and friends and socializing. The profound wine culture of the Chinese nation also impressed foreigners, making them curious about China's liquor, but how disgusted they were with China's forced persuasion on the wine table. Just like we normal people in China refuse to be polite to foreigners.
Fourth, the differences between taboos and customs. China people don't like to say 4, and think 8 is auspicious, while westerners don't like 13 and Friday.
5. The difference between hospitality and being a guest. When we get along with others, we are always used to thinking about others from our own perspective. This is manifested in hospitality and being a guest. Conscious guests always try not to disturb their hosts and prevent them from spending money, so they always politely refuse their hosts' hospitality. At the dinner table, the host always recommends wine and food to the guests. Therefore, China people's hospitality and hospitality scenes often have a strong atmosphere. Westerners, whether hosts or guests, are very straightforward and don't need to be polite. At the dinner table, the host will ask the guests if they want some more. If the guests talk enough, the host will generally not invite them to participate in the revolution.
Sixth, the schedule is different. Most westerners have a strong sense of time and a tight schedule. If you want to meet or entertain westerners, you must make an appointment in advance, usually more than a week. If you suddenly visit or invite someone without an appointment, they will generally refuse you. Moreover, there is a strict distinction between working hours and personal time. If it is work interaction, you should choose to do it during the other party's working hours. If it is a private interaction, you should choose to do it after work.
7. the difference in gifts. Westerners don't pay much attention to giving gifts, although they often give gifts to relatives and friends on holidays, birthdays and visits. They generally don't value the value of gifts, and give some small gifts just to express their feelings. Most people in China pay more attention to the value of gifts, and the value of gifts represents the affection of the giver to some extent.
The cultural differences between China and the West mentioned above are only part of it. Understanding these differences will help us to communicate and cooperate with foreigners better, establish the image of China people better, and communicate and learn better. While inheriting and carrying forward the fine traditions of the Chinese nation, we should absorb the essence of the West, so as to realize the progress of social civilization.
Third, the reasons for the differences between Chinese and foreign international etiquette
(A) regional and cultural differences
Because of the direct or indirect influence of geographical environment and climate on the formation of culture, they have an impact on human behavior, and then potentially restrict the way of thinking and social culture. We can classify Chinese and foreign cultures as regional cultural differences. China, which is relatively isolated, is geographically isolated from the world, which makes Chinese civilization maintain strong stability and historical continuity. Ancient Greece was located in the middle of the whole Mediterranean region, which gave the Greeks the natural advantage of convenient sea transportation. The fierce competition brought by the ocean has formed its open cultural character and cultivated its flexible, open and enterprising national spirit.
(b) differences in customs
Due to different social backgrounds, there are some differences in customs and habits. As a totem and sacred symbol of the Chinese nation, the dragon can be traced back to the Neolithic Age more than 5,000 years ago. But not in western culture, which is enough to reflect the differences between Chinese and western cultures. Dragon has become the totem of the Chinese nation, first of all, because it contains the factors of nature worship, that is, people respect it as the god who dominates rain and snow. In fact, the dragon, as the totem of the Chinese nation, is only a conceptual thing, and it is an attachment and alienation to one or several things that exist in reality. Dragons are also common in western culture. But very different from China culture, the dragon is often described as a giant monster in western culture. It looks like a crocodile, wears scales, has huge claws and wings, can swim, fly and breathe fire, and is a symbol of evil forces with fierce destructive power.
(C) Cultural differences
As we all know, the formation and development of China culture is in the period of the formation and development of feudal society, so China culture is bound to be influenced by feudal thought. In feudal society, in order to safeguard their own interests and better rule the people, rulers often instilled some ideas into the people through various channels. Throughout the history of western culture, today's capitalist culture began to form during the Renaissance in16th century. In this cultural movement, people preach "humanitarianism", affirm human value, respect human rights and attach importance to human strength. In this context, culture must have the characteristics of "humanism".
(4) differences in religious beliefs.
In China, both foreign Buddhism and local Taoism pay attention to resignation and afterlife. Western teachings also emphasize the afterlife and stress suffering. Both Christianity and Islam pay attention to resisting foreign oppression and pagans. The formation of this religious difference is closely related to the social background when it was formed.
The reasons for the differences in international etiquette are far more than the above aspects, but they are mainly caused by the background of historical development. Therefore, to understand the etiquette of a country, we must first understand the development background of this country, so as to carry out effective international exchanges.
Fourth, how to treat international etiquette correctly?
With the development of economic globalization, exchanges between China and foreign countries have become increasingly frequent. Due to different cultural backgrounds, there are many completely different places in specific etiquette. So how should we treat international etiquette correctly? Mainly from the following three basic requirements and three basic principles to explain:
(A) Three basic requirements
The first requirement is self-esteem, emphasizing self-esteem and self-love. In international communication, a person can't be respected by others without self-esteem. First of all, you should respect yourself. You should take yourself seriously, stand and sit, and behave generously.
The second requirement is to respect your profession. You have different division of labor, you have different knowledge and skills. People who are truly respected by others in any country and society are powerful people, people who are good at learning, and people who are capable in professional fields. Therefore, it is necessary to love and give, so that such people will win respect, which is true in all countries.
The third aspect is to respect your own unit. Our country, nation and company have the responsibility and obligation to maintain their dignity and image in international exchanges. Secondly, we emphasize that we should respect the object of communication, not only self-esteem, but also the object of communication. We generally have to say five words: "Respecting superiors is a bounden duty, respecting colleagues is a duty, respecting subordinates is a virtue, respecting customers is common sense, and respecting everyone is an education." These five aspects involve all aspects of our interpersonal communication, so we should respect them in all aspects, not be rude to others, but respect them.
(B) the three basic principles of international etiquette
The first principle is to accept each other. The so-called acceptance of each other means that when you are dealing with others, if it is not a matter of principle, nationality, personality, party discipline and state law, you must have the idea that the guests are always right and the guests are not wrong. Don't make trouble, find fault with others.
The second principle refers to attaching importance to each other. The importance of appreciation is not to find fault with others. The importance of appreciation is not to find fault with others. Some people also value each other, but he finds fault with others.
The third principle is to praise each other. George mayo, a famous behavioral scientist and American scholar, once said, "Respecting others means respecting yourself, and discovering the advantages of others is actually equivalent to affirming yourself. That shows that you are tolerant, modest and studious. " He stressed this. Therefore, in our international communication, you should be good at discovering the strengths of others under appropriate circumstances.
Etiquette is a civilized norm of etiquette developed and passed down by a nation in a specific historical condition and geographical environment, and it is a symbol and embodiment of a cultural form. To create a harmonious society, we must start with etiquette. Today, China is facing unprecedented challenges. No matter in material, spiritual and cultural aspects, there is an urgent need for a complete and reasonable set of values to unify. The report of 17 emphasizes that "soft power" with culture as the core is an important part of a country's comprehensive national strength. With the improvement of China's economic strength, international influence and economic development, China is catching up with western countries in all aspects, including the cultural field. China is an open country. We will strengthen the study of international etiquette and communication in order to show our image to the people of the world in 2008 and establish a harmonious and peaceful international social relationship.