RESTRICTED
white spirits, with a status similar to eg Glenfiddich whisky. But foreigners often find it tart and oily.
5. Many Chinese enjoy drinking, and respect the man/woman who can hold his/her liquor (often described as a 'hailiang' or
'capacity of the sea'). Other Chinese maintain that alcohol makes their faces red and decline to take too much. They may well call for additional toasts in the course of the meal, using the Chinese words 'Ganbei'. This means 'dry glass' (and is often translated quaintly as 'bottoms up'). The invitation to a toast should not be refused, but the glass need not be drained.
Conversation
6. Chinese concepts of civilised conversation, and humour are different from those of the West. They tend to concentrate on fairly mundane questions about family circumstances and background and age (the Chinese are proud of age, and expect foreigners to be the same); and to resist efforts to guide the conversation into other areas. Because of the very different structures of Chinese and English, and many Chinese interpreters' unfamiliarity with British slang, interpretation poses particular problems. Clear enunciation of conventional English in full sentences is
helpful.
Eating
7.
The
Much has been written about protocol at Chinese meals. problems are exaggerated. The Chinese do not expect Westerners to be familiar with all their complicated politesses. However it is worth noting that it is politer to accept the topping up of one's plate or glass, and leave whatever is not wanted, than to decline what is offered; and that it is rude for guests to touch their chopsticks (or knife and fork) before the host.
/So,
RESTRICTED