Some Common Manners in the West
It is a great help for the person who is learning a foreign language to know some customs and manners for the people who speaks it, because the language is very closely associated with them. I will tell you some common western manners.1. Meeting and Greeting People1) GreetingThe simplest thing to say is "Good morning," "Good afternoon'" or "good evening." This greeting is given to one whom you know only slightly, or to any one you are passing quickly. "How are you" is usually used when you are not in such a hurry. No answer is expected other than “Fine, thank you." "Hello' is the commonest form of greeting between good friends.?2) When a Man Raises His HatIf you are wearing a hat which can be taken bold of easily, it is customary to raise it slightly off your head when you greet a girl or a woman.3) When to Shake HandsIt is customary to shake hands when you first meet someone. And usually friends shake hands when they meet after not having seen each other for some time. However it is not necessary to shake hands.4) Use the person's NameIt is always good form to use the name of the person you are greeting. You might say, "Good Morning, Mr. Moncrieff" or” Hello, Franklin," A person's surname should be used unless he is good friend or school-mate.2. Introduction1) How to Introduce PeopleIn introducing two people, the general rule is: Introduce other people to the person you wish to honor. The old are honored in the West as in China. Women have been honored in the West since the days of knighthood(骑士时代）.2) Rising at Introduction?A man always rise for an introduction, except that it is sometimes all right for an elderly man to remain seated when a young man is introduced to him. The hostess always rises for an introduction.3) Introducing YourselfIf you want to meet someone, it is better to ask a friend who knows him to introduce you. But sometimes at a meeting or gathering it is all right to introduce yourself to a fellow-student, or to one of the same sex and position.