table manners in different countries
By aringwi
@aringwi (136)
China
November 4, 2008 1:31am CST
an American may use just one hand and keep the other hand on his lap.He uses the fork in his right hand to pick up fried potatoes.When he has to cut his meat,he changws his fork to his left hand and picks up the knife with his right hand and cuts it. Then he puts down the knife and changws the fork to his right hand to pick up the sliced meat.Then perhaps,he will suddenly think of his coffee or orange.So he has to put down his fork in order to drink his coffee or orange juice.As you can see,an American is busy all the time at the dinner table.By the way,Europeans usually have their coffee after meals,but many Americans prefer to have coffee during the meal.
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1 response
@CinderInMySoul (4717)
• United States
4 Nov 08
LOL!! where did you get this information?
ok lets see here..i am an American. you do NOT have to use ONLY YOUR RIGHT HAND. in fact i am LEFT handed and thats the hand i hold my fork in. there is no set hand to hold your knife with either. if you are right handed and are holding the fork in your right hand..but CAN use your left hand to work the knife..then you do it.
here are a couple of American table manners do's and don'ts..
Dont put your elbows on the table.
Do leave your napkin on your lap, until you are finished eating, then you may place it on the plate, or next to the plate.
Dont talk with your mouth full!
Do take the few moments required to finish chewing and swallowing the bit in your mouth BEFORE you reply to someone.
Do ask someone to pass you a dish that is more than 1 person away from you (or on the far side of that person, you dont want to reach over their place setting)
Dont put food you touched BACK on the serving plate.
In some countries belching loudly at the table is considered a compliment..not in the USA. if you have to burp (and i say BURP not BELCH) cover your mouth politely with the napkin and keep your mouth CLOSED. then say "excuse me"
though in many homes these rules are lax, for formal dining or dining in a restaurant they should be followed.
