ETIQUETTE Brainstorming

Think of certain codes of conduct which are

existent in your society or which you think
should be introduced.
Read the text and answer the questions below

Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to
contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group. Etiquette is not to be
confused with manner, which tells one what to do when his neighbour doesnt.

Manners involve a wide range of social interactions within cultural norms and it is seen as the
end result of etiquette. Etiquette and manners, like mythology, have buried histories especially
when they seem to have little obvious purpose, and their justifications as logical ("respect
shown to others" etc.) may be equally revealing to the social historian.

Rules of etiquette encompass most aspects of social interaction in any society, though the term
itself is not commonly used. A rule of etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or it
may reflect a person's fashion or status. Rules of etiquette are usually unwritten, but aspects of
etiquette have been codified from time to time.

Etiquette is dependent on culture; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock another.
Etiquette evolves within culture. In China, for example, a person who takes the last item of
food from a common plate or bowl without first offering it to others at the table may be seen as
a glutton and insulting the generosity of the host. In America a guest is expected to eat all of
the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking. However, the notion of
etiquette is occasionally disparaged. Some individuals consider etiquette to be an unnecessary
restriction of freedom or of personal expression; For instance, wearing pajamas to a wedding in
a cathedral may indeed be an expression of the guest's freedom, but also may cause the bride
and groom to suspect that the guest in pajamas is expressing amusement, disparagement, or
disrespect towards them and their wedding.

In Indian formal settings, it is expected that everyone will wait for the host or the eldest person
to begin eating before everyone else starts. Similarly it is expected that one should not leave
the table before the host or the eldest person have finished their food. It is also considered
impolite to leave the table without taking the host's or the elder's permission. Everyone must
wash their hands before sitting at the table as some Indian foods are eaten by hand. One must
wash one's hands after eating the food. It is not necessary to taste each and every dish prepared;
but you must finish everything on the plate as it is considered a respect for served food. For
this reason, take only as much food on the plate as you can finish.

However, several of theses Indians rules apply to several regions of Africa. As was the case in
the United States and Australia, Europeans established their culture in Africa centuries ago and
it has largely replaced indigenous culture in many regions. Suggesting that an inhabitant of
Johannesburg - South Africa, Nairobi Kenya or Maputo - Mozambique comes from a remote
region, where only hand is used to serve food or eat, he will have to acculturate to the citys
cultural life by using folks, spoons, knifes or other utensils to serve food or eat if he is to be
identified as a city-bred.

Answer these questions as you read the text

1. According to what patterns or model is etiquette defined?

2. Identify the differences and relation between Etiquette and Manner
3. Could we possibly talk about etiquette without culture? Find a passage in the text to
support your answer
4. Rules of etiquette encompass most aspects of social interaction in any society though
the term itself is not commonly used. What term is commonly used instead?
5. What do you understand by rule of etiquette?
6. In India, the cardinal rule of dining is to always use the right hand when eating or
receiving food:

a) why isnt the left hand always used?

b) are there any exceptions for using the left hand? What are they?

7. What is advisable in formal dining settings in India?

8. Does any of these rules apply to your dining settings?
9. Europeans established their culture in Africa centuries ago and it has largely replaced
indigenous culture. Do you agree with this statement? Why?

Wikipedia 2010 Modified by David