A Comparative Study on Table Manners of Han Nationality and Sinhalese

Abstract

China and Sri Lanka both are Asian countries that are rich in their cultural aspects. Both the countries have their own traditional table manners that come from their ancestors which demonstrate their own culture. As the two countries have had a very close relationship since ancient times, it is better for both countries to have an understanding about the table manners of the other country in order to reduce cultural conflicts. At the present, the relationships have become stronger in every field such as diplomatic relationships, cultural relationships, social relationships, etc. So, understanding these table manners aid in order to maintain this bond. This research will comparatively analyze the similarities and dissimilarities of the table manners of Han nationality in China and Sinhalese in Sri Lanka in the fields like seating arrangements, table wear placement, meal order, and taboos. The different reasons for having these different table manners will also be discovered. In order to collect data for this, I will use a literature analysis and a questionnaire. With this rapidly changing world, many of the traditional beliefs have vanished recently. Through this research, I also hope to find out whether the traditional table manners still exist in these two countries or whether they have been changed. Especially, Sinhalese have been westernized a lot and have been distracted from their tradition. I will give the questionnaire for randomly selected 50 people who are Sinhalese and Han people. This research will be very effective to understand the difference of the table manners in order to maintain the friendship between China and Sri Lanka and to promote the cross-cultural relationship.