Expected Etiquette for Drinking Rituals in China: Natives vs. Foreigners

Expected Etiquette for Drinking Rituals in China: Natives vs. Foreigners

Marissa Torey

This paper discusses the different forms of etiquette of Chinese drinking rituals in business settings within China. The consumption of alcohol is a main part of a 9 to 5 job in China and people are expected to be able to hold their own in most occupational positions. The correlation between natives and non-natives, going into further distinction between genders. Exploring the use of ganbei and other parts of discourse within the guanxi culture. This paper then looks at the use of power play and inequality between status and gender of discourse during drinking rituals and how if one denies the advances, it can cause someone to lose face (mianzi) or personal honor. Next this paper looks at the negative aspects of the ganbei culture and the consequences that the drinking culture entails between foreigners and natives. This paper discusses if knowing the Chinese language is essential or not for one to successfully follow the drinking etiquette. Looking at the expected etiquette for natives and non-natives will help give a better understanding on how drinking rituals in business settings within China are common and what one might expect and to follow when traveling there in order to not offend anyone.