As expectations regarding good
manners differ from person to person and vary according to each situation, no treatise on the rules of
etiquette nor any list of
faux pas can ever be complete. As the
perception of
behaviors and
actions vary,
intercultural competence is essential. However, a lack of
knowledge about the
customs and
expectations of
Asian people can make even the best intentioned person seem
rude,
foolish, or worse.
Although Asia represents an enormous expanse of geography with an incalculable number of different customs, and many rules of etiquette of Western culture are familiar throughout Asia and vice versa, the following points of etiquette can be useful when interacting with people around the world who have been raised according to an Asian tradition
In many situations, an emphasis is placed on promptness and appropriate attire that surpasses what many Westerners might expect. Likewise, breaking social commitments, such as appointments or even casual plans to meet with friends, can be a serious faux pas. Preventing another person from keeping a commitment, especially with family, is rude as well.
Special respect is paid to older people in many circumstances. This can include standing when older people enter a room, always greeting older people before others present (even if they are better known to the speaker), standing when speaking to one’s elders and serving older people first at a meal table. Touching the head, shoulders or back of an older person can be considered disrespectful, even if the intent is to comfort or indicate affection. Older people are rarely referred to by first names; they are addressed with such honorifics as Mr. and Mrs. or the appropriate non-English equivalents. Sometimes terms such as "Uncle" or "Auntie" are appropriate for older non-relatives.
