A The last thing to be ignored at a Chinese dinner table is to keep modest. 在中国吃饭,千万不要忘记保持谦虚礼让。
B Does that suggest diners avoid speaking much? The same is true in the West. 你是说,吃饭时最好别说太多的话?在西方也是如此嘛。
A No, alsolutely not! On the contrary, you'll be considered a well-connected, sociable man, if you keep involved in the conversation all the time. But always pay attention to what you say. If the table has a senior guest, say something as upbeat and cheerful as possible. Or maybe, you may give the floor to him and keep listening as if very interested. 不,绝非如此.相反,如果饭桌上你积极参与谈话,别人会觉得你是一个善于交际,人缘很好的人。但是千万要注意你说话的内容,如果有老人在,最好多说些吉祥,开心的话,或者,干脆让他说,你在一旁装出一副很聆听的样子。
BYou mean, keeping a low profile in the presence of the old? That goes in like with Confucius' preachings, right? 哦,也就是说,在老人面前要恭敬低调。这与孔夫子的教导一致,对吧?
A Correct. Show respect for the older people. Conventionally, before the meal starts, the younger members are supposed to address each one of the elderly members of the table one by one. Others are kept in waiting until the most venerable guest peoclaim the beginning of the meal and takes the first bite. Toasts also go to these men first before people can toast to each other. 没错.对老人要表示尊敬。通常,宴会开始时，年轻的人要向在座的老人一一打招呼.其他人必须等最德高望重的客人宣布宴会开始并夹了一筷子，才可以开始吃。敬酒的时候,同时也要先敬这些人。
B Any other rules to observe in order to keep modest? 保持恭谦，还有没有其它要注意的地方?
A Yes, plenty of them. Don't eat fast! People usually keep their dining pace accorded with others. And all the dishes should not be eaten up completely. 多着呢。别吃得太快了。人们往往要跟其他人吃饭的进度保持一致。各个盘子都应该留下一点别吃完.
B Is it because that would give the host the impression that the food was insufficient? 这是不是因为,这样会让主人觉得菜给的不够吃啊?
A Haha, I'm afraid it's simply because no one wishes to be too noticeable by finishing off the plate. 哈哈,我倒是觉得是因为不管是谁扫光一盘菜,都会显得太显眼了。
