aThe 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。
bDoes 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。
aNo, 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.
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?
aCorrect. 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.
bAny 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?
aYes, 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.
bIs 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?
aHaha, I'm afraid it's simply because no one wishes to be too noticeable by finishing off the plate.