The 8 Conversational Don’ts
Passport has an amusing post detailing government efforts to improve Chinese conversational manners. In particular, there are eight topics that Chinese people have been asked to avoid when talking to foreigners:
1.
Don't ask about income or expenses.
2.
Don't ask about age.
3.
Don't ask about love life or marriage.
4.
Don't ask about health.
5.
Don't ask about someone's home or address.
6.
Don't ask about personal experience.
7.
Don't ask about religious beliefs or political views.
8.
Don't ask what someone does.
Perhaps I've been here too long, but to me one of the charms of Chinese people is their willingness to ask questions that Westerners (particularly Americans) find taboo. People are generally polite and won't press if you don't want to discuss a particular topic, and after awhile most foreigners get used to the curiosity of their Chinese hosts.
My concern is, I suppose, that with these regulations in place conversations between Chinese and foreigners will be reduced to English-corner fare, such as "Can you use chopsticks?" and "What is your favorite Chinese city?". But even those innocent queries violate the stipulation against asking about personal experience.
In truth, the vast majority of people will simply ignore these rules, and that's a good thing. I do hope that when legions of Westerners arrive in Beijing, they'll find the Chinese people open, expressive, curious, and interested rather than silent automatons terrified of foreigners.
