-- There are many interesting and fascinating subjects of conversation in these days-world issues, social problems, literature, art, music, psychology, education, science, sports, hobbies or any special interest one has in common with others.
--The subjects to be avoided are: bodily functions, or anything connected with the more private parts of the body, details of birth, details of unpleasant illnesses; income or salary of friends, or prices of their possessions; the age of the person one is talking with; personal questions or remarks, such as, “Why don’t you get married?” or “I should think you would want to have some children.” Some of these are allowed in Chinese society, but they are all taboo in formal Western society.
--Speak naturally but not boastfully of the good things inyour own country, and speak appreciatively of what you can approve of in
the foreign country.
-- you would say “Thank you” in any of the following circumstances: if someone picked up and handed to you something you had dropped; if your neighbor at table or a servant passed some food to you; if someone showed you the way to go; if a member of the family, even if quite young, brought you something you wanted; if the postman handed you a letter; if a clerk in a store handed you the article you had bought, When anything is offered to you, it is not polite to say, “I don’t want it”, as Chinese manners would allow. You should say, “I don’t want it ”, as Chinese manners would allow. You should say, “Yes, thank you”, if you wish it; or “No, thank you,” if you refuse it.
-- According to Western manners it is necessary to beg a person’s pardon in each of the following circumstances: if you accidentally knock or brush against someone; if you touch the arm or foot of someone sitting at table; if you are forced to pass in front of someone; if you find it necessary to interrupt a conversation; if you disturb someone at work, in writing a letter, in reading, in playing a game, etc…If you find you have blocked someone’s view or have come between him and the light, you may say, “Pardon me”, or “I beg your pardon”. Nowadays people often say “Sorry”, or “Excuse me”