I plopped down my tray in the middle of the cafeteria. Most of the other conference attendees were done eating except the few stragglers and late-comers. Personally, I felt a bit peopled out since we had sessions all day long with meal breaks including a noisy room of people speaking many different languages. I bowed my head and then began eating.
The table shifted and I looked up to find one of my Korean acquaintances sitting across from me. She’d left her posse of friends to sit with me. I smiled at her and she smiled back but then shut her eyes. A bit confused at her wordlessness, I decided to keep eating and hoped she’d speak when she felt like it. I stole glances at her. Her eyes were still shut and I couldn’t figure out why she would join me only to pretend to be sleeping.
I scooped up the last bit of food from my plate and set my fork down. I looked at my Korean companion to find her eyes open watching me chew. I swallowed. She instantly began speaking about a session she’d finished, but I was having a hard time listening. I kept thinking, “Was it a Korean custom not to speak while someone ate?”
Finally, I asked her. She smiled and nodded, explaining that when you are with very good friends you can eat and talk at the same time, but with acquaintances or those older than you, you don’t speak until the meal is completed.
American culture: Eat and Talking is acceptable with strangers, acquaintances, friends, and family alike. Be more polite by not talking and chewing at the same time.
One thing at a time, eat first and then talk if you are with strangers, acquaintances, or those older than you. Good friends may eat and talk at the same time.
What About You?
Have you ever made a table blunder in another culture? Tell me all about your “oops upon a time” in the comments!
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