【正文】 unds all try to observe or maintain. While admitting the universal rules of etiquette, we should be aware that cultures differ in the actual ways to realize etiquette and also in the standards for its judgment. Such differences stem from different histories as well as different cultural values which have gradually developed under the influence of a variety of factors: social, historical, anthropological, etc. Values are the basis for our behaviors. They guide our behavior and help us determine what is right and what is wrong。 therefore eating came to bee a big problem. It was recorded in history books that our ancestors only had two meals a day in ancient times. Even so, those poor people still had one meal without knowing where the next one was. People in some places haven’t begun to have three meals a day until the Han Dynasty. They economized on food and clothing. So when people met each other, they liked to greet each other with “ 吃了嗎？ ”(“Have you eaten?”). Now this greeting still used by Chinese people when greet each other. “Have you had your meal?” Chinese people know that it’s not a question but a greeting, and the speaker usually does not expect to receive a clear answer. Although it takes the form of a question, it is a mon Chinese greeting around a meal time, nothing more than “Hello” or “Hi” in English. But foreigners who are greeted in this way do not think this way and may feel annoyed, and even offended. To some Americans, this question might suggest “I haven’t either. Come on, let’s go together and get something to eat” or “If you haven’t, I am just going to invite you to my place.” That is , it would suggest an invitation to a meal. So, in the interaction with foreigners, Chinese should avoid such greetings as “Where are you going?”, “Have you eaten?” The most mon forms of greeting among the Englishspeaking people are “Good morning”, “Go od afternoon” “Good evening” “How are you?” “How do you do?” “Hello!” “Hi!” “How’s everything going?” Etc. In today’s China more and more people, especially those in urban areas, tend to use ni/nin hao (你 /您好 ) which is close to “How are you ?”or “Hello!” or “Hi!” But some traditional ways of greeting in China differ a lot from English greeting. When people in Englishspeaking countries, especially people in the United Kingdom, meet each other, they often greet each other by talking about the weather. For example, they often begin their talk by saying “It’s a fine day, isn’t it?” or “its terrible weather today.” They use these expressions to greet because these “small talks” serve th e functions of creating friendly atmosphere. In addition the weather is a neutral topic which does not refer to any privacy, so talking about weather is safe enough not to touch the others’ privacy. As we all know, when people in Englishspeaking countries meet each other, they also use “Good morning!” “Good afternoon!” “Good evening!” “How are you?” “How are you doing?” or “How is everything?” to greet one another. Acquaintances even use “Hello!” or “Hi!” to greet each other4. In addition, when most native Englishspeaking people meet for the first time, they often say something like “I’m pleased to meet you.” “I’ m very glad to meet you.” etc. and when they depart， they often remark “its nice meeting you.” or “It’s nice to have met you”, while Chinese peopl e have no such expressions for such occasions. Etiquette of First Meeting When people meet for the first time they conduct general etiquette in the contacts of different forms. But because of the differences of the culture backgrounds and customs of different countries, there are differences in the courtesy during munication. In China, when friends meet, showing the way of courtesy is to shake hands which are similar to most countries in the world. Chinese used to cup one hand in the other before the chest as a salute. This tradition has a history of more than 2021 years and nowadays it is seldom used except in Spring Festival. And shaking hands is more popular and appropriate on some formal occasions. Bowing, as to convey respect to the ones of higher level, was often used by those such as subordinates, students, and attendants. But at present Chinese youngsters tend to simply nod as greeting. To some extent this evolution reflects everincreasing paces of modern life. It should be generally cordial and natural to shake hands acpanied by smiling and greeting, between host and guest, the host should stretch out one’s hand first。 people are expected to take the initiative in advancing their personal interests and happiness. Etiquette is after all a very basic part of social heritage. Daily munication etiquette is seriously affected by collectivist or individualist preferences within various countries, where the human relationshipsthe relationships between the king and the minister, between father and son, between husband and wife, between the old and the y。 between the senior and junior, the senior should extend first. Man can’t hold too tight while shaking hands with lady. People generally use right hands to shake hands. If one can’t use the right hand, he should use left hand and give the reason to the other side in order to gain the pardon of others. Generally speaking, host’s initiative enthusiastic handshaking is the essential courtesy, which can add the cordial sense. Handshaking is a courtesy for the first meeting, congratulation, thanks or encouragement. This etiquette in EuroAmerican countries is a little different from China. The protocol of kissing is a traditional and popular behavior in foreign countries, which like China’s traditional protocol of bowing to show friendship and goodwill. But shaking hands is still popular in Englishspeaking countries。 between the men and women, the former should extend hands first