Cultural competence

As in any social interaction, knowing  rules, norms and practices of a social group you are dealing with is of paramount importance. Table manners are not universal. They vary from country to country,  class to class, situation to situation. What is required at formal dinner is not necessarily a good practice to follow at your friend's barbecue party. Paper napkins are a much better choice for the latter.

An interesting article about the differences between the countries. Let us know if you agree.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/food-and-wine-holidays/A-guide-to-table-manners-around-the-world/

How to eat. About the project.

Everyone has table manners. We learn to eat before we learn to speak. Table manners tell a lot about us. Where and how we were brought up. What we value. What we aspire to. There are no universally bad or universally good table manners as long as we don't bring danger to the table: threats to health and safety, threats to mood and enjoyment. The only universally good table manner is to make everyone around the table happy and to amplify our enjoyment of sharing food. Table manners developed together with humanity and tell us a lot about society. It is a fascinating subject.

Far from being gurus in table manners teaching we are just curious researchers. The "How to eat" project" is about asking the questions and trying to find the answers to them.  How do we eat? Why this way and not another?  Why table manners are so important? Or are they not?

Read what we've learnt so far. Tell us what you think. We do have a questionnaire on our website www.howtoeat.net. Please share your views on table manners with us.

Enjoy the art. Join us on a lighthearted journey into a rather serious matter.