Chapter Eight: Five Things You Must NOT Do with Chopsticks
As you are doing business with Chinese people, you may have used "
chopsticks." But do you know the taboos of using this dining tool? The following list has five things you must know about the use of " chopsticks."
No.1: Hold " chopsticks" with your " 
thumb," " 
middle finger," "
ring finger," and "
little finger," but be sure not to point your "
index finger" at others. It is widely acknowledged in China that when someone is about to swear using dirty words, they tend to point their " index finger" at others. So if you let your " index finger" point to other guests at the table, it is perceived as being impolite.
No.2: Do not hold " chopsticks" in your mouth and suck them. It is regarded as lack of "
good behavior." Besides, if you suck on the " chopsticks," you are very likely to make strange noises, which is often quite annoying.
No.3: Do not get what you want to eat with only one chopstick. It is well-recognized that both " chopsticks" are always used together. But when you use only one of them to get something really small, it is like sticking up your "
middle finger" to someone in the western culture.
No.4: Do not put your " chopsticks" in the middle of a bowl of rice before eating. This is an action employed when you want to pay your respects to your ancestors who have passed away.
No.5: Do not use your " chopsticks" to hit the bowl or the plate, even when you feel bored. That's what beggars do when they beg for food.
Key Learning Points
n. chopsticks
Example
Many foreigners think that skillfully using chopsticks is as hard as learning Chinese.
n. good behavior
Example
I heard that you are taking travel Chinese courses recently.
Yes. My Chinese teacher emphasizes good behavior when traveling. For example, do not scrawl on the buildings during your trip.
Vocabulary:
n. people whom you know very well
n. thumb
n. index finger
n. middle finger
n. ring finger
n. little finger