Multicultural Manners : Meal Runs Afoul of Taiwan Custom

Kwang-Fu, newly arrived from Taiwan, moves in with the Quinn family to learn English. The first day, he warms a metal pot in the microwave and overloads the washing machine. Kindly, his hosts caution him to ask for instructions before using the appliances.

On Sunday, Mrs. Quinn prepares a special family meal. She places a beautifully roasted chicken in front of him, but notices that he only seems to pick at the food. She asks, “Didn’t you enjoy my cooking?”

He answers, “Yes, it was delicious, and I will leave here just as soon as I find another place to live.”

Mrs. Quinn is dumbfounded.

What went wrong?

Incredulous, Mrs. Quinn asked Kwang-Fu why he wanted to move. He explained that in Taiwan, when a person is not welcome, the host places a chicken with its head facing the unwanted party. Mrs. Quinn had placed the chicken in front of Kwang-Fu with the neck cavity facing him. He interpreted this as her request for him to leave. Mrs. Quinn reassured him that this was not an American custom.

During a New Year’s meal, a Taiwanese boss may inform an employee he wishes to fire him by facing a chicken toward the unfortunate worker. If no one is to be fired, the boss faces the bird toward himself.

Rule: Placement of food on the table can have multiple interpretations.