Abstract:  In all ages, diet, as a basic substance that people have to rely on for survival, has always been playing an important role in human existence and development. This paper attempts to explore the differences between Chinese dietary culture and British dietary culture based on the analysis of the vivid plots from the two documentaries: My Chinese Favor and Nigel’s Simple Supper. It is found that there are significant differences in dietary concept, table manners and cooking methods between China and the England, and these differences are due to geographical factors, religious factors and the national personality. With the continuous development of cross-cultural communication, China and England will have more and more opportunities to exchange their food culture. Therefore, it is very important to enhance the awareness of intercultural communication. 

Key words: cross-cultural communication; dietary culture; culture differences 

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.. 1

2. Literature Review.2

2.1 Dietary Culture

2.2 A Brief Introduction of My Chinese Taste

2.3 A Brief Introduction of Nigel’s Simple Suppers

3. Differences of Dietary Cultures Between China and England...3

3.1 Differences in Dietary Concepts 

3.1.1 Different concepts in good taste and nutrition

3.1.2 Different concepts in extravagantness and frugality

3.2 Differences in Table Manners

3.2.1 Differences in tableware

3.2.2 Differences in atmosphere

3.2.3 Differences in etiquette

3.3 Differences in Cooking Methods

4. Reasons of Differences between Chinese and English Dietary Culture 9

4.1 National Personality

4.2 Geographic Factor

4.3 Religious Factor

5.Conclusion  ...11

Bibliography...12

Acknowledgements.... 13