Wednesday, March 7, 2012

RECEIVING WITH BOTH HANDS

I am a Chinese Indonesian and I was taught from young that when we receive things from anyone, whether it is a gift or even a test paper, we are supposed to receive it with both our hands and that to do otherwise, is disrespectful towards that person who is giving you that thing. Recently, from my ICS 7 class that I am currently taking, I found out that many other Asian cultures (eg. China, Japan) also practice this. For those who are Asian, do you also do this when receiving things from other people? For those who are not Asian, what are your opinions?
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8 comments:

  1. John ValdezMarch 7, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Being a Filipino my parents never really emphasize using two hands when receiving gifts or any sorts of things. What i remember growing up was to always say "Thank You".

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  2. StevenMarch 9, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    I'm Vietnamese and Chinese and this practice is not so heavily emphasized. Although, it would seem more appropriate to receive gifts with both hands from those that are older.

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  3. Patrick KanadiMarch 9, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    In my home country, both hand are the most polite way to receive things. Below that level, people are still polite to receive things with only right hand.

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  4. Junghwan ShinMarch 9, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    I am korean.in my home coutnry, most korean receive things with both hands.

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  5. Jeffrey WangMarch 12, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    Personally this was never really heavily taught to me when I was little. However, I think it makes a really nice impression when someone does do it. It looks very respectful.

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  6. Sarah PakMarch 12, 2012 at 10:53 PM

    I'm a Korean and when receiving things from elders or someone of higher social standing, I'm expected to receive things with two hands. It shows that I respect the person. Usually, I only do this with Asians however, since I believe there's no such rule in other ethnicities.

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  7. JeofreyMarch 19, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    Coming from my nationality, it does not matter how someone receives a gift as long as they are showing gratitude. It would only be disrespectful if you didn't thank the person that gave you a gift. Personally, I don't keep on mind how I receive gifts if it is either one hand or both. However, now I have learned that it is to be received by both hands for certain Asian cultures.

    - Jeofrey Reyes

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  8. Ching ChengMarch 28, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    I am Chinese, and although it is part of my culture and I do practice it. It is not too heavily emphasized within my family. (at least not for everything)

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