Therefore, friend's position is (important) in Chinese's mind. The purpose that Chinese don't go Dutch is doesn't want to destroy the friendship between the friends. Dutch treatment is the stingy behavior in China, is (unfavorable) to the friends' solidarity and is unfavorable to keeping the harmonious interpersonal relationship.
Third, it is only simple “Have a meal!” that Occidental entertain (guests). It is not purpose that Chinese entertain guests, but it is the means. In Americans' idea, “Have a meal” definition is to add fuel to the body for keeping health and normal life activity. Thus resist the attack of disease. That is to say, there is no any additional (value).
In the Chinese idea, “Have a meal” (not only) is for maintaining the health of the body, (but also) is a kind of life enjoyment, even is the means to promote friendship between the friends. After enjoying the sumptuous delicious food, you are glad, I am glad too, everybody is glad. The friendship between the friends has been (strengthened) in this kind of atmosphere.
Chinese are a nation liking treat very much. Generally speaking, one party who propose treat will pay the bill in China. But purposes are (different). For example you help me to do a thing, I will invite you to dinner in order to (express) thankfulness to you, certainly, I will pay the bill. Suppose I am a company manager, you are another company manager. I talk about the business with you, and I will say: “Let's have a meal together!”. (Certainly), I will pay the bill. My purpose is that congratulates business' success, promote the friendship between us, even the friendship and cooperation between two companies.
In fact, Chinese are very (complicated). So I say that Chinese don't go Dutch is not merely a kind of folkway and custom, but it is a means, a method, a (repayment) way, a way to express emotion, even is probably a kind of stratagem …
Questions)
1. Do you agree with the writer's opinion?
2. How do you think of the dinning culture in China?
