Many of us are familiar with the Chinese practice of tapping fingers on
the table to signify thanks, as after the pouring of tea or other
beverages. Likewise, the alleged beginnings of this practice as a covert
way to honor an emperor traveling incognito.

I recently had dinner with a Japanese business executive who did this.
Despite several weeks' travel in Japan on four occasions, I hadn't
previously noticed its use by Japanese. Is this a common practice in
Japan that I just never noticed? Where else is it common? I ask partly
out of curiosity, and partly to know when the gesture might suit.

Thanks-

DM

I've lived in Japan for 6 years, and I'm an anthropologist who is
interested in issues of body language. Let me assure you that this is
*not* normal Japanese behavior. Personally, if I were with a Japanese
who used that gesture, I would read it as them showing off their
cosmopolitan background. Perhaps that person used to live in a
country that used that gesture? Hangs out with Chinese people in
Japan? As a "foreigner" yourself, perhaps he expected you to be more
aware of the significance of that gesture?

On the other hand, I would say that *many* Japanese are *conscious* of
that gesture as a Chinese way of expressing thanks, especially when a
friend pours you tea.

james-henry holland
hobart and william smith colleges
geneva, new york

I recently had dinner with a Japanese business executive who did
this.

It is common in many places around China. Here in Guangdong there are
about a hundred different stories as to why it's done. It's usually
seen in places that consume a lot of tea.

Its been awhile but in the US I think the gesture also tells the
bartender to refill your drink or 'hit me again'. For an
anthropologist that would be interesting if you are from the
equivalence school of comparative behavior.

Jim

Thitherflit wrote:
...

On Jul 26, 7:30 pm, Thitherflit hws.edu> wrote:

MarshalN and Thitherflit wrote:

I just asked a co-worker who knows him much better, and who doesn't
think he's been posted to Cina for any length of time.

Or perhaps he was letting me know that my "Mo ippai kudasai" and "Iie,
kekko desu" were as off-target as Chinese in that elegant Japanese
restaurant.

Guess I'll just have to ask the guy next time we meet informally.

Thanks-

DM

On Jul 25, 1:42 pm, DogMa worldnet.att.net> wrote:

I recall reading that the finger tap was a substitute for kowtow when
an emperor was travelling incognito and did not wish to be given away.
Or so the story goes!