Is it rude to walk through a door without saying thank you? Would you tell a stranger how much you earn? And is it acceptable to tell someone they've put on weight?

Apparently, the answers depend on whether you're British or Taiwanese.

In Mandarin Monkey Podcast Episode 484, British husband Tom and Taiwanese wife Ula put 12 everyday social situations to the test, deciding whether they're RUDE, POLITE or completely NORMAL in their respective cultures.

From Taiwanese hospitality and British manners to taking your shoes off indoors, arguing over restaurant bills, refusing invitations and dealing with interfering parents, we discover just how differently two cultures can interpret the same behaviour.

Along the way, we get into British politeness, Taiwanese family expectations, awkward social encounters and the little cultural misunderstandings that come with being in a British-Taiwanese marriage.

Expect plenty of disagreement, a bit of British sarcasm and natural Mandarin Chinese conversation throughout.

What's considered rude in your country that would be normal somewhere else?

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About the podcast

Mandarin Monkey is a bilingual Mandarin-English conversation podcast hosted by Tom and Ula. We explore Taiwan, British culture, family life and language learning through relaxed conversations in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Perfect for Mandarin learners looking for natural Chinese listening practice and anyone interested in Taiwanese culture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.