Origin of a Cultural Trait

Champ · #1 Jul 3, 2005, 08:25 PM

We occasionally observe in TV newscasts that when the audience applauds dignitaries (or speakers who have just finished a speech) from countries like Russia or China, the dignitarie/speakers too join in the applause by clapping their hands. There must be some idea behind this cultural trait. The clapping by the dignitaries/speakers is certainly not meant to applaud themselves. Exactly what then is their clapping meant to celebrate?

fredg · Jul 4, 2005, 07:44 AM

Hi,
I don't know where this comes from, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they are NOT applauding themselves!!
Humility is not worldwide.
Happy 4th.
fredg

granmaboat · Jan 12, 2008, 11:13 AM

guess you had to be there.

I found this but was unable to access it.

"The Influence of the Cultural Revolution on the Teaching of ...

The classes always rose to clap the arriving and departing visitors (who followed the polite Chinese custom of. clapping in return), but otherwise the ...
eltj.oxfordjournals.org"

perhaps they are "clapping in return"

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