26. News-Change the tradition

词汇

1.     communal 公用的 

2.     crucial 关键的

3.     bonding 特殊关系的形成

4.     tradition 传统

5.     saliva 唾液

Will coronavirus change the tradition of communal meals in China?

In China, communal eating is considered crucial for bonding. Now this dining tradition has been greatly challenged in the combat against the novel coronavirus. 

Since each diner picks food out of the communal plates on a bite-by-bite basis with their chopsticks, the virus can be transferred from saliva to chopsticks to the dish.

The move away from a traditional cultural practice in the Chinese society is ongoing. In modern times to eat individually may lose some tradition, but it can also mean more opportunities for creating something new in Chinese cuisine and eating habits.