In Chinese literature, small talk—often referred to as “hán xuān” (寒暄)—is both a narrative device and a cultural reflection of social etiquette. It typically appears in dialogues as exchanges of pleasantries about the weather, health, weddings, funerals, or family matters, serving to set a respectful, harmonious tone among characters before moving onto substantive topics. These literary small talks mirror real-life Chinese communication practices emphasizing indirectness, politeness, and relationship-building.
Classical and modern Chinese literature abound with examples of small talk functioning as social ritual. In classical stories and poetry, characters engage in ritual greetings that reinforce social hierarchy and mutual respect. Modern narratives use small talk to reveal character relationships and to ease the narrative into more serious or critical reflections. For example, the phrase “Have you eaten?” (你吃了吗？) is frequently used as a literary motif symbolizing care and social bonding rather than a literal question. Chinese authors also employ small talk to convey cultural values, such as patience, humility, and face-saving, often contrasting it with more direct Western communication styles.
Furthermore, short stories and novellas, especially since the May Fourth Movement and under authors like Lu Xun, use small talk to subtly critique social realities, expressing displacement or cultural tensions beneath polite veneers.