Quote Originally Posted by Canuck of NI View Post
In Japan at least, it's considered low class to hold chopsticks ('hachi') near the working end- it's desirable to hold them as far up as possible. I make that a practice whereever I go, just in case it's universal. But it seems that the hardest way is always the most polite.
In some places, most difficult and most polite do often seem to be synonymous; but it's understandable, as that shows how very sincere you are in your respect for those around you!

(As an off-topic aside - I think you meant to type "hashi" as the word for chopsticks - I'm no expert on Japanese, but I believe "hachi" is the bowl of a helmet.)

I also think that you won't go too far wrong sticking with a single "style" of dining etiquette - I think the differences between the various Western countries' styles are subtle enough not to cause too much of a scandal wherever you happen to be. It seems Americans are forgiven their utensil switching wherever they may be so long as they don't spoil the butter and I doubt many Americans would take offense at seeing a fork used left-handed.