Final answer:
Burping at the dinner table is not illegal, but it is often considered impolite or bad manners in many cultures. Social norms and dining etiquette typically discourage disruptive behavior, and being considerate of others at the table is valued.
Step-by-step explanation:
Burping at the dinner table is indeed not illegal, but it is generally considered to be bad manners or frowned upon in many cultures. This is because dining etiquette is an important part of social norms, which tend to guide the expectations for appropriate behavior in social situations, including family gatherings or public meals.
In different households, views on manners can vary substantially. For example, while using good dishes from a big mahogany breakfront during special meals symbolizes a formal dining setting, others may have a more casual perspective on dining etiquette. Even within a single household, such as the contrast between a formal meal blessing on a Virginia plantation versus more informal, scattered family eating habits mentioned in your question, cultural practices can differ widely.
However, the underlying principle is to be considerate and respectful to others present, and behaviors like burping loudly, which could be considered disruptive or impolite, are typically discouraged.