Meaning, conversations will often circle around a point before finally arriving at it. We always hear that Asian rhetoric styles are very circular. Chinese People Speak Bluntly But Not AlwaysĮxpect honest opinions from the Chinese people you meet. Getting along with people is often seen as more important than having their own opinion heard. In a country with such a large population, keeping peace and harmony is always a major concern, which is why Chinese people often shy away from outright conflict. Understanding these roots can help you make sense of how those roots have influenced modern Chinese people's way of life.Ĭhina's society, even in the modern day, is influenced by these ideas. In each of these beliefs, values include harmony, fortune, and community.
In China, the culture has been shaped largely by the tenants of eastern philosophies and religions like Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Different Philosophies Created Very Different Cultures It's simply a different set of manners adapted to the way the culture has developed 7. In China, bumping into others is so inevitable most people do not stop to acknowledge it. For example, in the west, if I bump into someone in a crowd I feel the need to apologize before moving on. Whether it is a crowded metro car, or simply a conversation over a table, foreigners often feel a bit of claustrophobia in China. Personal Space Is Much Smaller In Chinaīusy streets are nothing new to the Chinese.īlame it on the collectivist society and urban expansion, but Chinese people are simply much more comfortable in tight spaces than foreigners. Likewise, hot water is seen as the healthy option even in the heat of summer. The Chinese will often wear winter layers much longer than foreigners deem appropriate to keep off the winter chill. These and many more behaviors are because of the traditional medicine beliefs about hot and cold temperatures in the body. Or you will probably wonder why the host at your favorite local restaurant offered you hot water in the middle of summer. You may struggle to understand why your Chinese guide wears a thick coat on a day you might prefer a light jacket. With Chinese citizens, some of the most confusing behaviors come as a result of traditional beliefs about health. The key to understanding someone is to know why they do what they do. Their recent history gives them different values and concerns when it comes to government and China's place in the world. Remembering this past will be helpful if you ever discuss politics or history with a Chinese friend. While China has been at peace for decades, protecting their country and their own strength is still a major concern of both the government and its people. Adding to this, China experienced another civil war immediately afterward, and many Chinese people also fought and died in the Korean War. World War 2 was devastating to the Chinese mainland, as millions of Chinese and Japanese died there in the war. But as history will show you, our changes are vastly different than the changes China has experienced. In the west, we've undergone many changes in the last 50 years. Chinese People Can Remember Wars Fought At HomeĬhinese military history is memorialized and accessible to foreigners with an interest in the history. Keep this in mind as you plan your journey and get ready to become a bit of an ambassador during your travels.
If you're American, you might be asked things like whether you own a gun and if you eat a lot of hamburgers. For example, many in China believe that all foreigners are wealthy. The Chinese have their own stereotypes about foreigners that might impact your relationships. Of course, that means they will also get to know you. While traveling in China, you'll be able to see beyond what you've been told and get to know the real people of China. The stereotypes we have in the West about Chinese people are often based on harmful beliefs that cast them in a bad light. The Chinese Have Stereotypes About Westerners Too Remembering this can help you to know what your new Chinese friend values and who else might be there if they invite you over for a meal. Respect and close relationships with parents and children are the norm in China, as opposed to our more individualized approach in the West. Family members living in one home is no reflection on their success and is often the chosen living arrangement for everyone involved. In China, close family ties are much more common and much more positive. In Western culture, if you meet an adult that still lives with their parents you may begin to make negative assumptions about their lifestyle. Families are tightly knit units in traditional and modern Chinese culture.
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