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Focuses
❖ Therefore, we would restrict out perspectives to some aspects that might arouse the miscommunication and misunderstanding between the Americans and the Chinese.
way in thinking.
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Different Ways of Thinking
❖ The “implicit & mild” way in thinking could be dated back to a literal works of art entitled “Zhong Yong” by Zi Si (Shen Kong, 483-402 BC), the grandson of Confucius, in Warring Times.
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Interpreting a Smile
❖ It may be difficult for Americans to believe that smiling for the Chinese not only means that someone is happy but sometimes also means that someone is sorry for the error he/she has committed.
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Language Use for Greetings
❖ In Chinese: ❖ Xinghui, Xinghui! (Happy to
meet you! Happy to meet you!) ❖ Chi fan le ma? (Have you had your meal?) ❖ Chi le mei you? (as above) ❖ The Chinese style of greeting would bring some puzzles to Americans.
❖ Some aspects are related to: ❖ Daily communication; ❖ Hospitality; ❖ Table manners; ❖ Romance and sexuality; ❖ Privacy; ❖ Others.
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Daily Communication
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Different Ways of Thinking
❖ The comments on the pictures: ❖ The blue picture indicates the way of
thinking, “call a spade a spade”. ❖ The red picture indicates the “implicit l Remarks
❖ It is probably the different ways of thinking that lead the different people to the different understandings of a certain phenomenon in terms of culture.
❖ “Zhong Yong” refers to the Doctrine of Mean, or the Happy Medium, aiming at the promotion of mildness and moderation in thought and behavior.
❖ Four intentions related: ❖ A. not overworked while working, ❖ B. not overjoyed while entertaining, ❖ C. not too tough on others, ❖ D. not too much luxury.
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Example
❖ Not too tough to others: ❖ Chinese style: Even if a criticism is given to
someone who makes a mistake, it would be put in a mild and roundabout way so that the person would accept it easily. ❖ American style: If a criticism is given to someone who makes a mistake, it would be a direct one to the person, which makes him know his fault immediately.
❖ Our experience tells us that a rule which is passionately held to be correct today was equally and firmly frowned on at some other time or in some other place.
Cultures in Contrast --- Some Differences Between Americans and Chinese
Robert Bolding Schilling Farms Middle School
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General Remarks
❖ An understanding of the differences between people from different cultures is of vital importance for harmonious relationships.
❖ Language Use for Greetings
❖ Meeting people is one of the daily activities. In the use of language, the different greetings between the people:
❖ In English: ❖ How do you do! ❖ Nice to meet you! ❖ How are you? ❖ Etc.