Comparison and Contrast between Chinese and Western Cultures Part 1 Culture and valueI. The characteristics of culturea. Culture is learned, not hereditary (遗传的).b. Culture is transmitted from generation to generation.c. Culture is dynamic.d. Culture centers around the race or nationality.e. Values are the core of culture.II. value (The difference between western and Chinese value)Individualism and collectivismPart 2 ReligionI. Religions in the worldThe three major religions in the world: Christianity; Islam; BuddhismII. Christianity⏹It is the largest religion in the world.⏹Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.⏹Jesus Christ: He is the founder of Christianity.III. Islam⏹Islam is one of the top3 religions in the world with Buddhism and theChristian religion, with a history of more than 1000 years.⏹Three important concepts.(1) Allah: He is the only God, creator of the universe. (monotheism一神教/论)(2) Muhammad: The founder of the religion of Islam(3) Koran(古兰经): The religious text of IslamIV. Buddhism⏹It originated in India in the 6th century BC.⏹Shakyamuni: the founder of BuddhismPart 3 FestivalsWestern festivals:1.New Year’s Day (1st January)2.St. Valentine’s Day (14th February)3.April Fools’ Day (1st April )4.Good Friday (the Friday before Easter)5.Easter (around March 22---April 25)6.Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May)7.Father’s Day (the third Sunday in June)8.Halloween (31st October)9.Thanksgiving Day (The last Thursday in November)10.Christmas Day (25th December)Know about the symbols and traditions of western festivals (such as Christmas Day, Thanksgiving day, Valentine’s day, Easter Day, Halloween)中国节日自己了解Part 4 EtiquetteI. Meeting and Greeting People(1) GreetingIn Chinese：“你吃了吗？” “Have you eaten yet?”“你上哪里去？” “Where are you going?”“你干什么去？” “What are you going to do?”In China these greeting questions are intended to show consideration instead of inquiring about others’ private affairs. But this kind of greetings often causewesterners uneasiness and annoyance because they sound more like being curious and inquisitive.(2) When to shake handsWhen two persons are of the same sex, it is usually for the older to put his hand out first; when of different sexes, it is the woman who first offers her hand.II．IntroductionHow to introduce peopleYou should introduce:a man to a womanchildren to adultsa younger person to an older person of the same sexan unmarried woman to a married womanan unimportant person to an important person of the same sexIII. Invitation⏹In the west, when you receive an invitation you should answer it immediately,saying definitely whether you are able to accept it or not.IV. Visiting1) Making an appointmentFor westerners, the first step prior to visiting is to make a request for a visit to make sure whether the other party is free or not.In business setting, Chinese also observe the international practice to make an advance appointment before a formal visit, especially for the first formal visit. However, in informal settings, advance notice or appointment is unnecessary.2) Paying a visitChinese visitors prefer to make some preliminary remarks either in business visits or private visits to soften the atmosphere, assume close relationship or showconcern.V. Compliments and ResponseDue to the influence of the traditional Chinese philosophy, the Chinese people regard modesty as a most valuable virtue and they take price in “modesty”. They seldom agree to the compliment on their own.English-speaking people are more active to praise others and to be praised than Chinese people. The Western way to a compliment would be to say “thank you” or to accept it easily.VI. Gift giving1. gift-giving in the west(1) In English-spoken countries, the U.S. in particular, lavish, extravagant gifts aredefinitely out. The proper gifts: a gracious written note, a bottle of wine, flowers, and so on.Flowers are good, but don’t send white flowers and flowers with even number, because people believe that they will bring misfortune.(2) Gifts are opened in front of the giver. The gift is admired, and appreciation isexpressed verbally.2. gift-giving in China(1) Since Chinese view gifts as symbols of friendship, trust and mutual obligation(Relations关系are built and sustained through the exchange of favors and gifts), it is best to select items as personal presents that are thoughtfully chosen.(2) Chinese usually will not unwrap a gift in the presence of the giver. It isappropriate to politely show reluctance when accepting a gift.VII. Taboo subjects in communication⏹The taboo subjects in the west：⏹religious belief, political points, intimate sex relations, details of births, detailsof unpleasant illness; income or salary of friends , the age of the person one is talking with; marital status.Part 5 Language or V ocabularyI. Number⏹The taboo number in China4, 7⏹The taboo number in western world13, Fridaythirteen 是人们的最忌讳的数字, 被认为是凶险不祥的象征, 尤其在欧美成为头号大忌, 长期以来, 在英美民间流传着一句谚语:“Thirteen is an unlucky number。