Before deciding to want to study Chinese in Mainland China locally, it’s good to get thoroughly informed on what to expect from the culture shock that comes with it. And although this experience is personal for everyone, we can try and elaborate on the most common changes that most “foreigners” are experiencing in China.
Communication Styles in china
One notable difference between Chinese culture and the West lies in communication styles. While Western cultures often emphasize directness and straightforwardness, Chinese communication is typically more indirect and subtle. For example, in the West, it’s common to express one’s opinion openly and directly, while in China, it’s more likely for people to use hints or suggestions to convey their thoughts, out of respect and to maintain harmony in relationships. Though it would be a huge thing to note that physical appearance comments are extremely common (often considered negative).
The concept of face (Mianzi) plays a significant role in Chinese culture, affecting communication styles. Maintaining face means preserving one’s dignity and reputation, which often involves avoiding confrontations or disagreements. In contrast, Western cultures might be more accepting of open disagreement, as long as it’s respectful.
Family and Social Hierarchy
Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on family and social hierarchy, largely influenced by Confucianism. Filial piety, or respect and reverence for one’s parents and ancestors, is a cornerstone of Chinese family values. This may manifest in decisions such as living close to one’s parents or seeking their approval in matters of marriage and career. Some extreme examples that can be witnessed more often than not in the more rural areas are sacrifices of progression in career or personal development in order to satisfy familial goals.
In the workplace, Chinese culture often observes a more rigid hierarchy compared to the West. Employees in China might be less likely to challenge their superiors or offer differing opinions, whereas Western workers might feel more comfortable engaging in discussions or debates with their bosses.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Western cultures are known for their emphasis on individualism, where personal achievements and independence are highly valued. For example, moving out of one’s parent’s home at a young age is considered a mark of independence in the West. On the other hand, Chinese culture is more collectivist, prioritizing the welfare of the family or group over individual desires. This could be seen in the strong ties between family members or the importance of teamwork and cooperation in professional settings.
Education and Learning
Education holds a special place in Chinese culture, with teachers enjoying a high level of respect and reverence. In China, students are often expected to absorb knowledge through listening and memorization, whereas Western education may place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. For instance, Chinese students might be more likely to focus on mastering a subject through repetition, while Western students might be encouraged to explore multiple perspectives or solutions. This can often lead to a need for more need for education on the job compared to a western educated person who would seem more adept at career performance due to the different approach.
Food and Dining Etiquette
Food plays a central role in Chinese culture, and dining etiquette differs significantly from the West. Communal dining is the norm in China, with dishes typically shared among the diners. Although in China, westerners are typically given a “pass” for westerners who haven’t been able to adapt to Chinese culture yet; You are typically expected to join the (more often than not) drinking shot after shot of beer or wine, where the end goal is getting in the right mindset quickly to create a closer bond and feel of comradery among the diners.
In Summary
Understanding and appreciating the unique aspects of Chinese culture is essential for fostering strong cross-cultural relationships and collaboration. Recognizing the value of learning from one another’s cultures can lead to a richer and more diverse global community. By embracing the differences between Chinese culture and the West, we can foster mutual respect, bridge cultural gaps, and create a more interconnected and harmonious world.
This article is not serving as a form of criticism of either cultural approach but rather provides a more localized observation from westerners who have provided context during their travels within China. The magic tip we would love to convey when you’d like to join an immersive program with us or elsewhere would be: Keep an open mind, and try to go with the flow as it will allow you to enjoy the way locals do as authentically as possible.
If you found more major cultural differences that you feel like we’ve missed, leave a comment, and thank you so much for reading.
