The differences between Chinese and Western culture

The Differences between Chinese and Western Culture

张亮

Key words:

culture, cultural differences Abstract:

In this article, I mainly focus on the relationship of culture and language. Through further study and understanding, we should be aware that cultural differences can not be ignored and changed by any one, and also it can’t be taken for granted that culture is a simple concept. What we can do is to accept these differences and to respect these differences and to further understand these differences. Thus, it would be helpful for us to avoid cultural conflicts in the process of dealing with practical issues. 1. Introduction

Culture is the general concept of art, belief, the outlook of value, tradition and custom, and it can significantly reflect the characteristics of some societies, people, areas, or some countries. Among the parts of some certain culture, there must be a language by which people express themselves and communicate to each other. Language is also an important carrier of culture, and the two are of great importance to each other. People fostered by different cultures will show their characteristic ways of language speaking and communication, owing to their different regimes, cultural traditions, the outlook of values, life styles, and ways of thinking. If we neglect the differences between various cultures and speak to westerners in the ways of our mother tongue, we might commit some inappropriateness even misunderstandings, which may bring us unsuccessful communication. In other words, we will never master and handle a language in word and deed unless we understand the discrepancies, the ways and disciplines of communication. If we are to improve the ability of lingual communication, we have to pay attention to the discrepancies between different cultures.

2. major difference

The major difference between Chinese and Western culture is that China is an oriental country, and its traditional culture is completely different from western heritage. Chinese culture is older than 5000 years, and Chinese people have developed their own music, musical instruments, painting techniques, traditional Chinese medicine, and not to forget,

cooking methods etc – completely different and unique when compared to Western culture. Chinese believe in healthy eating, and have a holistic approach towards health. The Western culture is more advanced, and loves adventure and exploration. The Chinese focus more on collective gain instead of individual gain by making the right decisions, and believe in adopting a middle way to avoid extremism.

3 complexity.

Westerners find the Chinese culture complex, and hard to understand, as the Chinese culture has its own values, background and belief system. The Chinese are very friendly and helpful to a stranger, compared to Westerners who would never entertain a stranger. Western culture has a wealthy and luxurious lifestyle, but Chinese mostly have a modest way of living, for example, on average, the Chinese may have no more than 40 sq. feet of living space. Chinese use sir names, and are strictly moral to avoid public displays of affection. The Western culture has the freedom to express them freely. When compared to Western culture, the Chinese culture differs a lot, as they value relationships more than their Western counterparts.

4. the major philosophies

There is a vast difference between the major philosophies of eastern and western life. Westerners believe in self dedication to achieve their goals of success and happiness etc., whereas the Chinese have behavioral ethics, and are dependent on their inner world and perceptions of eternal recurrence. The Western approach is to search outside of yourself, whereas the Chinese prefer to adopt a systematic approach, and search within themselves.

5. happiness

The real happiness in Western society is based upon a materialistic approach, whereas the Chinese believe that true happiness is achieved by inner intervention, as the truth is the key to eternal bliss and happiness. The Western society believes in individualism, whereas the Chinese culture has faith in collectivism and fundamental connections with others. A Westerner is overwhelmed by pragmatic, materialistic and emotional approaches in comparison to the Chinese, who have a more missionary and spiritual approach towards life. The Westerner analyzes and the Chinese meditate. The Chinese believe in virtues and Westerners believe in value ethics.

6.Cultural differences in politeness between western and Chinese

1. Greeting and Parting

In China, When people meet acquaintances or friends, we always say ,“Have you eaten yet?” What are you going to do?”

In English, people often employ the following expressions to greet each other “Good morning/evening/afternoon. “Fine day, isn’t it? ”How is everything going?”,etc

Western and Chinese cultures have diverse ways to deal with leave-takings.

Western people always try to make their leaving sound reluctant by finding some reasons and apologize for it to make the leaving acceptable for both parties. They often signal several times before leaving. Such as,

1.“I am afraid I must be off, I have to …”

2. “Well, it’s been nice to see you again. I do enjoy our talk and the lovely dinner, but I must be going soon”.

3. “Thank you very much for asking me over. I hope we’ll be able to get together again before long…”

2. Addressing

In China, the surname comes first and then the given name.

While westerners names are written and spoken with the given name first and the family name last.

In a formal setting, westerners address men as \(\be addressed using the abbreviations \

In an informal situation, westerners will introduce each other by first name, without titles, and occasionally by just the last name.

Chinese use “title +surname” to address their superior or elders rather than call them surnames, while the superior or elders call the addressers their names. Otherwise, the addresser may be considered as ill mannered, ill educated or rude.

In west, although they are different in age and status, they can call the other directly, namely, their names, even first names .They demonstrate the sense of intimacy and the conception of” Everyone is created equal”

3.Compliments and Response

For example, if a hostess is complimented for her cooking skill ,how she will response in west and china?