The Way We Think — the cultural DNA

The Way We Think -- the cultural DNA of Chinese people

What to bring when you visit China? A childlike heart An open mind

The way we talk – – – Have you eaten yet? What are you busy with? Where are you going? How old are you? Long time no see. You become fat. How come? –… the way to show friendliness and concern for others

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Other Oriented – “Being benevolent means to love others. ” • Group Oriented – “A man of virtue can never be isolated. He is sure to have likeminded companions. ”

“collectivism” • Devotion to group over individual interest. • Where there is conflict of interests, an accepted solution, is “minority should subordinate to majority”.

In everyday Life • Show concern for others • “social concern” • Express hospitality • “role system” • Kinship terms

Entertainments • KTV: – sing Karaoke – private soundproof rooms – comfortable couches – a KTV machine, big screen TV – access to a huge buffet and waiters that bring you what you need

Eating customs • Who pays? – fight to be the one to pay. • Dishes are placed on the table and everyone shares. • Using the plates as a place to set bones and shells, etc.

How to respond • To answer as a pattern to show you’re friendly. – Yes. I’ve just eaten. And you? – Nothing special, just work and hang out with friends… – Just go out, take a walk…maybe buy something. – (deflect) – Thanks for reminding me. I’m going to work out…

The way we talk – You’re flattering me. – Come on. Don’t joke about me. – Well, she’s not bad…just ok… – Not me, I’m not the most competent. MODESTY

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Harmony – “In conducting the rites, seeking harmony is the most valuable principle. ” – “Gentlemen are harmonious but different. ”

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Modesty – “Out of three men, there must be one that can teach me. ” • “The bird who sticks his head out get hits first. ”

Cultural DNA -- Taoism • “Ill fortune is that beside which good fortune lies; good fortune is that beneath which ill fortune lurks. ” • Think of danger in time of peace.

In Everyday Life • • Humble yourself to respect others. Mutually beneficial There is a mountain beyond the mountain. Arrogance invites losses, while modesty brings profits. • Peaceful & non-aggressive

In Everyday Life • Prepare for the worst in the midst of happy events, and expect a change for the better when hit by disaster or tragedy. • Too much is as bad as too little. • The appropriate time for viewing a flower is when it is half open, and the appropriate moment for stopping drinking is when one has become slightly drunk.

Gift-giving • “The gift is nothing, it’s the thought that counts. ” • Usually do not open gifts at the time they receive them.

How to respond • Don’t feel awkward when you hear that. • Some other way of “showing modesty”-– This is nothing much/a mere trifle, but please accept it. – Sorry to have given you so much trouble. – It won’t be long. I don’t want to waste your time. – Please feel free to correct my mistakes. –…

The way we talk – Professor Ma, you have a class soon? – Yes, teacher Li, how about you? – President Zhang, I got the message and I’ll try to finish it soon. – Lao Wang… – Xiao Li… Respect for age and hierarchy

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Hierarchy Five cardinal relationships: – Ruler and the ruled – Husband wife – Parents and children – Older and younger brothers – Friend a friend

Family relations • The Chinese extended family tends to be more significant in life. The different relationships are further distinguished. • Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and in -laws on the father’s side have different titles than those on the mother’s side.

In everyday Life • Address their colleagues in title • Address parents’ friends by “uncle” or “aunt” • Always in hierarchical order • Old people would like to say they’re quite “old”

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Filial respect – “When one’s parents are alive, one should not go far away. If one has to, one should tell them where one is going. ”

Cultural DNA -- Confucianism • Filial respect – “One must always keep in mind one’s parents’ birthdays. On the one hand, one is glad to offer birthday congratulations; on the other hand, one is worried to see they grow one year older. ”

In everyday Life • Aging parents are fond of depending on their children • Individual interests should submit to the family interests • Children must obey their parents’ will and support them

Confucius’s Advice • “If you enter a region, ask what its prohibitions are; if you visit a country, ask what its customs are; if you cross a family’s threshold, ask what its taboos are. ”

My Advice • It’s hard to generalize anything in such a huge country. • China is in a state of transition and transformation, politically, economically, socially, even culturally. The changes are rapid in speed, great in dimension, run deep and they continue. • So, never try to stereotype anything “Chinese”.

My Advice • The older might tend to be more traditional, while the younger ones may have adopted more modern or western standards. • When in China, try to do as the Chinese do.

First impression? • Crowded • Big • Fast-paced, upbeat and exciting • Old: The Great Wall, Forbidden City

First impression? • Modern: CBD, Bird’s Nest, Shanghai • Cheap: food, clothes, books, digital products, taxi… • Lively • Noisy: construction sites, car horns, restaurants

First impression? • Curious about foreigners • Top 5 questions – – Where are you from? Are you a student here? What do you do? Why did you choose China/to learn Chinese? – How long have you been here?

China Dream • Fast growing economy in the world with limitless opportunities • Energetic and prosperous • Sense of optimism • A very happening place

Thank you! Please feel free to correct my mistake. ^^

Discussion • Have you ever “lost your horse? ” share among yourselves such stories and enlightenment you may get. • Share your stories in China (with Chinese people) which you were confused about.