Cultural Differences in Daily Communication between China and U.S

Cultural Differences in Daily Communication between China and U.S

Contents

Abstract ⅰ

摘要 ⅱ

Introduction 1

1 Brief Introduction to Daily Communication 1

2 Chief Cultural Differences between China and U.S in Daily Communication 2

2.1 Forms of Address 2

2.2 Greetings and Farewells 3

2.3 Compliments and Praise 3

2.4 Thanks and Response 4

3 The Main Reasons of Cultural Differences 5

3.1 Values 5

3.2 Beliefs 5

3.3 Social Customs 6

4 Measures to Narrow the Cultural Gap 6

Conclusion 7

Bibliography 8

Abstract

Different cultures have different expression. The cultures between China and the U.S are distinguished by a rather large scale of elements. Actually, how do people communication in daily life is also not the same, sometimes even the opposite. Cultural differences between China and western country will be presented in this paper. It is including forms of address, greetings, fare, wells, compliments, praise, thanks and response. In addition, it will analyze the reason of cultural differences and propose the measures to narrow the cultural gap.

Key Words：culture difference language daily communication China U.S

摘要

不同文化又不同的表达方式。中美之间的文化有一系列的差别。实际上，人们在日常生活中怎样交流也是各不相同，有时候甚至是相反的。本文将介绍中国和西方国家之间的文化差异。这些差异包括地址的形式，问候，告别，致意，赞美，感谢和响应。此外，它会分析产生这些文化差异的原因，并提出缩小文化差距的措施。

关键词:文化 不同 语言 日常交流 中国 美国

Introduction

With the developing of sciences and technologies, people with different cultural backgrounds are communicating more and more frequently. People with different lifestyles, ways of thinking, behavior and values are interacting more with each other. With more cross-cultural communication, because of cultural differences, misunderstandings may arise, although the language used in communication may be faultless.

As cultures are diverse, so languages are diverse. It is only natural then that differences in languages can create differences in communicating between cultures and across cultures [1]. Understanding is not always easy. It is therefore very important to be aware of and understand culture differences, only with that will someone know how to respect other cultures and how to use their languages well when communicating with them.

Agreement about a simple meaning of culture is not in sight. Various definitions of culture reflect differing theories for understanding — or criteria for evaluating — human activity. Sir Edward B. Tylor writing from the perspective of social anthropology in the UK in 1871 described culture in the following way: "Culture or civilization, taken in its wide ethnographic sense, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society."[2]

Culture consists of all the shared products of human society”.[3 ] This means not only such visible things as cities, organizations and schools, but also non-material things such as ideas, customs, family patterns, languages. To simplify, culture refers to the entire way of life of a society, “the ways of a people.”

Language is a part of culture and plays a very important role in it. Some social scientists consider it the keystone of culture. Without language, they maintain, culture would not be possible. On the other hand, language is influenced and shaped by culture; it reflects culture. In the broadest sense, language is the symbolic representation of a people, and it comprises their historical and cultural backgrounds as well as their approach to life and their ways of living and thinking. [4]

What needs to be stressed here is that culture and language interact, and that the understanding of one requires the understanding of the other.

1 Brief Introduction to Daily Communication

Communication, namely the interaction between people, usually refers to the two and two or more people through the language and behavior to communicate express opinions, emotion. The human communication is not only a linguistic phenomenon, but also a cultural phenomenon. It is no doubt that communication is of great importance in our daily life. People can not live without communication. Communication is every where. Daily communication is very important to our human the vehicle by which people initiate, maintain, and terminate their relationships with others. If you want to communicate well, the first thing you should do is to understand different cultures. The cultures between China and the U.S are distinguished by a rather large scale of elements and the people communication in daily life is also not the same. We should get to learn how to coordinate the different cultures. For example, their forms of address, greetings, farewells and so on. Only in this way we can communicate successfully with other people who come from the different countries.

2 Chief Cultural Differences between China and U.S in Daily Communication

2.1 Forms of Address

The trend is for Americans to address others by using first names such as Bill or Jean rather than the more formal method of address such as Mr. Smith or Miss Jones. This also applies even when people meet for the first time. It is also common when young children address older people, including their grandparents. This is not considered a sign of disrespect but as an accepted cultural norm.

People of different social status also do the same, for example students often call their professors by their first name. This is not regarded as a sign of familiarity or disrespect, but rather, as an indication that the relationship between professor and student is affable and has a sense of equality.

The Chinese custom in this aspect certainly seems to counter what is practiced in the United States. In China, seniority is paid respect, with the affability and equality of the American professor and student relationship absent. It is expected for the junior to address the senior in a formal and proper way. The reaction of a grandparent being called by their first name by a grandchild or a teacher/lecturer being addressed in first name terms by a student would be one of shock and result in possible displeasure and probable reprimand. The old traditional hierarchical structure in Chinese society has helped maintain this respectful form of addressing others. Two prefixes used in Chinese which do however embody a less formally and more friendly form of address are Lao and Xiao, but in comparison to American, formal address is what is expected in China.

Chinese often extend kinship terms like ad ye, ad ma and a yes to people not related by blood or marriage. These terms are used after surnames to indicate politeness and respect. In America, however, the name alone would ordinarily be enough. The English equivalents of the above mentioned kinship terms are not used. With relatives it is the first name that is normally used and the relationship is omitted. Other terms used in addressing people in China are gingham shush and hush aye. Using these terms in the English form in addressing Americans would sound odd to the American ear.

Another common Chinese form of address is the use of a person’s title, office or occupation such as “张校长”, “马经理”. To use these forms of address is far from normal in America though in certain occupations titles are used, particularly in establishment occupations such as law, government and armed forces e.g. Judge, President and General.

2.2 Greeting and Farewell

Americans have many forms of greeting someone, including good morning, good evening? Hello! Hi! The equivalents most commonly used in China, particularly in urban areas, are “你好” or “您好”. But traditional greetings in China can still be heard which differ a lot from America. Two typical greetings---translated into English are Have you eaten yet? Or have you had your lunch? Addressing an American using these questions would probably be taken literally --The reply would probably be yes? or No? In fact it would most probably be interpreted as an invitation to come for a meal or an invitation to come to someone’s home for a meal. The greeting would be misunderstood.

Similar Chinese greetings literally translated are where are you going? And what are you doing? Addressing Americans in these ways would be looked upon as intruding into personal matters. In general, they would feel uncomfortable if someone approached and addressed them in such a way. They would most likely react by saying Mind your own business or indeed saying something very rude! So, what is meant by the Chinese as a form of greeting and not as a genuine question is seen by Americans as a rude question.

When Americans part from a friend or friends, the usual remarks are bye, goodbye, see you soon, or so long, take care Often accompanied by a smile. This would be done after an informal meeting or an evening spent in each others company or when leaving someone’s home after dining with them. For strangers or people who may not see each other again, the greeting maybe more formal and they may say It’s nice to have met you, or Nice meeting you, take care, and to accompany this with a handshake.

Terms used when Chinese part, differ. On accompanying a guest to the door, an indication of the esteem for a guest is shown by the distance between host and guest, accompanied by the host saying : “请留步”. Final parting remarks include “慢走”, “走好” , “慢点骑”. Such remarks used in America would sound strange and indeed pointless.

It can be seen that Americans tend to have less formal ways and a more relaxed attitude in greeting and parting from others. They tend to avoid commenting on the personal aspects of someone’s life. In doing this they tend to respect the privacy of the individual their American culture of individualism. On the other hand however the Chinese tend to show more concern for the matters in personal life when they greet someone or leave someone...they show their culture of collectivism.

2.3 Compliments and Praise

Both cultures use compliments to people on many aspects such as intelligence, talents, and personal qualities and on material possessions. However compliments can be interpreted in different ways and reacted to in different ways. An example is of a Chinese student in America who is complimented about her new dress by an American student. She may result may feel happy but also embarrassed and so replies in a typical Chinese fashion, Its just an ordinary dress I bought in China. The American however may then feel however that her taste in clothing is questionable and so feel uncomfortable that she praised the dress in the first place.

Another example can be illustrated by the American who teaches in China and invites the Chinese art teacher to give him advice on a new painting he is creating. The Chinese teacher makes some suggestions and then says I really don’t know much about the subject. The American may interpret this as the art teacher “fishing for a compliment”, even though the teacher’s remarks may be very sincere. It would then necessitate a response from the American such as Oh come on, I know you an expert on Chinese art. This appears as a forced compliment and can lead a bad taste in the mouth. In fact, Chinese people value modesty highly and think it bad taste and impolite to accept compliments without showing modesty.

In American families it is common for members to praise each other. The person praised feels good. Mothers may talk about their children to others and praise their abilities, their marks and grades at school and their skills at sport. Sometimes this praise is not justified. The culture praises success. This praise is also given to the husband, wife or partner who shows success at work and who receives promotion or honors. Praise is a very public matter in America to be seen by all. In China, however, this would be considered bad taste. One simply does not praise members of one’s own family in front of others even if they have shown great success in something.

One taboo in China is the complimenting of another man’s wife. Such a remark as you have a lovely wife could be regarded as something almost indecent particularly to older people. In America such a compliment, however, is a common and acceptable remark to make. It should be noted however that with equality between male and female in America, such remarks are now less made and indeed becoming less acceptable especially by feminists

Compliments in America are usually acknowledged with a thanks and in China with a reply that suggests not being worthy of the praise. The important point is to know when, how and where to use the appropriate form of compliment or praise in order not to cause discomfort or offence to the person who is being praised.

2.4 Thanks and Response

“Thank you” is widely used in English to show gratitude in such cases as being invited, helped, given a gift, etc. Cultural differences exist between Chinese and U.S in how to express thanks and responses. In fact, “Thank you” is uttered in English for more than acknowledging favor or gratitude, and it is often a means to show politeness. On many occasions, the English use this utterance while the Chinese may say “辛苦您了”or do not say a word at all but just smile or nod. As a matter of fact, “Thank you” is used more widely by westerners than Chinese use “谢谢” , for minor favors like borrowing pencil, asking directions, requesting someone to pass on a message, receiving a telephone, etc. “Thank you” not only shows politeness but also carries a person’s grateful feeling for those who offer help. Without using expressions of gratitude, misunderstandings may arise because the help seems to be taken for granted and is not appreciated, For U.S, each person is an equal individual, whether he is a family member or not. In Chinese, “谢谢” is not frequently used between intimate friends and family members because it may imply a certain distance between the addresser and the addressee. Native speakers may respond to “Thank you” by saying: You are welcome. / It is my pleasure. / Not at all. / Don’t mention it. / That’s all right. While Chinese people may say: “这是我应该做的”, which may convey to Americans the message that the Chinese did not really want to do it, or than he/she did it only because it was his/her duty. This message is quite different from what the Chinese speaker intended to express.

3 The Main Reasons of Cultural Differences

3.1 Values

Values are generally normative, values set norms, in other words, values deal with what is required or forbidden, what is judged to be good or bad, right or wrong, positive or negative. In any given society, values represent the standards by which behavior is evaluated and not necessarily the actual behavior. In the United States, people recognize that the core values of individualism, while China is a collectivist culture. The individualism and the collectivism are two poplars’ views. Obviously, it’s different between Chinese and American values.

Individualism refers to the doctrine that the rights of the individual are the most important ones in a society. Most Americans believe that each person has his own separate identity and personality, which should be recognized and reinforced. Therefore, one cannot comprehend the U.S and its people without understanding individualism. Only with the cognition of individualism can we understand how U.S conceptualizes family, friendships, and privacy. The core of individualism is the pursuit of personality and achievements. [5] It is highly valued, earnestly believed and well appreciated as a fundamental social virtue. In Christianity traditions, individuals are important not only to each other, but also to the society and God. Individualism has been handed down from their ancestors. Therefore, to westerners, individualism is not selfishness but rather virtue. They emphasize individualism so much that they believe that there must be something wrong with someone who fails to demonstrate individualism. That likes the sentence “God helps those who help themselves.” However, to Chinese people, the word “individualism” is related to the derogatory meaning as egoism, which represents selfishness in quality and looseness in discipline. In traditional Chinese beliefs, esp. in Confucianism, collectivism is appreciated. It emphasizes cooperation among group members and individual success is due to the collective effort of the staff in a unit, an organization or a community. The sacrifice of individual interest for that of the collective is a noble quality eulogized so much by Chinese people that being modest and thoughtful of others are highly praised. [5]

3.2 Beliefs

Confucianism, Taoism and other ideologies emerged in Spring and Autumn or Warring Stated Period are important in Chinese history. As different ideologies developed and combated each other, the basic framework of Chinese civilization was established. And then Confucianism became the foundation stone of Chinese philosophy system. The two chief Confucian concepts are Ren and Yi. What are Ren and Yi? Ren is translated variously as goodness, benevolence, humanity and human-heartedness. In short, Ren means as love of man, or the principle of human association; and Yi was merely what is appropriate, or modern words, one’s fellow beings. For more than 2 thousand years it has molded and shaped the civilization of China and exerted a profound influence upon almost one fourth of human race. In essence, Confucianism is Chinese humanism. [6]

Different from China, Christianity plays an important role in U. S. The English speaking countries are generally considered as Christian countries where many people believe in Christianity. Christianity is the region based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. He is the founder of Christianity. According to the doctrine of Christianity, the Trinity is the union of the three forms of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ the son of the God, and the holy book of Christianity is the Bible, which consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament.[6] However, the power of the church cannot compare with the past time, it still influence many aspects of people's daily life. For example, there are a few important festivals in the western countries is concerned with Jesus Christ. Christmas day is a festival in celebration of the birth of the Jesus Christ on Dec.25.Virgin Birth refers to the birth of Christ, which Christians believe to have been caused by God rather than by ordinary sexual union.

3.3 Social Customs

Social customs differ from place to place in the world. Misunderstanding will surely arise if we are not aware of these differences.

　　There are many differences in social customs between Americans and Chinese. The most obvious is that people are very informal in social situations in the United States. For example, they call each other by their given names when they meet for the first time, including the young to the old. In China, however, this will be regarded as quite impolite. Another difference is in topics in conversation. It is quite all right to ask a Chinese the cost of his possessions while it is quite rude to do so in the United States. The Chinese do not care much if they are asked about their age, their political and religious beliefs whereas these kinds of topics are usually avoided in conversations in the United States.

　　Only those who have an awareness of the culture of another nation can have a better command of its language.

4 Measures to Narrow the Cultural Gap

Now we have seen that there exists such a huge gap between Chinese culture and U.S culture. Then what should we do to face this gap in the gradually globalizing world?

Firstly, we cannot deny any of the cultures. Every nation has its own characteristics and it’s mainly through its culture that we first begin to know the nation and its characteristics. So we cannot say that this culture or custom is right and that is wrong, Equal respect should be attached to every culture in the world, even to those that are not in existence any more.

Next, we should get to learn how to coordinate the different cultures. The world is becoming smaller and smaller. More foreigners come and go everyday. When it is in the same country, the same city, the same neighborhood, the cultural collision is expected to be more serious. So we should try to avoid misunderstandings result from culture differences. One important thing is to get some basic knowledge about the other cultures so as not to misunderstand some actions or habits of the foreigners.

If we abide by the two regulations mentioned above we can start to communicate. I mean we can take in some terms of more advanced or more suitable for the world nowadays. Of course, we cannot throw away our own culture and accept another one totally. Every culture is a treasure to the history of the world. We should learn from other’s strengths and offset our weakness.

Conclusion

Culture is a social as well as a historical phenomenon. It is the product of creation in the long history. There are many differences between the Chinese and U.S culture. Different cultural factors may result in cultural differences, for example, different values, belief, and social customs. In the United States, people recognize that the core values of individualism, while China is a collectivist culture. Confucianism, Taoism and other ideologies emerged in Spring and Autumn or Warring Stated Period are important in Chinese history. Christianity plays an important role in U. S. The most obvious is that people are very informal in social situations in the United States. In China, however, this will be regarded as quite impolite. Another difference is in topics in conversation. It is quite all right to ask a Chinese the cost of his possessions while it is quite rude to do so in the United States. These different reasons express on forms of address, greetings, farewells, compliments, praise, thanks and response are difference in daily communication. We need to face the huge gap between Chinese culture and U.S culture. Can not deny any of the cultures and we should get to learn how to coordinate the different cultures.

By viewing the historical background of Chinese and American traditional cultures, a better understanding of why we communicate in certain ways can be reached. As can be seen by the examples looked at, the differences between Chinese culture and values with the emphasis on hierarchy and the group and the relatively young culture of America with its emphasis on the individual do have an effect on how people communicate. Conflict, misunderstandings and embarrassment can be avoided if people have an awareness of these differences and therefore act appropriately. Both Chinese and American can then communicate more effectively and comfortably.

Bibliography

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[3] Robertson. Ian. Sociology [M]. N. Y: worth publishers, 1981.

[4] 杨敏，王克奇，王恒展. 《中国传统文化通览》 [M]. 山东：中国海洋大学出版社,2003.

[5] 徐行言. 《中西文化比较》 [M]. 北京：北京大学出版社, 2004.

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