Concept Application

Concept Application Blog

China is one of the oldest cultures in the world, potentially derived from ancient dynasties (2100 B.B.) that are a result of over two millenniums of growth in the human population within the region. This ancient culture has had far more time to develop than most other modern cultures. But like any culture, there are many communication concepts that can be used to learn and describe the Chinese culture. For my understanding, I conducted a few interviews of current emerging Chinese adults studying at UNL. Below, I will report on my findings and how intercultural communication concepts can be applied.

Figure 1 Depiction of Chinese dynasties at defined times

The Chinese culture is founded on respect and a hierarchical system of superiority.  Specifically, parents are expected to give everything to their children and the children in turn are expected to care for the parents in their time of need. Unlike in the United States where children are raised to be independent, parenting styles in China are focused on developing social skills and sense of community. This is most easily understood by considering the daily tasks of Chinese students compared to American students.

There are three main examples that set American and Chinese students apart. The first is the preferred method of study. American students tend to study alone, although it is more common to see groups of students studying in colleges. However, there are usually only a handful of American students in the groups. Chinese students prefer to study in large groups, believing that with more minds at work, more information can be exchanged and less work has to be done by each individual. A second example is the difference in having a meal with family or friends. In the United States, the family normally eats at the dining table, passing the food around until everyone has had their share. In China, a lot of tables are round and low to the floor. Instead of chairs, pillows are used and the food is centered so that each person can be in reach. To me, the systems of dining should be reversed. China should have rectangular tables, a geometry that allows for the clear statement of who the head of the household is; the United States should have circular tables, since we pride ourselves in equality. A third example that sets American and Chinese students apart is their treatment of superiors. Parents in China are treated with respect border lining on fear, whereas, in the United States, parents are at times treated disrespectfully by their independence-seeking child. There are many other examples were Chinese and American students are different, but let’s focus more on the Chinese culture in general.

Figure 2  Picture of a Chinese nursing home in the United States

As stated previously, the Chinese culture is based on respect and superiority. Parents are respected and possibly feared by their children, they are also taken care of in old age by their children. This is true for all Chinese people, the culture of China dictates that children take care of their elderly parents. If the children do not, the Chinese society will look down upon the disrespectful children. By take care of, I do not mean make sure they are living in a homely, comfortable and safe nursing home. In China, there are few nursing homes when compared to the United States. Instead, the elderly live with their children and grandchildren until their final days.

Another aspect of Chinese culture has to do with relationships. According to my sources, sexual orientations other than heterosexual are illegal. This is surprising to me, an American, that has grown up with at least knowledge that such sexual orientation exist, especially since some television series are based on nontraditional sexual orientations. Something else that was shocking to me was that friends in China often walk with arms crossed, girls and boys. As a child, locking arms with a friend in a game of red-rover or something similar was completely within my comfort zone. But to walk with arms crossed down the sidewalks of UNL? Not my thing. My explanation for how this became culturally acceptable is based on numbers. China has one of the world’s largest populations, which is growing by the second. For this reason, I think that Chinese students had to find a way to differentiate between best friends and acquaintances. Therefore, my hypothesis is that the linking of arms arose within a big city where the body density is high and there is a need for friends to stick together. This also brings up another interesting point that was stated by my sources. Chinese students studying in the United States are confused as to why American students do not speak through body contact. In China, touching and being in close proximity –well within the personal space of an American. My explanation for this is because of how American and Chinese students are raised, the former to be independent and the latter to be community oriented. With these examples in mind, and knowing that there are many facts I have left out, let us now consider different intercultural communication concepts.

From the data collected, the main intercultural communication concepts that can be applied are: culture shock, nonverbal communication, code switching and cultural spaces. Like any other alien in a new land, the extreme differences in the new culture can be overwhelming to an emerging Chinese adult student. Initially, my sources felt completely estranged to this country, but after some time, they began to feel comfortable with the new ways of life. They also reported that after four years they feel a little less Chinese but not necessarily more American. This goes to show that even an ancient culture like the one in China, is still bound by the principles of intercultural communication and that its people are still insecure in a new and strange environment.

Figure 3  Common gesture for greeting

One thing that was noticed by my sources is that Americans emphasize the use of gestures in communication. In China, gestures are not used nearly as much, with their use predominantly in short hellos. Along the line of courtesy, I asked if my sources ever spoke in their native tongue around non-speakers. To this they answered that they feel disrespectful if not speaking to a fellow in the appropriate tongue; which is why they will speak English to a fellow American and Chinese to a peer from their homeland. However, when in groups of friends, the language that most members have in common is spoken. Finally, as was highlighted earlier, the cultural spaces of Chinese students are much different than that of American students. They tend to have smaller personal spaces and larger social spaces, a fact that fits well with a community driven society.

I’ve learned a lot about China and people from there studying in our little city of Lincoln. Attached is an example of my interview questions. I encourage you to read through the questions and learn a few more things that I chose not to detail.

 References:

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2009). Intercultural Communication in Contexts. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

TravelChinaGuide.com. (n.d.). Retrieved 02 10, 2012, from Travel China Guide: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/

Xinhua News Agency. (2003, June 17). Clues Found to China's Origins. Retrieved March 09, 2012, from China: http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/67359.htm

1.       How would you describe yourself?

I am a senior computer engineering major student at University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I am an international student from China. I work as a teaching assistant and a research assistant in computer science and engineering department. I also work in American Mathematics office.

2.       The first time you set foot in the United States, did you feel like you didn’t belong?  Do you feel the same way now?

I had that feeling the first time I came. Now I still have that feeling, just not as strong as four years ago.

3.       What made you decide to attend school in the United States?

It's too competitive to get into top universities in China. And the US's universities are famous for its practical and diverse education, which is good for developing student's knowledge as well as personality.

4.       How did you study in China? Do you study differently now?

In China, most time I go to classes, take notes, read text book, do homework and take tests. Now, I spend a lot of time searching online resources and collaborating with others on projects.  

5.       If you could live anywhere, where would you prefer to live and why?

I would like to live a place where is warm and close to ocean. I like outdoor exercises, a warm place allows me to exercise outside more often. Ocean and beach can help with releasing the pressure from school and work.

6.       What is your favorite Chinese festival/event/holiday?

Spring Festival, aka, Chinese new year.

7.       What is a good first date option when going out with a Chinese man/woman?

Go to restaurant.

8.       What is your favorite homemade Chinese dish?  American dish?

Chinese dish: pork rib.

American dish: stake.

9.       Did you eat out a lot in China?  Was it fast food or a sit-down place?

We eat out with family when there's a special event, such as New Year, wedding, birthday, etc. We eat out with friends a lot. Mostly will be a sit-down place.

10.   What was your favorite game as a child?

Play Chinese chess, ping-pong and basketball.

11.   What is your favorite thing to do as an adult?

Hang out with friends. Play basketball and biking.

12.   Do you find it hard to talk to other, non-Chinese, students?

It was hard at the beginning due to inadequate English skills. Now, even though there's not much language barrier, sometimes I still feel a little bit difficult to find a topic to continue a conversation. I guess it's due to cultural barrier.

13.   Have you noticed any differences in the way students treat you, compared to in China?

American students are more independent. They don't often get into other's personal space. Chinese students are more curious about what is going on around you.

14.   How long have you been studying in the United States?  Do you feel like you are less Chinese after so long?

Almost four years. I feel a little less Chinese.

15.   Could you describe the culture you grew up in? How did adults treat you, how did other kids treat you?  How did you treat other kids and adults?

In my culture, senior people are very respectful.  Parents are always superior to their child. I treated my parents with respects, sometime even a little bit afraid of them. I treated others kids just like friends.

16.   Why did you treat adults the way you did?  Was it out of respect, fear, hatred?

Mostly respect. Maybe some fear. 

17.   Could you explain how your peers of the same gender as you behave and how that is different from what you have seen while in the United States?

I have seen my friends back at home for years, so I am not sure what they look like and how they behave now. I guess they are similar to American kids. They play lots of sports, video games, hang out with friends, and watch movies. I guess for those who went to university close to their home, they may go home every weekend. I believe American kids don't go home that often, even though home is close.

18.   Is using gestures important in communicating in China? United States?

I think gestures are important for both countries. However, gestures are quite different between two countries and gestures are more frequently used in United States. For instance, shrug one's shoulder means helplessness here in the U.S., but we don't use such gesture, we simply shake our header. I feel like gestures are used more often in United States.

19.   What should a traveler in China never do?

A traveler should never spend a lot of money buying fake historical artifacts. It is not recommended to give tips (especially only few yuan) to a waiter or a taxi driver. That may be viewed as insults.

20.   A man works, a woman takes care of the children. Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not?

I am not complete agree with it because I believe little kids should go to kindergarten to meet with friends and develop social skills as early as possible. It also may not be finically sufficient for a family just with one income source.

21.   What is the proper way for an American man to greet a Chinese man? Is it different from greeting a Chinese woman?

Best way to greet Chinese man can be shake hands or just simply a nod. Best way to greet Chinese woman I believe is a nod with simile. Hug, kiss cheeks or even shake hands may not be a good idea.

22.   Where did you grow up? What sort of customs did you participate in as a child? What customs would you participate in now, as an adult, if back in China?

I grow up in Xi'an, one of oldest city in China, even in the world. During spring festival, when I was a kid, I often go out and play firecrackers. All family members, from most senior to youngest will get together, have dumplings and enjoy the holiday. During mid-autumn festival, people will eat moon cakes. If I am going back to China now, I guess I won't play as many firecrackers as I did when I was little, but other customs will still be the same.

23.   How many people lived in your household growing up? What is their relation to you:  Sister, Dad, Grandma, etc?

In my family, there are three members, my parents and me. If counting relatives that live close to me, there are 23 members, including grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.

24.   Is a big family or a small family more common in China? Is there a reason why?

Definitely a big family is more common. It is because during old times, a couple usually has many children. Each child may also have many children. As the result, it is very easy and fast for a family to grow.

25.   Is there anything done in the United States that you think should be done in China?

I think in United States, the government should play a bigger role. Having lots of politics freedom is definitely a good thing, but too much freedom causes people debating and running campaign all the time and not focusing on solving society issues.  The education cost should be reduced.

26.   Is there anything done in China that should be done in the United States?

The education should be focusing more on developing students' ability of problem solving rather than emphasizing too much on exam grades. It should also inspire students' interests rather than destruct the interests.

The income gap between upper class and middle class should be reduced.

Entire country should be more open-minded and more absorptive.

Take more care of the environment. 

27.   Is being something other than heterosexual looked down upon in China? In other words, how are gay, lesbian, bi, and transgendered individuals treated?

I don't really know about this information. I don't even know and never see this group of people before coming to United States. I guess this group of people is underrepresented in China. People are not paying enough attention to them.

28.   Are there nursing homes for the elderly in China?  How are the elderly treated? Who is expected to care for them?

There are nursing homes in China. But in most cases, elderly are took care by their children.

29.   Is the Chinese public concerned about the environment? Are there places to recycle?  How is trash collected and disposed of?

I can sense that the public already started paying more attention to protecting the environment. But it is still at the early stage. Currently, people still haven't got used to categorizing trashes and recycling trashes. There is a long way to go.

30.   Do you ever speak Chinese to a friend in class, at work, or in public so that others don’t understand what you are saying?

This situation doesn't happen very often with Chinese. Chinese is a very old language that has developed for so many years. The same thing can be expressed in a various ways, which greatly helps people to understand each other.

31.   If you are in a group of friends and only one friend doesn’t speak Chinese, do you speak English so that everyone can understand?

I always feel like if I speak English, I will offend my Chinese friends, but if I speak Chinese, I will offend that American friend. What I usually do is to speak Chinese to my Chinese friends and speak English to that American friend.

32.   Do you hold hands or cross arms with your friends when out in public in the United States? In China?

Not with regular friends. Maybe cross arms with parents and hold hands with girl friend.