Intercultural situation:
I went to Beijing for internship from May to July. When I talked to my friend in Beijing, Peter, even though we both spoke mandarin, his accent and slang was totally different from mine. He spoke too fast that there was no way to differentiate word by word. This applies to his friends too.
Another incident that I observed was that when my companion, Jane, and Peter were discussing songs. Jane said the singer, Liu Ruo Ying, is from Taiwan rather than China. However, Peter immediately retorted that Taiwan is part of China, hence Liu Ruo Ying is also from China. As such, I could sense that Peter really strongly believed Taiwan has been a part China all the while. In their “history” course book, Taiwan has been conveyed to them a part of China and it is not an independent country. However, for me and my friend as a foreigner, we do not have a strong conscience that Taiwan should be viewed as China. This is attributed to different educational messages has been passed down in course book, hence me and Jane has always deemed Taiwan and China as two nations.
I also noticed that the awareness of saving energy in Beijing was really high. Usage of air-conditioner in lab was controlled by a PHD student. It was summer, we were not allowed to switch on air-conditioner in lab even though we were sweating profusely while doing experiment. Unless there are a lot of people doing work in the same lab, then only air conditioner can be switched on. I was starting to think how blissful we are studying in NUS in which air-conditioner is switched on at any point of time. Another example is the control in usage of hot water. In halls of NUS, hot water supply is available at all times. However, in China hostel, hot water supply was limited to 3-4 hours in the morning and evening respectively.
Another scenario which I recognized accidentally was their casual dressing. I would segmentalize the way they dressed into three groups: Korean-based, low-profile, high-profile dresses. Due to vicinity of Korea, Korean-style dresses are a fad there. Usually, Korean dresses were sold at a higher price compared to the other dresses. Low-profile dresses were dresses with laces and the colours of dresses were not bright. These were usually worn by majority of conservative people. High-profile dresses were those of which expose most parts of bodies such as low-cut dresses. These were usually worn by teenagers and some adults.
Cultural norms are rules for behaviour in a specific situation by a certain group of people. Values identify those objects, conditions or characteristics that members of the certain group of people consider important, good or bad. Given the definition stated here, the notions that Taiwan as an independent country and high awareness of saving energy are values which China people view them as something that is true and important for them while foreigners do not. The dressing and different slang in mandarin are cultural norms.
Fundamentals of effective communication:
Before we visit any country, we should do our homework by profiling the country’s culture norm of society, taboos, dressing, non verbal communication, laws, and value system. We could learn a few simple languages to show our interest in them and respect for them too. We then try to adopt their culture while we are in their country even though we might feel unused to it. Next, we should comply with their law. Vice versa, we should be patient and considerate if there is any disparity in opinions. If we ever did an erroneous task, we should apologize to seek for forgiveness. Lastly, it’s best to avoid sensitive topics in our conversations as these might inevitably hurt others’ feelings.
I went to Beijing for internship from May to July. When I talked to my friend in Beijing, Peter, even though we both spoke mandarin, his accent and slang was totally different from mine. He spoke too fast that there was no way to differentiate word by word. This applies to his friends too.
Another incident that I observed was that when my companion, Jane, and Peter were discussing songs. Jane said the singer, Liu Ruo Ying, is from Taiwan rather than China. However, Peter immediately retorted that Taiwan is part of China, hence Liu Ruo Ying is also from China. As such, I could sense that Peter really strongly believed Taiwan has been a part China all the while. In their “history” course book, Taiwan has been conveyed to them a part of China and it is not an independent country. However, for me and my friend as a foreigner, we do not have a strong conscience that Taiwan should be viewed as China. This is attributed to different educational messages has been passed down in course book, hence me and Jane has always deemed Taiwan and China as two nations.
I also noticed that the awareness of saving energy in Beijing was really high. Usage of air-conditioner in lab was controlled by a PHD student. It was summer, we were not allowed to switch on air-conditioner in lab even though we were sweating profusely while doing experiment. Unless there are a lot of people doing work in the same lab, then only air conditioner can be switched on. I was starting to think how blissful we are studying in NUS in which air-conditioner is switched on at any point of time. Another example is the control in usage of hot water. In halls of NUS, hot water supply is available at all times. However, in China hostel, hot water supply was limited to 3-4 hours in the morning and evening respectively.
Another scenario which I recognized accidentally was their casual dressing. I would segmentalize the way they dressed into three groups: Korean-based, low-profile, high-profile dresses. Due to vicinity of Korea, Korean-style dresses are a fad there. Usually, Korean dresses were sold at a higher price compared to the other dresses. Low-profile dresses were dresses with laces and the colours of dresses were not bright. These were usually worn by majority of conservative people. High-profile dresses were those of which expose most parts of bodies such as low-cut dresses. These were usually worn by teenagers and some adults.
Cultural norms are rules for behaviour in a specific situation by a certain group of people. Values identify those objects, conditions or characteristics that members of the certain group of people consider important, good or bad. Given the definition stated here, the notions that Taiwan as an independent country and high awareness of saving energy are values which China people view them as something that is true and important for them while foreigners do not. The dressing and different slang in mandarin are cultural norms.
Fundamentals of effective communication:
Before we visit any country, we should do our homework by profiling the country’s culture norm of society, taboos, dressing, non verbal communication, laws, and value system. We could learn a few simple languages to show our interest in them and respect for them too. We then try to adopt their culture while we are in their country even though we might feel unused to it. Next, we should comply with their law. Vice versa, we should be patient and considerate if there is any disparity in opinions. If we ever did an erroneous task, we should apologize to seek for forgiveness. Lastly, it’s best to avoid sensitive topics in our conversations as these might inevitably hurt others’ feelings.
5 comments:
Thank you for this interesting and informative post.
I guess not only the tourists or foreigners need to be careful and sensitive to actions and words used, the hosts (locals) should do the same too. They should also be more aware of the culture differences between countries and be more understanding to others who are not fully aware of their culture and taboos. This is more of a two-way communication, rather than having only one-sided accommodation.
Thanks, Carolyn, for providing such a broad view of your study abroad experience! I'm very interested in the anecdote about your friend's view of Taiwan. I've had the same sort of discussion. That perfectly demonstrates how relative viewpoints and related values can be.
As in China, we believe the unity of the country, we treasure thrift as a virtue, so you don’t have to feel astonished. We grew up in different background; we view things in different way. However, Chinese people are hospitable, they won’t think you mean to offend them, so take it easy. To help you learn Chinese better, check with Chinese World.
Thanks for xiao tong's view. I agree both party should make effort to achieve effective communication.
In Malaysia, we also view thrift as a virtue. For example, food must be finished before we leave the table.
Thanks for clarification on hospitality too. I guess they view hospitality as another virtue too.
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