Intercultural Day Workshop (6/12)

Summary

The video script explores cultural differences, particularly focusing on Chinese culture and its rich history. It discusses personal experiences with culture shock, particularly when returning to China after time abroad, and highlights the importance of understanding cultural nuances. The speaker shares insights into Chinese traditions, Confucianism, and Buddhism, as well as the diversity of China’s ethnic groups and languages. The script also touches on the challenges of adjusting to new environments and the impact of cultural backgrounds on communication styles, with specific reference to language and social behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses experiencing reverse culture shock after returning to China, emphasizing the challenges of adjusting back to one's own culture after being abroad.
• 😀 The speaker invites the audience to share their own experiences with cultural differences, particularly after traveling abroad, and reflects on how such differences are perceived.
• 😀 Chinese culture is highlighted as one of the world's oldest, with a history tracing back over 5,000 years, and includes both daily life and business culture.
• 😀 There are 56 ethnic groups in China, with the majority being Han Chinese, but the speaker also emphasizes the diversity of the country's population and the variety of languages, food, and customs.
• 😀 A key cultural difference is how Chinese people from the north and south interact and communicate, with northern Chinese typically speaking louder as a sign of friendliness and confidence.
• 😀 The concept of 'loudness' and its cultural meaning: in northern China, speaking loudly is seen as friendly and open, while in other cultures, it might be perceived as rude or arrogant.
• 😀 The speaker explains the importance of Confucianism in Chinese culture, with specific emphasis on the 'Five Constants,' which promote values like non-violence, righteousness, and honesty.
• 😀 The Five Constants from Confucian teachings are: no killing, no sexual misconduct, no lying, no intoxicants, and righteousness, which also align with Buddhist values in China.
• 😀 Chinese culture places great value on social harmony and family, with Confucian teachings influencing social behaviors, relationships, and responsibilities.
• 😀 Chinese language is distinct in that it involves both written and spoken forms. The written language is ideographic, meaning it is based on characters that represent concepts, which differs significantly from alphabetic systems like English.

Q & A

What is reverse culture shock, and how is it experienced?

Reverse culture shock occurs when someone returns to their home country after spending time abroad and experiences difficulty adjusting to their own culture. This can happen due to the differences in lifestyle, behavior, and societal norms that feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable after being immersed in another culture.

How do people from northern and southern China differ in communication style?

People from northern China tend to be louder and more direct in their communication, often seen as a sign of friendliness and confidence. In contrast, people from southern China are generally quieter and more reserved, with a gentler approach to conversation.

What is the significance of Confucianism in Chinese culture?

Confucianism plays a major role in Chinese culture, particularly in shaping moral values and social behavior. It emphasizes virtues such as kindness, righteousness, and respect for hierarchy, and these values are passed down through generations.

What are the Five Constants of Confucianism, and how do they influence behavior?

The Five Constants in Confucianism include benevolence (kindness), righteousness (doing what is morally right), propriety (appropriate behavior), wisdom, and trustworthiness. These constants guide how people behave towards others, emphasizing respect, proper conduct, and moral responsibility.

How do the northern and southern regions of China differ in terms of population density?

Northern China generally has a lower population density compared to the south, which leads to different cultural dynamics. For instance, in the north, there's more emphasis on loud, clear communication due to the sparse population and larger living spaces.

What is the role of language in Chinese culture?

The Chinese language is distinct from English in that it uses characters instead of an alphabet. It has both a spoken and written form, with the written language being quite different from the spoken dialects. The language often reflects the country's rich history and culture.

How does Buddhism influence Chinese culture?

Buddhism influences Chinese culture through its teachings on morality, including the Five Precepts: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying, and no intoxication. These teachings align with Confucian values and guide individuals in their ethical behavior.

What is the difference between rigid and spoken language in Chinese?

In Chinese, rigid language refers to written characters, which do not directly correlate with spoken dialects. Spoken Chinese, on the other hand, can vary greatly by region, with different dialects spoken in different parts of the country, making the language highly diverse.

What is the cultural importance of hierarchy in Chinese society?

Hierarchy plays a significant role in Chinese culture, particularly in the family and workplace. It emphasizes respect for elders, teachers, and superiors, and individuals are expected to behave in ways that acknowledge and reinforce these social structures.

How does the concept of 'face' play into Chinese cultural behavior?

'Face' in Chinese culture refers to a person's social reputation or dignity. Protecting and preserving 'face' is crucial, both for oneself and others, and involves behaving with humility, respect, and avoiding embarrassment or confrontation in public settings.