Western cultural differences

Comparative analysis of differences between Chinese and Western cultures

In terms of current values ??and moral standards, social relations, social etiquette and social customs, that is, Western culture advocates personal honor, self-centeredness, innovative spirit and freedom of individuality, while Chinese culture advocates modesty, prudence, selfless dedication, moderation, and unity and cooperation; Westerners have a strong sense of equality and a simple family structure, with parents and minor children forming a nuclear family; while Chinese people have a strong sense of hierarchy and a family The structure is more complex, and traditional happy families mostly have four generations living under one roof.

In cross-cultural communication, it is not uncommon for information misunderstandings and even harm to the other party due to cultural barriers to occur. Sometimes well-intentioned remarks can embarrass the other person, and polite behavior can be misunderstood as absurd and vulgar. Therefore, studying cultural differences and studying correct cross-cultural communication behaviors have become issues that cannot be ignored.

In China, showing concern for the health of others is a sign of good manners and politeness. But when we show concern for the health of Westerners, we cannot follow the traditional Chinese way. When a Chinese student learns that his American teacher is sick, he will say with concern, "You should go to see a doctor!" Unexpectedly, this considerate remark made the teacher very unhappy. Because in this teacher's opinion, even children know something as simple as seeing a doctor when they are sick, and there is no need for anyone to teach them. If you give someone advice on some trivial matter, it is obviously a doubt on their ability, which will greatly hurt their self-esteem.

Chinese hospitality at the dinner table is often misunderstood by Westerners as uncivilized behavior. Because Westerners believe that whether a guest eats more or less is completely up to him, and there is no need for the host to add food or wine for him; and overeating is extremely unseemly, so after a guest has eaten, the host does not need to persuade him to eat again. An American guest was very upset when he saw the Chinese host constantly bringing him food. Afterwards, he complained that "the host treats me like a pig."

When Chinese people meet acquaintances on the street, they often say without scruple: "Ah, man, you have gained weight again recently!" Or they say in a concerned tone: "Man, you have lost weight again. "Pay attention to your health!" If Westerners hear you say "you are fat" or "you are so thin", even if they are familiar with it, they will feel awkward and difficult to answer.

It is not difficult to see from the above examples: cultural barriers will indeed affect cross-cultural communication. Therefore, it is necessary to study the differences between different cultures.

Western culture is very different from Chinese culture in many aspects.

1. Differences in ValueConcept and Moral Criteria

1. Personal Honor VS Modesty

Western People worship personal struggle and are especially proud of personal achievements. They never hide their self-confidence, sense of honor and ecstasy after achieving achievements. On the contrary, Chinese culture does not advocate showing off personal honor, but promotes modesty.

Chinese people are opposed to Wang Po's self-promotion, but Chinese self-moderation or self-denial often makes Westerners very dissatisfied. "your

English is very good," "No, no, my English is very poor"; "you've done a very good job," "No, I don't think so. It's the result of joint efforts." In the eyes of Westerners, this kind of modesty not only denies oneself, but also denies the appreciation of the praiser. This kind of Chinese modesty will not work in the competitive capitalist market.

2. Self-centeredness and selfless dedication Self-centre VS Sacrifice

Westerners have a strong sense of self-centeredness and independence, which are mainly reflected in: (1) They are responsible for themselves. In a society where the jungle prevails, everyone's way of survival and quality of life depend on their own abilities. Therefore, everyone must strive for themselves and put personal interests first. (2) Not used to caring about others, helping others, and not asking about other people's affairs. (3) Because of the above two points, it is often embarrassing in the West to take the initiative to help others or accept help from others. Because accepting help can only prove one's own incompetence, while taking the initiative to help others will be considered as interfering in other people's private affairs.

The Chinese people’s code of conduct is “whether I am useful to others and to society.” Personal value is reflected in dedication. Chinese culture respects a noble sentiment - selfless dedication. In China, it is a virtue to take the initiative to care about others and show meticulous consideration to others. Therefore, Chinese people are willing to take the initiative to care about other people's affairs, no matter how big or small they are, or their family and private affairs, which in the West would be regarded as "nosy."

3. Pioneering Spirit VS Medium Way

Western culture encourages people to pioneer and innovate and do outstanding and extraordinary things that have never been done before. Traditional Chinese culture requires people to be impartial and follow the golden mean. Chinese people are good at foreseeing future dangers and are more willing to maintain the status quo and maintain harmony.

4. Individual Freedom VS HarmoniousCooperation

Westerners value personal freedom very much and like to do whatever they want, go their own way, and do not want to be restricted. Chinese culture places more emphasis on collectivism, advocating that individual interests should be subordinated to collective interests, advocating sharing weal and woe, unity and cooperation, and keeping pace.

2. Differences in Social Relation

1. Equality Concept VS class Concept

Westerners have a strong awareness of equality. No matter rich or poor, everyone will respect themselves and not allow others to infringe on their rights. At the same time, everyone can fully respect others. In the United States, few people are proud of their prominent family background, and few are ashamed of their poor background, because they all know that as long as they work hard, they will definitely succeed. As a popular American proverb goes: "If working hard, even a cowboy can be president." (If working hard, even a cowboy can be president.)

Although New China has been established for fifty years, However, the traditional hierarchical concepts of monarch and minister, father and son are still deeply rooted in the minds of the Chinese people. Fathers have absolute authority in the eyes of their sons and teachers in the eyes of their students. Family background still plays a very important role in a person's growth.

2. Nucleus Family VS Four-Generation-under-the-Same-Roof

The American family structure is relatively simple: parents and minor children , called the nuclear family. Once children get married, they have to move out and become financially independent. Parents are no longer obliged to support their children. This practice provides young people with maximum freedom and develops their ability to live independently, but it also alienates the relationship between relatives.

Chinese-style family structure is relatively complex. A traditional happy family has four generations living under one roof. In such a family, the elderly help take care of the children, and the children and grandchildren help support the elderly when they grow up. Family members rely on each other and help each other, which strengthens the family relationship. However, this lifestyle is not conducive to cultivating independence in young people.

3. Differences in Social Ceremony

When Chinese people meet, they like to ask each other about their name, age, employer, income, etc. Westerners hate being asked about personal matters such as age and income.

Chinese people always like to greet acquaintances when they meet on the street: "Have you eaten?" "Where are you going?" "Going to work?" etc. In our opinion, this is a polite way of saying hello, but if you say hello to a Westerner like "Have you had your meal?" "Where are you going?" they will think that you want to treat them to a meal or interfere in their private affairs. , can cause misunderstanding. When Westerners meet, they usually say hello: "Hello!" Modest words, such as "ashamed", "where", "humble house", "clumsy article", etc. Westerners always happily answer "thank you" to show acceptance.

Chinese people use "thank you" less often than Westerners, especially between very close friends and family members. Westerners, on the other hand, use "thank you" all day long. This is often the case around the mouth, even among close friends and family members.

When Chinese people receive gifts, they often put them aside without looking at them (for fear of being called greedy). When Westerners receive a gift, they should open it immediately in front of the guest and say hello.

Chinese people are very hospitable, pouring wine cup after cup and serving dishes over and over again. The guests can't do it without eating or drinking, which makes Westerners find it difficult to deal with.

The habit of Westerners is: Helpyourself, Please!

When the Chinese see off their guests, the host and the guest often say: "Go slowly!" "Be careful!" But Westerners only say: "Bye Bye!" "See you later!" "See you next time!" "Goodnight!"

4. Differences in Social Customs

1. The Attitude to Women

The status of American women and Chinese women is not high, but American women are fortunate to enjoy many traditional chivalric customs and respect for women's etiquette in American society. You can see it everywhere: men open doors for women; help women get out of the car; on the road, men walk on the outside and women on the inside to provide protection for women; when a woman enters a restaurant, all men must stand up; at the dinner table, men must stand for women. Pull out the chair, wait for the lady to stand up, then put the chair back behind the lady and ask her to sit down.

Chinese society seems to have less care and etiquette for women, and some experts have noticed that a considerable number of Chinese characters with the word "女" next to them have derogatory connotations, such as "demon, prostitute, adulterer, Slavery, jealousy, jealousy, etc.

2. The Attitude to Marriage

The Western view of marriage is very different from the Chinese view of marriage. Because they believe that marriage is purely a private matter and no one can interfere; at the same time, marriage is not a moral issue. A person has the right to choose to live with the person he/she likes the most. Once he/she finds that the existing marriage is a mistake, he/she has the right to make a second choice. If one spouse falls in love with a third person, neither spouse will be blamed. In their view, it is cruel to force two people who do not love each other to live together.

Chinese marriages are relatively stable. This is because Chinese people regard marriage as the top priority in life. Everyone treats it with caution and chooses carefully. Once they make a decision, they will not change it easily.

Moreover, Chinese people have always regarded marriage as a serious moral issue. It is considered extremely immoral to prefer the new and dislike the old, or to involve a third party.

Understanding the cultural differences between China and the West is extremely important for improving cross-cultural communication skills. It can help us correctly understand the words and deeds of Westerners. During the communication process, we can fully understand each other, respect each other's customs, and Achieve the best communication effect.