This morning we had Chinese Culture class with Professor Chen Haodong. The first session was open for questions from us about what we did not understand about Chinese culture. Some interesting discussion ensued!
Here are some of the points:
Drink
- Tap water in China is not drinkable by anyone because of the microbes in it. Water must always be boiled before drinking. Chinese people seldom drink cold water, instead favouring hot drinks. This is firstly for digestive reasons (killing the microbes), and secondly because they frequently drink tea which must be prepared with hot water. They find it hard to understand why Westerners drink cold water!
- As a guest in a Chinese household, if you are given a drink and you finish it, this will be seen as a sign that you enjoyed the drink and want more (and they will pour more!) If you have had enough, leave some in the bottom of the glass, otherwise they will top up your drink!
Food
- The Chinese are very hospitible people and serve large quantities of good food. Westerners are "more civilised", but in China it is acceptable to make (some!) noise. Dish after dish is often served, and to show you enjoy them you must eat much! As China has been through much poverty, the giving of food is a show of concern and care for wellbeing.
- On the converse to drinks, all food should be eaten. As above, food is precious and any leftover is waste. You will be considered well for finishing your meal, even more so for consuming all the crumbs also!
People
- The overwhelming majority of people in China are the Hàn people, making up around 90% of the population.
- About 60% of China's population, that is 400 million, live in rural regions and on farms. Many people in the city are 'self-employed', operating a stall, but this is a difficult living.
- China does not have a religious grounding, individuals may have their own belief. 80% may be atheistic. Instead, Taoism and Confucianism draw from Chinese thinking and not vice-versa.
- There are classes in Chinese society, much as other cultures. The lowest are the unemployed. Then there are workers, clerks, professionals and finally officials.
- In China, Officials are often selected from engineering and scientific backgrounds as they are seen as more reasonable and rational. Taking bribes is forbidden, and there are severe penalties for doing so.
Culture
- Chinese believe "content-ness is happiness", which leads to a reluctance to compete. Competition is akin to Capitalism, and some competition is starting to develop. The conflict between needing to compete for survival and the satisfaction of contentment is painful for some. But farmers typically have a much greater degree of happiness than many Americans (on the Happiness Index!)
- The equality of men and women in China's cities is now socially much closer. Women largely control the money, having the final say about what is bought. Before 1900, women had low social status and no control. Mao said that the day women are emancipated is the day China is libearted. In Mao's time, women began taking all sorts of jobs.
- Typical ways of showing respect are to smile and, if appropriate, to lightly bow. Officials should be addressed by their title, or "Sir" or "Madam" if not known. Listen quietly, and sit straight.
- China is densely populated and so if you do not fight for something you can not place your hand on it. This includes crossing the road! The traffic rules are that right-turning traffic does not have to stop. This means that pedestrians are crossing the road as directed, traffic may still be coming! Pedestrians need to stand their ground and stride across the road. (Ed- travelling in groups is also a good idea...)
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