Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 5th and final installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how for 2010:

Chinese society and culture

Confucianism can be seen as a major influence that permeates the whole of Chinese society. It revolves around the concept of harmonious relationships. This is manifested in an aversion to conflict, maintenance of proper behaviour and the preservation of ‘face’, which roughly translates as ‘honour’, ‘good reputation’ or ‘respect’.
Chinese people value sincerity above all qualities. They admire sincerity, education, respect and frugality.

Confucianism: a Chinese ethical and philosophical system developed from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–478 BC). In Confucianism, human beings are teachable, improvable and perfectible through personal and communal endeavour especially including self-cultivation and self-creation.

In Chinese names, the surname comes first and the given names second. For instance, the basketball player Yao Ming should be addressed as "Mr. Yao", not "Mr. Ming".

In conversation, avoid controversial topics relating to China’s recent political history. Instead, ask a Chinese person about their culture, art and literature, or the recent economic growth of their nation.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 4th installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:


Socialising, eating and drinking:

Hospitality is an integral part of Chinese culture, and an invitation should be seen as a great honour.


• If you eat in a restaurant you should not offer to share the bill, but you will be expected to reciprocate. Tipping is technically illegal in China, and you will not ever be expected to leave anything.

• If you are invited to the home of a Chinese person and you cannot attend, be sure to explain why so that you are not seen as disrespectful.

• Arrive on time and remove your shoes on entering a Chinese home. Bring a small gift, and remember to eat well and compliment the food.

• Never eat the last piece from a serving tray, and wait for your host to start eating before you do. Learn to use chopsticks and try everything you are offered.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 3rd installment of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:

GIFTS:

• Gifts are traditionally given in China at New Year, weddings, births and birthdays.

• The way a gift is wrapped is almost as important as the gift itself. Gold and red are excellent choices. Avoid black, white or blue, as these symbolise funerals.

• Offer gifts with both hands. Don’t open gifts that you are given when you are still with the giver. You may refuse a gift three times before you accept it.

• In Chinese and other East Asian societies, a red envelope or red packet (known as Hóng Bāo in Mandarin and Lai See in Cantonese) is a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions.

• Red envelopes are mainly presented at social and family gatherings such as weddings or on holidays such as the Lunar New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the New Year. In keeping with Chinese customs, newly wedded couples are also usually expected to be extremely generous with the amount offered in the red packets, so as to receive blessings for a blissful marriage.

• The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; for instance 88 and 168 are both lucky numbers, as odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. But there is a widespread tradition that money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, such as 40, 400 and 444 as the pronunciation of the word "four" resembles that of the word "death", and it signifies bad luck for many Chinese. At weddings, the amount offered is usually intended to cover the cost of the attendees as well as a goodwill to the newlyweds. It is considered extremely rude to give a low amount of money on such an occasion.

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 2nd area of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:



Gestures and body language:

• The Chinese are not keen on physical contact, so be sure not to pat or slap a colleague’s back.

• Body posture should always be formal and attentive, as it shows you have self-control.

• When business cards are exchanged, present and receive cards with both hands and take time to read the card you are given. This shows your respect.


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