Intercultural Communication
Title:Culture Difference Between Chine and Western Countries
学院：建设管理与房地产学院
专 业：房地产经营管理
学 号：20090813
姓 名：孙豪
老 师：杜瑾
June 06th 2011
Culture Difference Between Chine and Western Countries
Thesis statement: We all know the culture of Chine and western countries can be totally different in many aspects.Now we will talk about some main culture differences between Chine and western,and try to summarize some conclusion.
PS:Becau America is the reprentative country of western countries,we'll make a comparison between China and America.
Outline：
1. Introduction
2. Comparison between Chine culture and American culture in some aspects
3. The questionnaire
4. Reasons for the differences
5. Conclusion
6. Works cited
Culture differences between Chine and American
1. Introduction
China is a large country and with it developing faster and faster,the relationship between Chine and western countries has been clor and clor.The chances to meet with foreigners have also been improved.Obviously,there are many cultural differences between American and Chine can be found in many aspects of daily communication, including addressing, greeting and parting,compliments, apologies, thanks, etc.Now we will look at some cultural differences between China and America in a profound way on the basis of the statistics of questionnaire (the questionnaire is on page 2).
1)Collectivism and Individualism
2)Independence and Teamwork
3)Table manners
4)The concept of friendship
2. Comparison between Chine culture and American culture in some aspects
1)Collectivism and Individualism
Becau of the Chine social system,Chine attach importance to the families and the collectivism level,but America ems to take Individualism riously.There are many ways showing us the difference,such as the movies,the teleplay,the news and so on.To sum up, Individual concepts Collectivism is more popular in China while individualism in America. Chine often owe a success to a group. Facing prai, they appear very modest and say a lot of formulae. Under the similar circumstance, Americans are more likely to tend to individualism and will accept the prai directly.
According to the questionnaire,57.3% Chine students think that Collectivism is more important and only 12.5% think that Individualism is more important.
2)Independence and Teamwork
As we all know,there is one ntence that A Chine person can be a dragon,but two Chine people will be two worms describing Chine people.That means Chine always do things on their own.However,American attend to cooperation with partner.Also,Chine don't like to share their sadness or pain with other people,but when American were in trouble,they will ask friends or someone to help them handle it.Although this is on the one hand,we can summarize that Chine prefer doing things on their own,while American like to do things in a team.
According to the questionnaire,71.3% Chine students like to do things on their own,14% believe that teamwork is more effective,and 14.7% think that it doesn't matter.80.9% Chine students tend to handle difficulties by themlves,10% have no idea.
3）Table manners
In the class,we had learnt there are countless differences of manners between Chine and American , especially the table manners.Firstly,the main difference on the Chine di
nner table is chopsticks instead of knife and fork.Secondly, in America, you have your own plate of food, while in China the dishes are placed on the table and everyone shares.Thirdly, in formal dinners, there are always "public" chopsticks and spoons for this purpo, but some hosts may u their own chopsticks , which is a sign of genuine friendship and politeness. It is always polite to eat the food. If you do not eat it, just leave the food in the plate.Last but not least,people in China tend to over-order food, for they will find it embarrassing if all the food is wasted.When you have had enough, just say so.Or you will always overeat.
According to the questionnaire,30% Chine students have little knowledge about the western countries' table manners,60% Chine students give me equivocal reply,and only 10% Chine students know about the manners well.
4）The concept of friendship
Friendship In China, many people usually have a few friends though their life, but the friendship between them may last long.Friends are willing to help each other even anywh
ere anytime. In America, people may have many friends and acquaintances while their relations are not deep and they are changeable.American always say:"we are just friends."It ems to be so cold,but it's their culture.In China,Chine make their circle of friends as small as possible,and last their friendship as long as possible.It ems to be random,but every friends will be lected elaborately.In fact, friendships in the US are ones where there are absolutely no obligations. Friends do not expect anything of each other.American would not ask a friend to take him/her to the airport, unless the friend was very, very clo. Americans are often uncomfortable with the clo reciprocity and obligation that friendship in other countries entails.Indeed, friends do not even visit or call at inconvenient times, even if the situation is urgent. And they feel free to refu something, if it did not fit in with their plans.
