Yamin Zhang (Peter)
Professional Teacher
Learning Article : Chinese And Western Cultural Differences In Everyday Language

Discuss the Article : Chinese And Western Cultural Differences In Everyday Language

<a href='/article/138/chinese-and-western-cultural-differences-in-everyday-language' target='_blank'>Chinese And Western Cultural Differences In Everyday Language</a>

Authentic spoken Chinese requires not only correct pronunciation, tones, words, and good grammar, but also a knowledge of Chinese culture. Studying genuine everyday spoken Chinese can help you to understand more about Chinese culture and Western culture, and vice versa...

May 22, 2014 12:00 AM
Comments · 3
1

I don't think this article is very useful to learners of Chinese.

 

First of all, most young Chinese have been indoctrinated into believing that western culture is the logical opposite of Chinese culture. So if a westerner gives a modest comment to a compliment, Chinese seem genuinely suprised.

 

Second, when westerners try to behave speak like Chinese, I have seen resistane from Chinese. Westerners don't do that, therefore they shouldn't. Period. 

 

The bottom line is that English-speaking countries are inclusive and are welcoming to different ways and practices; China can barely integrate its multitude of languages and dialects. When a foreigner tries to adopt Chinese styles, its resisted as too artificial. 

July 8, 2014

I am confused. You seem to be saying to speak Chinese well you need to study Chinese culture and to learn about Chinese culture you need to study the spoken language???

May 23, 2014

文章非常好!

May 22, 2014