Differences in Chinese and American Cultures

Differences in Chinese and American Cultures

Heidi Heslin

Thomas Edison State College

Introduction

The differences in Chinese culture and American culture are many. Language and dialects, the importance of family, a hierarchy, and traditions are pillars in Chinese culture. American culture is more

|Key Concepts in Understanding Chinese Culture |
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|Guanxi: Throughout much of Chinese history, the fundamental glue that has held society |
|together is the concept of guanxi, relationships between people. Today this means who you |
|know and what these people believe their obligations are to you. With a good network of |
|contacts in China, almost anything can be accomplished. Guanxi is how things get done. |

| |
|Reciprocity: This refers to the exchanging of favors between individuals and groups. People|
|will presume upon those with whom they have guanxi, and understand the need for returning |
|favors. |
| |
|Mianzi: Face - losing face, saving face and giving face - is very important and should be |
|taken into consideration at all times. Loosing your temper, confronting someone, putting |
|someone on the spot, arrogant behavior, or failing to accord proper respect can cause a loss|
|of face. |
| |
|Li and Surface Harmony: Originally li meant to sacrifice, but today it is translated as the|
|art of being polite and courteous. Proper