Cultural Introduction

A few weeks ago (I know, we're a bit behind updating the blog), Andrew and I attended 16 hours of China cultural training. The training was conducted by a company, Jayland Learning, which Intel contracts with to provide all Intel ex-pats and families an introduction to China. There were 9 people in the class. Five of them had been in China for over a year and we've been here already 6 months, so it wasn't exactly an "introduction," but helpful nonetheless. It helped us understand, at least a little bit, why some Chinese do the things they do. 

Here are a few random things we learned about the Chinese culture during the training:

• Chinese people typically do not directly communicate their true intentions, known to us as beating around the bush (much different from Andrew & my “direct” communication sytleJ)
• Chinese generally try to avoid direct confrontation; try not to make the other person look bad.
• Rather than responding with a direct yes or no, Chinese will often say things such as "it is inconvenient" or "I'll try my best," which means no, without saying no.
• Yes doesn't always mean yes. For example, when asked 'Do you understand,' and a person responds yes, it could only mean, 'Yes, I'm listening.'
• China is a collective-oriented society. Collectivist cultures expect people to identify with and work well in groups which protect the group in exchange for loyalty and compliance versus individualist cultures, such as the U.S., where individual uniqueness and self-determination is valued.
• As a westerner, our presence at a Chinese social function, such as a wedding or community event, is often viewed as something special and could raise the host's prestige and social standing.
• Never give a Chinese person:
• A clock. The phrase "to give a clock" means to attend someone's funeral in Chinese.
• An umbrella. The Chinese word rhymes with the word 'separate or break up.'
• Pears. The Chinese word rhymes with saying 'saying farewell' which is linked to breaking up or death.
• Scissors or anything sharp as it symbolizes severing relations.

In addition to the classroom setting, there were a lot of Chinese activities that we took part in. 

Traditional tea set-up

Following instructions, smelling the tea before tasting it.

Chinese artist

Our Chinese names: bai ting ya & bai an de.

Attempting to learn Tai Chi

Making traditional Chinese dumplings.

Traditional Chinese hot pot.

We ate all of the shrimp, eyes & shell included.

Learning how to write Chinese characters.