Cases of Misunderstanding from Different Countries.doc

Cases of Misunderstanding from Different Countries November 27, 2012 ContentsAbstraction-3Key words-3Part I a case of misunderstanding-4Part II the different cultures between America and China -5Part III the different cultures between England and China-6Part the different cultures between Thailand and China-7Part the different cultures between Japan and China-8Part the different cultures between Korea and China-9Part Conclusion-10Reference -11ABSTRACT Different manners result from different cultures. The cultures between East and West are distinguished by a rather large scale. This doesn't not only mean the opinions or ways of thinking are different. Actually, how do people behave in daily life is also not the same, sometimes even the opposite. And thats why people make a misunderstanding that come from different countries.This research includes seven parts. Part one is a case of misunderstanding because of different cultures. Part two is the introduction of different cultures between America and China. Part three is the introduction of different cultures between England and China. Part four is the introduction of different cultures between Thailand and China. Part five is the introduction of different cultures between Japan and China. Part six is the introduction of different cultures between Korea and China. Part seven is the conclusion. KEY WORDSCultural differences, different mannersIntroduction In many aspects of our life, we often divide the world into two parts: the eastern one and the western one. The former usually refers to Asia and the latter includes mainly Europe, North Africa and America. We divide like this not only because of the geographical location differences, but also due to the cultural differences to a large extent. In the following parts, youll see such differences, from the causes to the customs of the two sides nowadays. Wed like to show you the difference between other countries and China. Part I a case of misunderstandingWhile Gail Obcamp, an American artist, was giving a speech on the art of Japanese brush painting to an audience that include visitors from Japan, she was confused to see that many of her Japanese listeners had their eyes closed. Were they turned off because an American had the nerve to instruct Japanese in their own art form or they deliberately tried to signal their rejection of her? Obcamp later found out that her listeners were not being disrespectful. Japanese listeners sometimes close their eyes to enhance concentration. Her listeners were showing their respect for her by chewing on her words. So, learning how different cultures signal respect can help you avoid misunderstandings. Here are some examples. In the deaf culture of North America, many listeners show applause not by clapping their hands but by waving them in the air. In some cultures, both overseas and in some minority groups in North America, listeners are considered disrespectful if they look directly at the speaker. Respect is shown by looking in the general direction but avoiding direct eye contact. In some countries, whistling by listeners is a sign of approval while in other countries it is a form of insult.Next, well show the difference cultures in details. Part II the different cultures between America and ChinaThe culture in American is different from that in China. It is based on many things that are passed from one generation to the next. An example of these differences is the style of education. In American, they always pay great attention to the students' ability of independent innovation and thinking on their own. On the other hand, students in China are more respect to the elders and teachers than American students. It is difficult to resist the impression that Chinese students are diligent and studious. Besides, in Chinese opinion, it will be a success if they can find a good job. So they work hard just in order to have a bright future.There is also some different in parents education. American usually don't like rely on others, even their parents do not necessarily willing to accept help. But the parents encourage their children to leave home early, independent life and development. Chinese parents, on the contrary, childhood bearing spoiling, grow up everywhere restrictions, even university major, love is all interference.There are many aspects of the differences, such as friends, money, competitive and world view. Part III the different cultures between England and ChinaThere are many differences between English and Chinese culture. Here are some examples GREETINGS:Chinese greet each other by asking some questions that the British people think are privacy. For example, Chinese may say :Where are you going?while the British people will say:Hi/helloor Good morning/afternoon/eveningPHONE EXPRESSIONS:When it comes to phone expression, there is little difference compared to daily expressions in Chinese culture. However, it is very different in England. British ask the phone sayingHello, this is Jack speaking.firstly.EDUCATION:In England, any child may leave school at sixteen without attempting any of the public examinations. And at the British universities, students study only in their concentrated area, and very. Few students ever venture outside that subject again. However, Chinese students can leave school only when they have passed the final examination. And lots of Chinese students will attempt different subjects to pursuit a comprehensive developmentPart the different cultures between Thailand and ChinaChina and Thailand has a long history origin, and the two countries people also established a profound friendship. Besides, they have a lot in common about culture. However, as for the difference? Lets have a rough understanding.The first is about the body language when people meet and say goodbye. In Thailand, their manner is formed of Buddhism. When people meet, they put their palms together to show respect.While in our country, we tend to shake hands with each other or nod our heads and so on.The second is concerning about table manners. In Thailands table, they can not start to eat until the hostess takes her knife and fork. , and they can not leave until the hostess stand up. So its obvious that in Thailand the hostess plays an essential role. Whereas on the contrary, in china, host usually plays the main roleThe third is associated with drinking culture. Chinese drink up when they say cheers, and we often urge somebody to drink with some games. There is no need to drink up in Thailand, and they dont like to urge others to drink.The last is related to education. First of all, based on different education system, Thailand and China have different school fees. For instance, Thai students have to pay a significant amount of money for primary, middle and high school, while Chinese education for students is free. Additionally, students' holidays are different in these two countries. To take just one example, Thai students just have two months summer holidays. However, Chinese students have two holidays: one is a one and a half months summer holiday; and the other is a one month winter holiday. In conclusion, the situation of education in Thailand differs from China.Part the different cultures between Japan and ChinaThe Sino-Japanese culture lies in the Chinese culture is essentially containing actually has the vein and the principle, but this principle is the rationality and morality and justice; The Japanese culture is only good at imitating actually has another kind of narrow tenacious plot in inside, they first are vividly the cultural foundation and the Chinese culture Confucianism prosperous sun natural Buddhist big wisdom equality pure are entirely different. The Chinese culture is the artificial this respect day love supports oneself sets up person's culture is, Japan's culture has is certainly tenacious and the prejudice mood culture, lacks containing, has the representation, but not spiritual essence's inheritance, likes the shortcut having is angry greatly greedily hates the heart, therefore in accomplishment certain culture thought craziness.Part the different cultures between Korea and ChinaChina and South Korea ought now quite, and culturally homologous, but the countrys history has long have short, territory is greatly small, strength weak or strong, what is less, the population of ethnic composition, religious beliefs, regime character and economic structure also has difference, so countries diet culture is not the same, eating habits in differences with.There are a lot of unique things known about Korean culture such as the celebration of birthdays, traditional attire, and Korean drama. One of the most interesting parts of Korean culture is the fact that they celebrate Teachers Day every year on May 15th.Conclusion:Now we have seen that there exists significant diversity between Chinese and Western cultures. Though there doesnt exist correctness in terms of culture, it does have the terms of more advanced or more suitable for the world nowadays. We cannot deny any of the cultures Of course and should get to learn how to coordinate the different cultures and perfect our own, because different cultures add the most colorful element to the world around us. Maybe the civilization of human being and the motivation of our going farther are the most concerned topic that we share. Whats the most important, learning different culture can help you avoid misunderstandings.Reference:英国社会与文化延边大学学报(哲学社会科学版) 中韩文化差异与韩国语教学李龙海 方今淑 .hk/searchhttp:/www.korea4u.org/http:/www.lang.nagoya-u.ac.jp/proj/genbunronshu/28-2/morita.pdf