Everybody has to admit that there are some differences between China and Occident in some aspects such as values, moral standard, social relationships, social etiquette and custom… These differences cause misunderstanding each other. I will analyze the differences between China and Occident from today for dispel these misunderstanding and enable everybody better understanding China. I will write out some articles successively in the Mysterious China Blog. Hope that is able to help everybody better understands China and Chinese culture.

Occident culture advocates personal honor, self-centre, innovation spirit and individuality freedom; but Chinese culture advocates humility, dedication unselfishly, moderation and cooperating. Occidental equality consciousness is stronger, structure of the family is simple, parents and children make up the nuclear family; but Chinese grade conception is relatively strong, family’s structure is relatively complicated, traditional families mostly are that four generations live together.

This kind of phenomenon that because of culture obstacle lead to misunderstand even injure the other side often takes place in the communicating of Chinese and Occidental. Well-meaning talk can make the other side to be very embarrassed sometimes; it is absurd or vulgar that polite bearing will be misunderstood. So, I think it is very essential and important that research the difference between China and Occident.

It is the educated and courteous behavior to care about others’ health in China. But you can’t be according to the Chinese traditional way to care about the health of Occidental. Such as one Chinese student will says “You should go to see a doctor!” when her American teacher fall ill. But this sentence makes this teacher very unhappy. Because Americans think: If give somebody advice on a minor matter, that is obviously suspicion to his ability, thereby injure his self-esteem.

Chinese’s hospitality on the dining table is often misunderstood for the discourteousness behavior by Occidental. Because Occidental thinks: guests eat how much is decided by oneself, Do not need hosts to add the wine or dish for him; and the excessive diet is the thing of discourteousness.

Chinese will often say “Ah, brother, you are fat recently!” when meet friend on the way or say with the concerned tone: “Brother, you are thin, you should care the health of your own!” But if you say “you are fat” or “you are so thin” to Occidental, he will feel embarrassed and difficult to answer even relatively familiar.

It is easy to find out from the above-mentioned examples: There are differences between China and Occident and the cultural obstacle will really influence social intercourse. It is very essential to study the difference of different culture. I will analyze various differences between China and Occident in the article from today. Please continue paying attention to the Mysterious China Blog.