{"id":2960,"date":"2015-01-26T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2015-01-26T08:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/?p=2960"},"modified":"2015-01-26T10:46:52","modified_gmt":"2015-01-26T10:46:52","slug":"tips-integrate-chinese-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/tips-integrate-chinese-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips For Integrating Into Chinese Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TipsIntegratingChineseCulture\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Are you thinking about choosing an\u00a0expat life in China and want to embrace the local customs? China is country full of history and rich culture with plenty for you to learn, but it isn't necessarily the easiest\u00a0to assimilate into. Many expats talk of the difficulties of\u00a0integrating into life in China \u2013 not only is the language vastly different, but so is the culture.<\/p>\n

That being said, there are a number of things you can do to ease into your life there and to fit better into the cultural norms. Avoid being labelled simply as a Laowai<\/i> (foreigner) by following these simple tips:<\/p>\n

1. Learn the language<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is easily the most important step. Learning Mandarin will allow you to communicate with the locals, and to understand the world around you. This is even more important considering that not only is Chinese a rather\u00a0complicated\u00a0language (for Indo-European language speakers) but it also uses a different system of characters instead of the Latin alphabet you might be used to. Start learning before you go, and then keep it up!<\/p>\n

See how good your Chinese is by taking a Mandarin level test<\/a>.<\/h4>\n

2. Greet people with \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n

Instead about being asked how you are, you\u2019ll notice that Chinese people will instead ask you, \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d It\u2019s not an invitation to eat but a way to show that they are concerned with your wellbeing. Think of it as an equivalent of \u201cHow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

3. Avoid PDA<\/b><\/h2>\n

PDA (public displays of affection) in China are frowned upon. Chinese people tend to be restrained when it comes to showing affection, reserving their hugs and kisses for those very close to them. So don\u2019t go hugging the new Chinese friend you\u2019ve just met \u2013 chances are, you\u2019ll make him or her uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

4. Accept invitations<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether someone invites you into their home, or your boss invites you to dinner, you should always accept (unless there is a really good reason you can\u2019t go). It is considered rude to reject an invitation. Especially in the case of a work invite; being invited is considered an honour.<\/p>\n

5. Keep Face<\/b><\/h2>\n

In China the concept of \u2018face\u2019 or reputation, is very important. Never embarrass a Chinese person or make them \u2018lose face\u2019 as this is seen as a bad social faux pas, and will damage your relationship.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo via s tsui<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

6. Toast to good health<\/b><\/h2>\n

Chinese are very conscious about health and it is common to ask after your health (often by asking, 'How is your body?'). One of the most common toasts you will hear is to good health. Get off on the right foot with your new friends or colleagues by enquiring about and toasting to their health.<\/p>\n

7. Drink only when you toast<\/b><\/h2>\n

Toasting is very important in Chinese culture. During a dinner, particularly in a business situation, a number of toasts are made throughout the evening and you are expected to drink each time. Instead of drinking at your own pace during the evening, drink only when there is a toast.<\/p>\n

8. Don\u2019t split the cheque<\/b><\/h2>\n

The general rule in China is that if you invite someone else to a restaurant, it is on you to pay the bill. Some people will get very offended if you insist on splitting the bill when the cheque arrives.<\/p>\n

9. Respect your elders<\/b><\/h2>\n

Respect for one\u2019s elders is incredibly important in Chinese culture, and you should likewise show respect to those who are older than you. Use the polite form of \u2018you\u2019 in Mandarin, nin<\/i>, when talking to an older person. This extends to family relations, too. People don\u2019t refer to their elder family members by given name but by their title. Even older siblings will be referred to as \u201cBig Sister\u201d or \u201cBig Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

10. Change your ideas of what is \u2018rude\u2019<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is a big one. You need to accept that Chinese culture is different to your own, and just because you consider something rude at home, doesn\u2019t mean it is here. One prime example is slurping during a meal. It is considered good manners in China as it shows appreciation for the food. Another thing you\u2019ll need to get used to is spitting on the sidewalk, which is considered acceptable. Bargaining is also a big part of the culture. Feel free to argue about the price, whether it\u2019s for a haircut or a handbag.<\/p>\n

***<\/strong><\/p>\n

Being an expat in China is an amazing opportunity to experience Chinese culture, history and cuisine. While it may be difficult at times, you\u2019ll have a much more rewarding stay if you learn the local customs, and importantly, the language. Need to get started with your Chinese? Contact us<\/a> to find lessons near you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you thinking about choosing an\u00a0expat life in China and want to embrace the local customs? China is country full of history and rich culture with plenty for you to learn, but it isn’t necessarily the easiest\u00a0to assimilate into. Many expats talk of the difficulties of\u00a0integrating into life in China \u2013 not only is the(\u2026)<\/p>\n

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