RJ Bast

Jay Freyer
Al Gomez
Lynn Hovartin
Sean Lee
China Cultural Environment
Brief History
 Brief History Con’t Sun Yat-Sen

Mao Tse-Tong

Chang Kai-Shek

Last Emperor
Pu Yi
 Population Distribution
China has population of 1.3 billion, but it’s not evenly distributed.
Some areas are still uninhabited. Most population is concentrated
n the darker brown areas where original civilization started
4,000 – 5,000 years ago.
 Ethnic Groups
China is a united multi-ethnic nation of 56 ethnic groups:

Han – 91.6 %

18 ethnic minorities with more than one million in

population:

Zhuang (16.2 million) Manchu Hui

Miao (Hmong) Uygur Yi
Tujia Mongolian Tibetan
Bouyei Dong Yao
Korean Bai Hani
Li Kazak
Etc.
 Languages
Thousands of dialects spoken in China. People from
different townships/cities often can not
communicate in their own dialects.
Main Dialects Where spoken
Cantonese (Yue) Mainly Guangdong, Macau, Hong
Kong.
Fujian (Hakka) Fujian and Guangxi.
Hsiang (Hunan) South central region, in Hunan
Gan Shanxi and south-west Hebei.
Mandarin Northern, central and western regions.
North Mandarin, as found in Beijing, is the
basis of the modern standard language.
Northern Min North-west Fujian.
Southern Min In parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Hainan
Island and Taiwan.
Wu Shanghai, Anhui, Zhejians and Jiangsu.
 Languages, Con’t
In China historically there have been many forms
of writing language forms. But most of which only
exist in history books now, except “Standard
Chinese” characters, which is used national wide in
writing communications. Chinese characters are
logographic and ideographic.

A complete Chinese dictionary contains nearly

50,000 characters,
but most of these are highly specialized.
In the modern language, basic literacy requires
knowledge of some 2.000 characters.
 Philosophy/Religions and Values
Chinese behaviors and values are greatly influenced by the
philosophies and religions of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and
Marxism since 1949:

Taoism (600 BC)

It promotes the belief that one will gain power and strength if behave in
harmony with the nature of universe. One’s wrong doing will always result in
bad luck or punishment. Proper behaviors and self restrain can give one great
inner strength and even prolonged life.

Confucianism (551 – 479 BC)

It is the philosophy guiding Chinese in governing and behaviors. It emphasizes
the importance of a family and the society order. Children must respect and
obligate to their parents. Student obeys to the teacher. Junior follows the senior.
Servants serve the rulers. Education/knowledge decide one’s status in society.
Even today, the Chinese society still reassembles the spirit of Confucianism.
Philosophy/Religions and Values Con’t
Buddhism
It was introduced into China from India in 520’s. It gained
acceptance in China due to concept of rebirth and the
reinforcement of the Taoism and Confucianism. It confirms
the fact that life is suffering. Craving is the cause of all
suffering. No one but yourself can save you from suffering. To
attain happiness you have to overcome craving or endless
wanting, hatreds and complaining.

Marxism
It was first introduced into China in 1920’s. It is the value
principle with which the ruling party has tried to “educate”
the public since the founding of PRC. Marxism's emphasis on
equality, benevolence, and shared wealth and the Marxist-
Leninist orientation toward a centralized state and economy
are to large degree compatible with traditional Chinese
culture.
Marxism is still taught in education systems today in China,
though with few true followers among young generations.
 Changing Society and Values
China is now a “socialist country with Chinese characters
(capitalistic)”. Social norms are changing rapidly and many
conflicting values coexist. Generation gap is significant.

Spiritual Vacuum: “main stream” (Marxism) vs deep rooted traditional

philosophies. Increasing exposure to Christianity.
No more “iron rice bowl”: having a job is no longer one’s “right”. Majority
of SOE’s have been privatized, except sensitive industries (energy, defense,
etc.) and government.
Collectivism vs individualism: China is still a very homogeneous society
(taste, trend, values). But it’s becoming more diversified. Individualism
appeals more to younger generations.
Materialism: money worship is becoming more evident.

Survey shows ordinary Chinese top concerns are jobs, housing, enforceable
legal system, business regulations, better education in rural areas, economic
equality.
 Chinese Business Culture
Doing business in China is not as complicated as experts claim,
especially in bigger cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou,
Shenzhen, etc. There still are some aspects of doing business in China
one should understand to be more effective.

Appointment – being punctual is always a good practice just

as in the U.S., but don’t take it as an insult if you Chinese
counterpart is late. Avoid making too frequent changes.
Handshake – traditionally Chinese handshake is more gentle

(this is changing). Soft or firm handshakes do not carry the

same importance in China than in the U.S.
Business card – always hand out business card, in formal

meetings use two hands to show respect, the Chinese would

typically like to know who they’re talking to and what should
be talked about.
 Chinese Business Culture, Con’t
 Greeting – among Chinese, business titles are always used, e.g. Chief
Wang, General (manager) Liu, Chairman Mao. Addressing deputies by
skipping “deputy” or “assistant”, e.g. “ assistant director” is addressed
as “director”. However addressing one as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” in English is
totally acceptable. Always address the most senior person first.

Body Language/Conversation – during conversations

Chinese often do not always look at you in the eyes while
talking or listening to be polite, especially in the first
meetings. As relationship getting closer this changes.
Chitchat is important. Topics about one’s family,
spouse/children, hobbits are always welcome and normal.
•Dinner/Banquet – Chinese host is
“obligated” to dine/wine visitors.
These are often more meaningful
functions to get business done than
formal negotiation and meetings, or
to build your Guanxi or close
working relationship with your hosts.
 Chinese Art
Chinese paintings
Ink (from natural materials) and brush are used. The techniques
are quite similar to water color. Traditional themes are sceneries
(mountains/rivers), animals, people portraits, etc.

Asian cultures)
 Chinese Art, Con’t
Chinese Calligraphy
Writing with ink on rice paper is a
form of art. Traditionally one’s level
of education can be seen from the
hand writing. The thousands of
calligraphy styles can be categorized
into six major scripts: Oracle, Zhuan,
Li, Kai, Xing, Cao. Calligraphy is also
thought to be a good tool to improve
inner strength and patience.

Asian cultures)
 Chinese Art, Con’t
Chinese Operas
Traditional Chinese drama, often called "Chinese opera," grew
out of the zaju (variety plays) of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368)
and continues to exist in 368 different forms, the best known of
which is Beijing Opera, Yue Opera, Yu Opera, Huangmei
Opera, etc.
Folk Music
Besides modern music, which is quite similar to western music,
traditional music is still pretty much of a part of Chinese
entertainment. The main categories
are string (Huqins, Pipa), wind (flutes), brass (trombone) and
percussion instruments (drum,Gong).
 Chinese Holidays and Calendar
The official and business calendar is the same as used in the west.
But traditional Chinese holidays and major social events (wedding,
funeral,opening of business,etc.) follow traditional calendar (in red)
 New Year's Day (Jan 1st )
 Chinese New Year (Jan 1st)
 The Lantern Festival (Jan 15th, end of NY Celebration)
 Women’s Day (Mar 8th )
 Qingming (Apr 15th ,memorial day)
 May Labor Day (May 1st)
 Dragon Boat Festival (May 5th)
 Children's Day (Jun 1st )
 Festival of 7-7 (Jul 7th , Valentines Day)
 Moon Festival (Aug 15th , Family reunion)
 Double Nineth (Sep 9th , Senior’s Day)
 National Day (Oct 1st , Founding of PRC)
 Ethnic Gourp Holidays
 Things good to know

• American people are considered friendly, generous, humorous, fair

and honest by Chinese. Chinese typically go out their ways to please
guest. Do not afraid taboos, they generally do not apply to guests.

• “Guanxi” (connection or relationship) is important aspect in Chinese

interaction. People in this invisible net work is obligated to extend
helping hand when needed and returned favor is also expected.

• When Chinese nod/smile, they may simply mean they know what
you’re saying, rather than agreeing.

• Saying “No” can be considered rude.

• “We’ll consider” or “we’ll look into it” may mean “no”.

• “Soon” is often used to mean “when we have time …… but not now”.
 Things good to know, con’t
•Seating in a banquet is important in certain part of China, follow your
host’s arrangement.

•You don’t have to have eat “interesting” dish served by your host, but
you can accept it and “play” with it.

•Blowing nose at dinner table is considered bad manner.

•Cover your month with the free hand while picking tooth.
•Tipping is not necessary (considered insult in rural areas) in China,
except in big hotels. $1 -$2 for bellboy is appropriate.
•“6” (free of troubles), “8” (prosperous) and “9” (long lasting) are lucky
numbers, while “4” (death) is bad number.
 Things good to know, con’t
• There are not as many gays in China than it seems. Girls or even
soldiers often hold hands walking on the street to express close
friendship.
• Privacy is an imported word. Living in China, a closely netted society,
your business is everyone’s business. Don’t be offended if Chinese ask
your (lady) age or income, etc. These are common topics in chitchat
among Chinese.
• Topics will delight the Chinese: 08 Olympic Game, manned satellite,
the “ 4 greatest inventions” (paper, printing, compass, gunpowder),
economic progresses, etc.
• Avoid sharing your opinions on political issues such as Taiwan, Tibet,
human rights, Iraqi invasion, etc. Some Chinese may have strong view
opposite to yours.

Questions?