Cultural Background Essay

I come from main flat coat China, actually the in the south of Yunan. I learnt almost(predicate) Chinese refining from my father who was born in China and rise up with the Chinese culture. I deplete been taught by my father to behave as a good Chinese flock and brings up good values in my carriage, the concept of Yin and Yang, the balance in life and in particular were coming from east where the hoi polloi in that respect respect ancestors and older people much much compargons to the western people. This provide impact on how we choke and act with other people curiously with the elder. China is believed to have the oldest continuous civicization.China has over 4,000 geezerhood of confirmable history. Beijing is the capital of China and is the focal point for the democracy. The official spoken dialogue is standard Chinese, which is derived from the Mandarin dialect. Most seam people speak English. on that point atomic number 18 many a(prenominal) a(prenominal ) dialects in China further there is just now 1 written talking to. A communistic form of government chemical formulas China. The Chinese government promotes atheism although the constitution guarantees freedom of morality. The Chinese practice a variety of moralitys, however, Confucianism disdain non being a formal religion is practiced widely throughout the country.China is the most densely live county in the world with approximately 1. 17 billion people as of 1992. Almost 100 part of the population ar ethnic or Han Chinese. thither are strict rules regarding childbirth and each couple is moderate to only single and only(a) child. The customs of digging up dragon drum (tortoise and cattle b anes) has long been a part of Chinese culture. These bones are often delectationd to predict the future. The bones were inscribed with questions then change to reveal the in cartridge clipts. The tradition dates back as far as the bronze Age (around 2100 BC during the Xia dynasty).The Geert Hofstede analysis for China is a equivalent(p) to that of Hong Kong where long druthers is the heightsest-ranking factor. However, the Chinese rank low-downer than any other Asian country in the Individualism factor. This fuck be attri unlessed primarily to the Communist rule and its emphasis on a collectivist culture. Geert Hofstede analysis for China has Long- shape Orientation (LTO) the highest-ranking factor (118), which is authoritative for all Asian cultures. This Dimension indicates a guilds time perspective and an attitude of persevering that is, overcoming obstacles with time, if non with departing and strength.The Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism (IDV) ranking, at 20 compared to an average of 24. This whitethorn be attributed, in part, to the high level of emphasis on a Collectivist cabaret by the Communist rule, as compared to one of Individualism. The low Individualism ranking is manifest in a c dope o ff and act member grouping, be that a family, lengthy family, or broaden relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount. The society fosters sacrosanct relationships where allone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.Of note is Chinas signifi tidy sumtly higher(prenominal) Power Distance ranking of 80 compared to the other Far vitamin E Asian countries average of 60, and the world average of 55. This is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon the population, but rather authentic by the society as their cultural heritage. Chinas religion is officially designated as Atheist by the State, although the concepts and afternoon teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius ( calciferolBC) are woven into the society at macroscopical.Some religious practice is pleasing in China however, the government sets rigid limits. You can find more information col ligate with the religion in China. RELIGION IN GENERAL Before the Communist Revolution, a number of religious and philosophical systems were practiced in China. traditionally Taoism and Confucianism provided ethical guides to the proper style of mortalists and officials. Both of these systems originated in China during the alleged(prenominal) Golden Age of Chinese concept, several centuries before the informant of the Christian era.Taoism sought to promote the inner peace of individuals and harmony with their surroundings. Confucianism, based on the teachings and writings of the philosopher Confucius, is an ethical system that sought to teach the proper mode for all people to behave in society. Each relationshiphusband-wife, parents-children, ruler-subjects tough a set of obligations which, if upheld, would lead to a just and harmonious society. pursual his teachings would as well promote a stable, lasting government. Buddhism, which came to China from India as firstborn a s the 1st one C AD, was a more conventional religion.Its chase attended occasional services, practiced rituals, and supported a temple on a regular basis. It has been estimated that more than 68 million Chinese soothe consider themselves Buddhists, though it is unlikely that they practice the religion regularly (See Buddhism). prior to 1949, practices that whitethorn stovepipe be called folk religions were common throughout China. Although they incorporate elements of Buddhism and, especially, Taoism, these religions were usually local, often based on local gods, and served the local people.Christian missionaries have been active in China since Roman Catholics belonging to the Jesuit order arrived in the early 17th century. Protestant missionaries first appeared in the early 19th century. All the Christian missionaries had difficulty converting the Chinese because Christianity was associated in the popular mind with Western imperialism. By 1949 there were only 3 or 4 million Christians in China, less than 1 percent of the total population. Islam came to China mainly from Central Asia, where it was practiced by many of the Turkic peoples.Today there are believed to be more than 4 million Chinese Muslims. One autonomous region, Ningxia Huizu, has been designated for Islamic adherents. The Communists have discourage religious practices, which they consider anti-socialist. Many temples and churches have been closed and their property taken. During the not badly(p) Proletarian Cultural Revolution (or simply the Cultural Revolution), a muss movement that lasted officially from 1966 to 1977, conditions were especially difficult, and religious practitioners were persecuted. The situation eased later 1977. A number of Buddhist temples were allowed to reopen.Worship services among Christians were permitted once again, and it is believed that as many as 2 million Christians are practicing their faith in China. The Chinese government is cautious about all reli gious activity, especially if it happens to involve foreign people in any personal manner. THE AGE OF PHILOSOPHIES. *CONFUCIANISM CONFUCIUS is a latinized form of the honorific title Kung-fu-tzu ( chasten Kung), given to a wandering scholar from the state of Lu in Shandong Province in northeastern China. Although little known in his lifetime, Confucius was revered as the gr ingestest of sages throughout most of Chinas history.His teaching, Confucianism, was the state teaching from the beginning of the Han Dynasty in 202 BC to the end of the imperial period in 1911. affect by constant warfare among the states, Confucius taught that most of the ills of society happened because people forgot their displace in life and rulers lost virtue. He advocated a return to the thriving antiquity of the emperors Yao and Shun, when rulers were virtuous and people knew their places. Therefore, Confucius primary concern lay in social relations, proper conduct, and social harmony.Confucius define d 5 panelinal relationships in the midst of ruler and ruled, between husband and wife, between parents and children, between older and young brothers, and between friends. Except for the last consequence, all of the defined relationships are between brags and inferiors. He emphasized the complete obedience and loyalty of the inferior to the superior but also mentioned the benevolence of the superior to the inferior. The ideal Confucian family was an extended one of three or four generations, in which authority be with the elderly male members.Filial piety (obedience to parents) was one of the most meaning(a) virtues emphasized by later Confucians. Confucius reportedly spent his last years editing and completing nearly of the agrees that came to be known as quint Classics. These include the Classic of Poetry, Classic of History, Spring and crepuscule Annals, Record of Rites, and Classic of Changes, or I Ching. Memorized by scholars for generations in China, these books an d four other works, including the Analects, a compilation of Confucian teachings, were the subjects of civil service examinations for over 2,000 years.(See Confucius) Confucianism commanded a greater following some cc years later, during the time of Mencius, or Meng-tzu (371-289 BC). He was second only to Confucius himself in shaping Confucianism. His three main tenets were the basic good character of forgiving beings, the notion of society with a distinct distribution of functions, and the rulers obligation to the people. On the last point, Mencius elaborated on the concept of the authority of prudence, which allows that rulers lose support of heaven when they cease to be virtuous.The concept served as the basis of revolts in China and the succession of new rulers. MENICIUS MENG-TZU The Meng-tzu, meaning Master Meng, was written by the philosopher Mencius (a Latinized form of the name Meng-tzu) in the 4th century BC. The work earned for its author the title of second sage in Chi na. The book deals with government and asserts that the welfare of the people comes before all else. When a king no long-lasting is good to the people, he should be removed(p)by revolution if necessary. Mencius, like Confucius, declared that filial piety was the launching of society.One unusual doctrine that Mencius supported was that of the natural goodness of mankind, for which he found proof in the natural love children have for their parents. twain other philosophies that have had an enduring find on Chinese public opinion are Taoism and Legalism. Taoism gave the Chinese an alternative to Confucianismpassivity and escape to nature go Legalism provided the Chinese state with one of its basic doctrines. *TAOISM In the Chinese language the word tao means way, indicating a way of thought or life. There have been several such ways in Chinas long history, including Confucianism and Buddhism.In about the 6th century BC, under the invite of ideas credited to a man named Lao-tzu, Taoism became the way. like Confucianism, it has influenced every chance of Chinese culture. Taoism began as a complex system of philosophical thought that could be indulged in by only a few individuals. In later centuries it emerged, perhaps under the influence of Buddhism, as a common religion. It later evolved as a popular folk religion. Philosophical Taoism speaks of a permanent Tao in the way that some Western religions speak of God.The Tao is considered unsung and unknowable, the essential unifying element of all that is. Everything is basically one patronage the appearance of differences. Because all is one, matters of good and evil and of true or false, as well as differing opinions, can only arise when people lose sight of the oneness and think that their private beliefs are absolutely true. This can be likened to a person looking out a elfin window and thinking he sees the whole world, when all he sees is one small portion of it. Because all is one, life and death mer ge into each other as do the seasons of the year.They are not in reverse to one another but are only two aspects of a single reality. The life of the individual comes from the one and goes back into it. The goal of life for a Taoist is to cultivate a mystical relationship to the Tao. Adherents thusly avoid dispersing their energies through the pursuit of wealth, power, or knowledge. By shunning every earthly distr natural action, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the adherents life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have bring to pass. ultimately the hope is to become immortal.LAO-TZU (604? -531? BC). Some people believe that only one man, Lao-tzu, wrote the most translated work in all the literature of China, the Lao-Tzu (also called Tao-te Ching). The book is the soonest document in the history of Taoism (the Way), one of the major philosophical-religious traditions that, along with Confucianism, has shaped Chinese life and thought for more than 2,000 years. It is a point of view that emphasizes individuality, freedom, simplicity, mysticism, and naturalness. (See Confucius) Knowledge of Lao-tzu is so scarce that only legends remain.His earliest biographer, who wrote in about 100 BC, relates that Lao-tzu lived in the district of Hu in present-day Henan Province during the kale Dynasty (1122-221 BC). Presumably he worked in astrology and divination at the appeal of the emperor. The biographer tells of a meeting of Lao-tzu with the younger Confucius, which would mean Lao-tzu lived in about 500 BC. Another story says that he left China during the decline of the chuck Dynasty, and on his way west wrote the Tao-te Ching, after which he disappeared. He was adore as an Imperial ancestor during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).Scholars today believe that the book cannot have been written by one man. Some of the sayings in it may date from the time of Confucius, while others are from a later period. It is affirmable that the nam e Lao-tzu represents a type of scholar and b overcompensate man, rather than one individual. Tao-te Ching The Tao-te Ching, meaning Classic of the Way of Power, is one of the great works of ancient China not included among the Confucian Classics. The presumed author, Lao-tzu, is considered to be the return of Taoism. He may have been alive at the same time as Confucius but older.The book is not only significant philosophically, but it is also one of the most sacred scriptures of the Taoist religion. (See Lao-tzu) CHUANG-TZU (4th century BC), Chinese philosopher, author, and teacher classic work bears his name influential in reading of Chinese philosophy and religious thought interpreted Taoism (from tao, way) differently from Lao-tzu Chuang-tzu taught that wise people accept the ebb and flow of life without attempting to challenge it true learning involves freeing oneself of traditions and personal goals that stand in the way of the mysterious, encompassing Tao.Communal religio us Taoism is quite distinct from its philosophical counterpart. It emphasizes moral teachings and collective ceremonies. Good moral conduct is rewarded with health and long life, while bad conduct results in disease, death, and suffering in the afterlife. There is an array of gods who are administrators of the universe, of which they are a part. From these gods come revelations of sacred texts. There is an order of marital priests who live in the communities they serve and perform exorcisms and complex rituals. Folk religion Taoism is part of the everyday lives of the people.The gods are intimately connected with each individuals life as bringers of calamities or givers of bountiful clothes. Each aspiration of daily life has its presiding ticker that must be consulted and appeased. All types of Taoism have in common the quest for a harmonious, well-ordered universe. They emphasize the individuals and the groups hire for unity through mysticism, magic, and ceremony. *LEGALISM *B UDDHISM Although Buddhism first entered China from India during the Later Han, in the time of Han Ming Ti (AD 58-76), it did not become popular until the end of the 3rd century.The prevailing disorders, aggravated by nipper invasions and the flight of northern Chinese to the south, heightened the attraction of Buddhism with its promise of personal salvation, despite its lack of affinity with the society-oriented thought of the Chinese. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, a prince of the Sakya kingdom on the borders of what are now India and Nepal and a contemporary of Confucius. Intent on conclusion relief for human suffering, he received a moment of enlightenment while meditating under a Bo tree.The Buddha taught that desires are the source of discommode, and that by overcoming desires, spite can be eliminated. To this end, he advocated surmise and pursuing the Eightfold Path, similar to the Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity. The objective was to reach Nirvana, the condition of serenity of spirit, where all cravings, strife, and pain have been overcome, giving way to a merging of the spirit with consummate(a) harmony. At an early stage of its development, Buddhism split into two major trends, Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) and Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle).Hinayana remained close-set(prenominal) to the original Buddhism and is still the religion of the Southeast Asian countries. The Buddhism of China, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, and Vietnam, however, stems largely from Mahayana. Mahayana Buddhism contained more popular elements, such as belief in repetitive prayers, heaven and deitiesbodhisattvaswho would help people gain salvation. It also readily adapted to the land and people it converted. In China, it split into several schools, including Chan ( loony toons in Japan), Tien-tai (Tendai in Japan), and Pure Land. Chan or sexually transmitted disease BuddhismThrough his popular book The Way of window pane (1957), the British-bo rn American philosopher Alan Watts introduced Americans to the Zen school of Buddhism, which has a long tradition of development in China and Japan. Zen (Chan in Chinese) is a Japanese term meaning venture. It is a major school of Japanese Buddhism that claims to transmit the spirit of Buddhism, or the total enlightenment as achieved by the founder of the religion, the Buddha (See Buddha Buddhism). Zen has its basis in the conviction that the world and its components are not many things. They are, rather, one reality.The one is part of a larger wholeness to which some people assign the name of God. Reason, by analyzing the diversity of the world, obscures this oneness. It can be apprehended by the nonrational part of the mindthe intuition. Enlightenment about the nature of reality comes not by rational examination but through surmise. Meditation has been an integral part of Buddhism from the beginning. Nevertheless, a school of meditation grew up in India and was taken to China b y Bodhidharma about AD 520. When the meditation school arrived in China, it had a strong foundation on which to build Taoism, the ancient Chinese religion (See Taoism).This religion is based on the idea that there is one underlying reality called the Tao. Taoists, like the pursual of the meditation school, exalted intuition over reason. This Taoist tradition was slowly absorbed by the Chinese meditation school, the Chan. Within two centuries the meditation school had divided into two factions Northern Chan and Southern Chan. The northern school, a short-lived affair, insisted on a doctrine of gradual enlightenment. The southern school, which became dominant, held to a doctrine of instantaneous enlightenment.The southern school evolved under the powerful influence of Hui-neng (638-713), who is recognized as the sixth great patriarch of Zen and the founder of its modern interpretation. In a sermon recorded as the curriculum Scripture of the Sixth Patriarch, he taught that all peopl e possess the Buddha nature and that ones nature (before and after being born) is originally pure. rather of undertaking a variety of religious obligations to seek salvation, one should teach ones own nature. The traditional way to do this, academic session in meditation, is useless. If one perceives ones own nature, enlightenment will follow suddenly.The goal of adherents of the southern Chan is to gain transcendental, or highest, wisdom from the depths of ones unconscious, where it lies dormant. Chan tries to attain enlightenment without the aid of common religious observances study, scriptures, ceremonies, or good deeds. Reaching the highest wisdom comes as a breakthrough in everyday logical thought. Followers are urged to find within themselves the answer to any question raised within because the answer is believed to be found where the question originates. Training in the methods of meditation leading to such an enlightenment is best transmitted from master to adherent.Chan flourished in China during the Tang and vocal dynasties (960-1279), and its influences were strongly felt in literature and painting. Chan declined during the Ming era (1141-1215), when Chan masters took up the practice of trying to harmonize meditation with the study of traditional scriptures. Meanwhile, sects of Zen had been transplanted to Japan. The Rinzai school was taken there in 1191 by the priest Enzai (1141-1215), and the Soto tradition arrived in 1227, taken there by Dogen (1200-53), the most revered turn in Japanese Zen.These schools had their origin in China during the 9th century, when Chan divided into five sects that differed from each other in minor ways. The Rinzai sect evolved from the work of Lin-chi (died 866), who was an superpower of sudden enlightenment. The Soto was founded by Liang-chieh (died 869) and Pen-chi (died 901). The Soto stressed quiet sitting in meditation to await enlightenment. A third group, the Obaku, was established in 1654. The Obaku scho ol is nearer to the Rinzai tradition except for its emphasis on invoking the name of Buddha.Zen gained an evangelical following among the Samurai warrior class and became in effect the state religion in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 16th century Zen priests were diplomats and administrators, and they enhance cultural life as well. Under their influence literature, art, the cult of the tea ceremony, and the No drama developed. The focal point of Zen is the monastery, where masters and pupils interact in the search for enlightenment. A newcomer arrives at a monastery with a certificate showing that he is a regularly ordained disciple of a priest. He is at first refused entry.Finally being admitted, he spends a few days of probation being interviewed by his master. When he is accepted he is initiated into the community life of humility, labor, service, prayer and gratitude, and meditation. 2. Communication Style of Chinese people There are many things that you should know about the intercourse style of the Chinese people. They are really care with the appearance, behavior and the way we communicate to them since it will show them our status, are we coming from the lower economical status or high economic status or even more we are coming from the Kings ancestor or just an ordinary people.It is all can be seen from the way we communicate so it become so great according to Chinese people. gratify find below the detail in each topic of the colloquy style of Chinese people Appearance Appearance is quite important for Chinese people or even Asian, they sometimes judge people from their first sight (Dresser,1996). Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm. Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much. Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women. Casual dress should be conservative as well. Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for busi ness meetings. Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen. Behavior Some of the behavior or gestures are mentioned as follows (Axtel,1998) Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your innkeeper. Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is super inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public. Do not point when speaking. To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm. It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth. Avoid acts that involve the mouth. Gift giving is a very thin-skinned issue in China. It is illegal to give gifts to government official however it has become more commonplace in the business world. It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment. The most acceptable gift is a banquet. Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts. The following gifts and/or colors are assoc iated with death and should not be given time Straw sandals A stork or crane Handkerchiefs Anything white, blue or dumb Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest. Do not discuss business at meals. Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host. As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered. Sample meals only, there may be several courses. Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death. Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck. Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry. Women do not usually drink at meals. Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common. Communications Bowing or nodding is the common greeting however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their han d first. (Morris, 2003). compliment is common when greeting a crowd the same is expected in return. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles. Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners. Being on time is vital in China. Appointments are a must for business. Contacts should be do prior to your trip. Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings. The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly. Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision. Present and receive separate with both hands. Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case. The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status. rebel a working knowledge of Chinese culture. Allow the Chinese to get around a meeting first.3. Communication style when interacting with people from a distinguishable Culture When we do the communication with other people with different culture we expect them to follow our rules especially when we are talking to older people. but sometimes for teenagers or younger people they would like to adapt the communication styles according to the peoples culture he/she talking with. Chinese people is very famous for their good personality traits, in this case they are really diligent and always try to give the best and also sometimes very brave to take any action compares to those who are coming from the west.They would do directly what they consider the thing is right or correct this can be seen in the way they look at things, they open their store and etc. If you are coming from the west you need to understand what the people from the east thinking about. Below are the patterns of easterly and Western people that we can analyze and use to communicate with them. You can find out that western people will look like they are more in dividual compares to the eastern people.