Cindy Yu and Matthias Heller from Source Products Asia discusses the nuances behind each of the following visual comparisons, in order to to give incoming teachers a firm grasp of Chinese cultural distinctions.

Way of life

Matt: we are individualistic, yet sharing, giving plenty of space within a relationship.

Cindy: Chinese people see themselves as part of a group. This can be the university, company, or more often the family. This is a easy way of knowing where they belong. Thus, they feel more comfortable that way.

View of self

Matt: I am able to forge my own destiny and “luck”.

Cindy: My opinion is that Chinese people usually don’t have a strong self-image. They often think they can only play a small part to make a difference, and must compromise a lot to the outside environment.

Contacts

Matt: I keep in touch with very few people, but I enjoy trust and a deep connection with these friends, no matter how often I see them. Usually, I share some mutual interest, hobby or outlook on life in order to become friends.

Cindy: Everyone can become a contact who happens to drop into my life without a specific target. Chinese tend to maintain a great many of various relationship with all kinds of people.
 

Queues

Matt: Queuing in a line is great. It is fair for everyone and nobody gets crushed.

Cindy: Here, people don’t always obey rules and regulations as westerners perceive them. In their daily lives, different ways might be applied to best take advantages of rules or regulations. Ultimately, things start with rules, but later become normal and acceptable, based on real life experiences. 
 

Opinions

Matt: Opinions are shaped by experience and help to make sense of the world. We need an open mind to see other people’s views and update our opinions where necessary. 

Cindy: Chinese tend to avoid direct confrontations and rather gather information through social get-togethers in order to avoid conflicts and potentially loosing face.
 

Definition of beauty

Matt: That’s a matter of taste. However, Asians are definitely cute.

Cindy: White and pale skin is still considered beautiful and attractive by most Chinese.

Life of the elderly

Matt: Pensioners often live independently as long as possible.  Their hobbies or own interests, including pets keeps them going.

Cindy: In China, a lot of older people or retired grandparents are still helping to bring up the grandchildren which they see as their task or responsibility.

The child

Matt: In Germany children are given the chance to try out many things. Parents tend to support these interests. Sometimes they lead to a career path, in any case these encouraged interests play a part in leading a full life. Grandparents play a limited role for bringing up children.

Cindy: The grandparents in China are eager to help their daughters or sons to bring up their grandchildren. Children are first pampered, then they have to learn intensively for many years. Parents are usually occupied by working intensively, dealing with financial pressures, and developing their careers.
 

The boss

Matt: The reputation is worse than the reality. Bosses take on a lot more responsibility – that’s why they are bosses.

Cindy: Leaders are powerful and are not to be questioned. The interesting thing is, a lot of men in the big cities of China would like to run their own business and become a “Boss” one day.
 

Peception of each others' culture

Matt: There is more to it than meets the eye. Chinese culture is as colorful as its many cuisine styles. But if you want a stereotype about China... it's got to be “Money rules” (unfortunately).

Cindy: Chinese generally know the most famous products like beer, sausages and the well known car brands from Germany. These products are symbolic signs of Germany.

Source Products AsiaCindy Yu is the President and Matthias Heller the Project Manager of Source Products Asia, an outfit providing tailored sourcing solutions to North American and European businesses.

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