China Program Orientation: Chinese Culture 中国文化 For Students Going to China to Study Dr. MA...

China Program Orientation: Chinese Culture

中国文化

For Students Going to China to Study

Dr. MA Yan 马焰Director, the Confucius Institute at URI

Graduate School of Library and Information Studies

Email: [email protected]

LSC590 Chinese Information Services

Location: China

When friends gather round from afar do we not rejoice?

By Chap.1, LunYu Confucius

Land

U.S.

9,364 km²

China

9,597 km²

Land

Map of China

http://www.chinapage.com/map/map.html

Interactive Map of China

http://china.scmp.com/map/

Time Zones

U.S.

8 time zones

China

1 time zone

Chinese Cities and Provinces

China is administratively divided into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 centrally administrative municipalities* and 2 special administrative regions (SAR)**

http://www.chinatoday.com/city/a.htm

Population

U.S.

300,000,000

China

1.37 billion

56 minority groups

Land and Population

Washington DC:

Land: 177 km²

Population:

599,657

Beijing:

Land: 16,801 km² Population: 22 million (2010)

Land and Population

New York City:

Land: 830 km²

Population:

8.3 million

Shanghai:

Land: 7337 km² Population: 19.2 million (2010)

Land and Population

Rhode Island (smallest state in the US)

Land: 4,000 km²

Population: 1,076,189

Zhejiang (smallest province in China)

Land: 101,800 km² Population: 43.43 million

Land and Population

Providence (Capital city of RI)

Land: 53.2 km²

Population:178,126

Climate: 58-77 F

Hangzhou (Capital city of Zhejiang)

Land: 16,596 km² Population: 6.08 million

Climate: 68-81 F

The Great Wall

Shanghai

Hangzhou

Chinese History

Over 5,000 years.


Universities to study in China:

Peking University, Beijing

Zhejiang University, Hangzhou

You are going to a rising developing country.

The population is 4 times more than that in the US.


First impressions: Seas of people, cars, bikes, etc. Fear of crossing the streets. Noisy.Crowded.Dusty.Differences in etiquettes, etc.


Time:

The two-week Summer Seminar will be held from August 17-August 27, 2010.

Location: Peking University, Beijing and Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China


Academic Activities:

--Lectures

--Over 10 Library tours

--Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo.

--Finish one research paper for students who take the course for credits.


Cost & registration:

3 graduate credits or for non-credit.

Program Fees: $2500 including tuition, library tours, in-China airfare, room and meals on the library tours.


Travel: The following travel agency is recommended:

China Silk Tours280 Madison Ave Suite 907New York, NY 10016 Phone Number: 1-800-945-7960Fax: 1-212-679-6851Email: [email protected]:www.chinasilktours.com

The Owner Elsa Lo. Please tell her you are a student in Dr. Ma’s class at the University of Rhode Island.


Visa:

A visa is required in advance of traveling to China, and this requires a trip to a Chinese consulate, which only exist in major cities.

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C. http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/default.htmEmbassy and Consulates General of the People's Republic of Chinahttp://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t84229.htm


Visa: You can use travel agencies provided in your Acceptance Letter. Or, you can use the following online services. You will be responsible for your handling of the services with these agencies for security or safety of your passport. http://www.travisa.com/http://www.urgentpassportandvisa.com/http://www.mychinavisa.com/


On the visa form, you will need to fill out the lodging information:

We will stay in Beijing University, Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Tu An Hotel of Shanghai Library.

Itinerary:

We will arrive in Beijing on August 16 and return on the 27th. In China, we will visit libraries in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo.


What do I need for immunizations? No immunizations are required in order to travel to China, but it’s strongly recommended to receive vaccinations for Hepatitis A and typhoid. Information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eastasia.htm

Vaccinations are obtained at local travel clinics, rather than one’s regular doctor. Here is a friendly and convenient RI clinic:Concentra Medical Center203 Concord St. Suite 301Pawtucket, RI 02860401-722-8880


Money:

--You can get some Chinese Yuan before you leave for China in your local bank.--You can use your ATM card to withdraw money in China. --Currency exchange counter is available right at the Pudong Airport. --You can use your traveler’s checks to cash Yuan in China. $1 = 6.8 Yuan Currency Converter: http://www.xe.com/ucc/


Money:

--You can use your credit card for purchases at most of the stores, hotels, etc. --It’s possible to rely on ATMs for cash, but there is a 2000 ($263) yuan per day limit on ATMs. --Also, most American banks will charge hefty service fees for the exchange, and they charge per transaction. It might be worth opening an account especially for the trip that does not charge fees for international withdrawals. --Cashing traveler’s checks is possible at hotels , but only at certain banks’ main offices.


Hotel: In Beijing, we will stay in the same hotel reserved by Peking University. In Hangzhou, you can stay in the International College dorm at the cost built in your $2500. ($12 per night).

Or: you can choose to stay in a hole Lingfeng across the street of Zhejiang University at the cost of 240 ($31) Yuan per night. It is like the quality of Days Inn in the US. Two of you can share a room. Please let Professor Ma know your choice ASAP.


Travel:

It is IMPERATIVE for you to arrive at or before 7:00 p.m. on August 16th in Beijing International Airport. Peking University bus will pick up students in the airport. If you arrive before that day and/or are willing to take a bus to go to Beijing University. The exact hotel address will be posted soon. We will depart after 4:00 pm on August 19th for Hangzhou. The class will be over by 4:00 p.m. on August 27th in Shanghai. You need to make travel plans to either visit other parts of China after that time or return to the United States after that time.


ElectricityElectric current throughout China is 220 volts, 50 cycles. You will need to bring a transformer if you are bringing

an electrical appliance that does not have a ‘universal’ or ‘world’ power supply.

TimeTime throughout China is standardized, based on Beijing time. Beijing is 12 hours ahead of EST; when it is 8:00 pm in Beijing, it’s 8:00 am the same day in New York.


Communication: Here are the important phone numbers to communicate with Professors Ma, Chen at PU, and Pan at ZJU.

Dr. Yan Ma: 13616520502 (dial direct as it is in China) Dr. Yan Ma’s US cell phone: 401-207-1396.

Professor CHEN Guang, Director of student affairs office, Information Management Department, PKUCell phone: 13911609270

Professor PAN Xiaosong, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Cell phone: 135888198005 Office: 0571-88981209

Country code for China is 86. City code for Beijing is 10 and Hangzhou is: 0571 (sometimes, you need to omit the 0 in dialing the phone number).


What to bring and what to pack?Clothes

Chinese vs. American stylesShoes: walking shoes Medicine

Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, Laxatives, Cough Syrup/Drops, etc

Toiletries Toothbrushes, Floss, Tissue paper, etc.

ElectronicsConverters, etc


What to bring and what to pack?

A backpack will be helpful. Keep your money in close in a safe place or keep it with you.


Packing List:

--passport stamped with Chinese visa-- airline tickets-- money and money belt (credit cards, cash, and

traveler’s checks, with records kept at home)--insurance information-- sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a broad-rimmed

sun hat or cap--first-aid kit and toiletries (Deodorant, band-Aids,

antiseptic cream, Pepto Bismol, Imodium, aspirin, etc.)


Packing List:

-- extra medication, if necessary (with the prescription)

-- mosquito repellent with DEET-- light-weight rain jacket, umbrella, and

waterproof sandals/shoes-- alarm clock-- small flashlight


Packing List:-- extra film or memory card and camera batteries-- supply of business cards, to exchange with Chinese and

U.S. counterparts-- travel necessities for long flights (ear plugs, travel pillow, eye

shades, etc.)-- spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses-- photos of yourself and family (helpful while making friends

with locals)-- guidebook, maps-- plastic bags (particularly handy for wet items or for carry-on

liquids for the flight)-- a pair of comfortable shoes for hiking or walking around

parks


Packing List:

A few gifts or mementos from home—a few simple modest gifts are useful, and are at times a highly appreciated and appropriate gesture, especially for those who receive special assistance for some reasons.

Some ideas are: a small gift like an illustrated calendar, US scenery book from your area, US postcards, American made t-shirt from your home university, collectors postage stamps, a picture of you with your family, American made children’s gifts, Crayola markers with special features (scent, invisible, color change), etc.


Packing List:

-- an adaptable, flexible, and relaxed attitudeNote: Make photocopies of your passport,

visa, airline tickets, and traveler’s checks, and leave them at home or at work with someone. Having photocopies accessible (via fax) will make replacement (in case of loss or theft) much easier.

Learning a Different Culture

In American Heritage English Dictionary, you'll find a primary definition of culture as "The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.“

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary“The way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time.”

Culture Shock

A feeling of confusion felt by someone visiting a country or place that they do not know.

Cultural Differences

What are the cultural differences between American and Chinese or other cultures?

Cultural Differences

How do we accept, appreciate, honor, and bridge the cultural differences?

(Chinese Characters) As we know, written Chinese is not an alphabetic language. but a script of ideograms We call Chinese characters as 'squared characters' and they are.

For instance, the sun was written as , the moon as , water as , the cow as and so on.

http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/Faculty/yanma/slide_show/home.html

Chinese Language

Communication

American

Hello!

Have a nice day!

Chinese

Ni Hao!

Have you had your meal?

Communication

Order of Name

China: Ma Yan

USA: Yan Ma

Order of Time and Location

China: Year/Month/Day

USA: Month/Day/Year

Communication

Courtesy, Politeness, Kindness, Hospitality

Keqi - The notion of keqi is based on the amalgamation of two Chinese words, 'ke' meaning 'guest' and 'qi' signifying 'behavior'. Together, this cultural concept advocates thoughtful, courteous and refined behavior. In meeting with Chinese people, it is important to demonstrate humility and modesty as exaggerated claims of ability are viewed with

suspicion and are likely to be looked into.

CommunicationHospitality:

If you are offered something by a Chinese friend, how would you respond?

Chinese:

American:

CommunicationHospitality:

When you visit a Chinese friend at his/her home, how will you be treated and how will you respond?

Chinese:

American:

CommunicationKindness and Hospitality:

When you are dining with your Chinese friends at a restaurant, who pays the bill?

Chinese:

American:

How many dishes will you expect at a table?

Communication

Food:

In China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares. If you are being treated by a Chinese host, be prepared for a ton of food. Chinese are very proud of their culture of cuisine and will do their best to show their hospitality. And sometimes the Chinese host use their chopsticks to put food in your bowl or plate. This is a sign of politeness. The appropriate thing to do would be to eat the whatever-it-is and say how yummy it is. If you feel uncomfortable with this, you can just say a polite thank you and leave the food there.

Communication

Unlike the Western custom, compliments are not graciously accepted with a "thank you," but rather with "not at all or it was nothing or this is what I am supposed to do." Accepting and giving direct praise is considered poor etiquette or not modest or arrogant.

Modesty is a virtue. The Chinese respect modest attitude and personality. The tradition is that the more knowledge you have, the more modest you will be.

An example of Dr. Ye Ying of Zhejiang University, a Fulbright scholar.

Communication

In Chinese folk wisdom, by comparison, people do not attempt to work through the contradictions, following a cultural tradition which holds that reality is "multi-layered, unpredictable and contradictory," and is in a constant state of change.

The American style, however, is to seek right and wrong answers even where that is not appropriate, "The best way is to use both - one style for science and another for relationships.

Watch the film of Pushing Hands directed by Ang Lee.

Communication

American

Turn off your cell phone at meetings, restaurants, etc.

Chinese

Answering a phone call immediately is the most respectful reaction to the caller at anytime.

Cell phone is on all the time.

Communication

Why?Making a phone to your teacher or friends is more personal or friendly than sending an email message. This "personal" touch in communication is important. A lot of times, anything said in verbal form is just as valid as in writing in Chinese culture when you deal with your supervisor or whoever is in the authoritative position. Of course, everything in verbal form needs to be honored and followed up by phones calls if needed. The condition is that you two must have built a trust relationship. So, building trust and friendship is very important.

More Topics on Cultural Differences

Values and moral standardsPhilosophyBeliefs Religion Politics EnvironmentArtsHistory, and many other topics

Learn from Chinese quotationshttp://www.chinapage.com/china.html

Chinese Culture

Culture has many dimensions: Political, legal, religion, language, food, medical, musical, etc.

Culture has many forms: Ruling and the ruled, regional, subgroups, etc. Culture has many shapes: Ancient, medieval, modern, etc.

Culture has many evolving features: Some stretch through centuries and some change in decades.

Resources

Homepage of Zhejiang Universityhttp://www.zju.edu.cn/english/

Websites about Hangzhou where Zhejiang University is located.

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/zhejiang/hangzhou/http://w

ww.cis.uab.edu/info/grads/cheny/hangzhou2.html

http://www.chinapages.com/zhejiang/hangzhou/jg/index.html

"China Today" offers a lot of useful information about China. http://www.chinatoday.com/

ResourcesWengzhong, Hu and Grove Cornelius. (1999). Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press.

Gamer, Robert E. (2003). Understanding Contemporary China. 2nd ed. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers. ISBN: 1588260453.

Becker, Jasper. (2000). The Chinese: an insider’s look at the issues which affect and shape China today. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 0684844125

ResourcesEdward L. Shaughnessy. 2001. CHINA: Empire and Civilization. Oxford University Press.

Jung Chang. 1991. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China. New York: Anchor Books.

Best-selling account of three generations of a Chinese family as they endure the Japanese invasion, Chinese civil war, Communist victory, Great Leap Forward, and Cultural Revolution. Jung Chang wrote the book, in part, as a tribute to her mother and grandmother and their lives.

Resources

Gao Yuan. 1987. Born Red: A Chronicle of the Cultural Revolution. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

First-person account of the Cultural Revolution by a participant in the movement. Compared with Anne Frank’s diary for its intimacy and immediacy.

Resources

Lydia Chen and Ying Bian. 1990. Chinese: The Pocket Interpreter. Beijing: Foreign Language Press. Very useful and portable guide to spoken Chinese, Mandarin dialect.

William McNaughton and Li Ying. 1999. Reading and Writing in Chinese. Rutland, VT: Charles Tuttle Company. Guide to reading and writing more than 1,000 Chinese characters.

ResourcesPearl S. Buck. 1994 (1931). The Good Earth. New York: Pocket Books.

Classic account of a Chinese family in pre-revolutionary China by a Nobel-prize winning author.

Carol Stepanchuck. 1994. Red Eggs and Dragon Boats: Celebrating Chinese Festivals. Berkeley, CA: Pacific View Press.

Guide to celebrating Chinese New Year, the Moon Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and other Chinese holidays.

End

Thank you!谢谢你们！

Xie Xie Ni Men!

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