Living in a foreign country is fun, but it isn't always easy. There are many differences between cultures and although some of these differences are unimportant, they can bring a lot of embarrassments (尴尬). I spoke to a few foreign friends about how they experienced culture shock in China.
Aubin arrived two months ago from Europe to take part in a language program in Shanghai. Before he left, he was actually taught the differences between European and Chinese cultures, including everything from table manners to classroom behavior. However some things have still taken him by surprise. For example, he couldn't understand why waiters did not want to accept the tips (小费) he gave them after meals in restaurants. I had to explain to him that people don't usually tip in China.
Another friend, Julia, came to Guangzhou from London to teach at a language school. After a month, she told me that she was really let down by her students. I asked her why and she told me that they were so quiet that she was the only person talking in class and it felt like the children were punishing her by making her talk to the walls! I explained to her that the children were simply respectful, but she said that it would be more respectful if they answered her questions.
And it is not only the West and the East that have cultural differences. Even Korea and China, two countries that are very close to each other, have differences too. " I thought Chinese and Korean people were similar in some ways, " said my friend Ji-Hyun in perfect Chinese, " but I was wrong. In ancient times the Chinese used to take their shoes off before entering a house. They don't do that anymore, but Korean people still do! I keep getting that wrong even though I've been here for five years! "
Luckily, whether we take our shoes off or not, or leave unnecessary tips, the world still runs perfectly. In my opinion, cultural differences should simply be seen as a way of making life interesting. Imagine how boring it would be if we all did everything in exactly the same way! Learning to understand and respect differences is, after all, what life is all about.
| Title : Living with cultural differences | |
| Topic | People will while living in a foreign country. |
| of foreign friends' experiences in China | Aubin couldn't understand why waiters refused to accept the tips he gave them after meals. |
| Julia felt she was by her students' silence in class. However, they were just being respectful. | |
| Ji-Hyun thought there were similarities between Chinese and Kerean people, so he kept before entering the room. | |
| Conclusion | Learning to understand and respect cultural differences. ·We should consider cultural differences as a way to make life interesting. ·We would if we did everything in the same way. |
