Chinese_Culture-

8/13/2019 Chinese_Culture-

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What is Culture Definition ? Some conceive of culture as separating humans from non-humans. Some define it as communicable knowledge. Some as the sum of historical achievements produced by mans social life. In a word: culture is learned, shared, and transmitted from the generation to

the next.


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Chinese Culture Overview

China : 9,600,000 square kilometers, is proud of fivethousand years history. 56 ethnic groups: living in China have developed

their own customs.

Too many culture elements!


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Brief Contents

1. Chinese Religion and Philosophy: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism

2. Modern business culture & etiquette. 3. Chinese cuisine. 4. Chinese arts and crafts:

Painting, operas, embroidery, china and martial arts


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The Leading Figures

Confucius Lao Zi Shakyamuni

Confucianism Taoism Buddhism


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1.1 Confucianism

Confucius Confucianism ( ; pinyin: Rji) is a Chineseethical and philosophical system developed from theteachings of Confucius (Kng Fz, lit. "Master Kong",551 478 BC).

It is a complex system of moral, social, political,

philosophical, and quasi-religious thought that has hadtremendous influence on the culture and history ofEast Asia.


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Teachings of Confucianism

The basic clou of Confucianism stresses the importance of the individualmoral development, so that the state can be governed by moral virtuerather than by the laws.

Golden mean (philosophy): the felicitous middle between the extremes ofexcess and deficiency Rid the two ends, take the middle one.

Relationships are central to Confucianism. Particular duties arise fromone's special situation in relation to others.

Ren (benevolence, love) & Li (rites)---respect for thesystem of social hierarchy.


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1.2 TaoismLao Zi Laozi ( ; pinyin: Loz;) was a philosopher of

China around 6th century B.C. and is a centralfigure in Taoism.

Laozi literally means "Old Master" and is generallyconsidered an honorific.

Taoism is the Chinese religion which believes inghosts and spirits. It emphasized cooperation withthe natural forces.


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Teachings of Taoism

Wu wei ( ; pinyin : wwi ) is a centralconcept in Taoism. The literal meaning of wuwei is "without action". It is often expressed bythe paradox wei wu wei , meaning "actionwithout action" or "effortless doing".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinyin


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Buddhism in China

Buddhism is the most important religion inChina. It is generally believed that it wasspread to Central China in 67 AD during theHan Dynasty (206 BC-220).

During its development in China, it has a

profound influence on traditional Chineseculture and thoughts, and has become one ofthe most important religions in China.

Journey to The West


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Teachings of the Buddha

Life is filled with suffering.Suffering is caused by peoples wants. Buddhism promotes code of conduct in life. That iswhat they call Five Precepts of avoiding killing,

stealing, indulging, lying and alcohol drinking. It leadsto self-understanding.

King of Monkey


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Brief Contents

1. Chinese Religion and Philosophy: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism

2. Modern business culture & etiquette.Relactionship (Guanxi), Face (Lian)

3. Chinese arts and crafts:Painting, operas, embroidery, china and martial arts

4. Chinese cuisine.


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2. Modern Business Culture &Etiquette.

A. China is becoming a economic powerhouse.B. Commercial activity is not merely the exchange and cooperation

based on economic benefits, it is also the collision and communicatingbetween different cultures that each side has.

C. Every person is grown in a particular culture, learning the right wayof doing things .

1. Why should we know Chinese culture?

2. The background of Modern business culture and etiquette.

For nearly two thousand years Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism hasmolded and shaped the civilization of China and exerted a profoundinfluence upon almost one fourth of human race.


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2.2 Face (Lian or Mianzi)

Lian can be translate into face in English which is one of the most importantcultural traits of Chinese people. Giving face (giving due respect) is a veryimportant concept in China. You must give the appropriate respect according torank and seniority.

For example in the business negotiation:

The Chinese often avoid the word No to save face for both parties. Wordssuch as bu fangbian (inconvenient) , tai kunnan (too difficult) or huoxu(maybe) are synonyms of No in Chinese culture.


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Affect of Relationship and Face.

How to establish relationship?Courtesy calls for reciprocity ( l shng wng li )

1. Relationship starts with and builds on the trustworthiness of the individual or

the company.2. Frequent contacts with each other foster understanding and emotional bonds

and the Chinese often feel obligated to do business with their friends first.3. Wine has close connection with social relationship in China . ----also seems

today that friendship depends only on the volume of drink being consumed. "If we are

good friends, then bottoms up; if not, then just take a sip" is a common phrasedexchanged during gatherings. Not good.

Relationship and face are completely legal in Chinese culture and not regardedas bribery.


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Cardinal Rules in NegotiationBusiness negotiations in China require a much more patient approach. TheChinese culture makes the people suspicious of strangers, the term "we"llconsider it" will be heard frequently.

Don't say or do anything to embarass the Chinese participants and causethem to lose "face."

Don't point your finger or any sharp object such as a pen or pencil atanyone. Don't lose your temper and raise your voice. Dont wear Bright colours.


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2.3 Gift Giving

Gift giving is a big part of any culture. Especially growing up Chinese. Gifts areoften used in Guanxi" to establish, or bring equilibrium to the relationship.

Things to avoid. Do not give knives, scissors, letter openers, etc. It implies the severing of a

relationship Do not expect that a gift will be opened immediately Avoid giving things to people in groups of four, since the number four inChinese is a homonym for the word 'death' . Never give a Chinese gentleman a green hat. It is associated with adultery.

Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper. Gifts may be refused three times before they are accepted.


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2.3 Dining Etiquette1. If you are the guest, wait to be seated as hierarchy is involved .2. Eating usually begins once the host offers the first drink.

3. Let older people eat first, or if you hear an elder say "let's eat", you canstart to eat.

4. When helping yourself to the dishes, you should take food first from theplates in front of you rather than those in front of others.

5. Do not stick chopsticks vertically into your food, especially not into rice, asthis will make Chinese think of funerals.


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3. Chin es e c u isin e

Chinese culinary arts are famous all over the world. Chinese dishes appeal tothe senses through sight, smell, taste, texture.

Chinese cuisine includes a variety of different flavors due to China's vastgeography and diverse nationalities. Local dishes with their own distinctivenesscan be roughly divided into eight regional cuisines.


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Chin ese Eig h t Reg ion al Cuis ines

Fujian

Tremella and quail eggs soup

peculiar about soup

Hunan

Yi xiang fish

Known for sour and spicy dishes

Shandong excellent seafood

Sea pumpkin

Sichuan Spicy-hot

Chicken with chili sauce

Guangdong

Fotiaoqiang

Delicacies

Anhui Jiangsu

large meatball

High cutting techniques Nutritious food

Tai bai fish Zhejiang

Dong po Pork

light, crisp, elegant


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B ei jing Roas t Duc k

Beijing Roast duck is thought to be one of the most deliciousdishes all over the world; most visitors coming to Beijing willnever forget to have a try.


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4. Chinese arts and crafts

1. Traditional Festival:Spring Festival

2. Chinese Folk Arts:

Beijing Opera, Martial Arts3. Chinese crafts:

Painting, Embroidery, China

4. Chinese Architecture


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Spring Festival

There are many traditional festivals in China,such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival,Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival.

But Spring Festival, also known as Chinesenew year, is the most important in our culture,

just as important as Christmas Day in westernculture.
http://images.google.cn/imgres?imgurl=http://www.qjy168.com/images/info/20060124161957.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.qjy168.com/service/look_dynamic.php%3Fdynamic_sort1%3D24%26dynamic_id%3D357&h=400&w=400&sz=37&hl=zh-CN&start=16&um=1&tbnid=IiT6KP06neG71M:&tbnh=124&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3D%25E6%2598%25A5%25E8%258A%2582%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dzh-CN%26newwindow%3D1


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Spring Festival

The origin of Spring Festival Nian, lunaryear. Celebration reunion and thanksgiving

New Year's Eve Dinner

Fireworks

Dui Lian

TraditionalFestival

Chinese Dumpling-- the most importantfoods in Chinese New

Year

Fireworks are used to scarethe beast Nian and to get

rid of ill luck

Reflect the best wishes to theupcoming year


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Chinese Folk Arts

Chinesefolk arts

TraditionalFestival Martial Arts(Kung Fu)Beijing Opera

Two special arts


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Beijing Opera Beijing opera is the most influential opera in China and has a history

of around 200 years. It synthesizes the arts of singing, dancing,recitation, martial arts, and instrumental music . Symbolismdominates the motions and stage designs.

There are four main roles in Beijing Opera:

Sheng: is the male role in Beijing Opera. Dan: is all female roles. Jing: is known as hualian, a role with a painted face, who is a man of

special character, features and personality. Chou: is also called xiaohualian. A chou may be a kind-hearted,

humorous and funny fellow ( some time likes buffoon).


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Beijing Opera

Sheng Dan Jing Chou

The facial painting is worth appreciating for its artistic value


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Martial Arts (Kung Fu )

Kung Fu is an important and unique component of Chinese culturalheritage with centuries of cultural history attached. Kung Fu not only includes physical exercise but also Chinese

philosophy, meditation and aesthetics . Kung Fus purpose from self-defense to health maintenance and

finally as method of self-cultivation.


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Kong Fu


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Chinese Architecture

A Chinese structure is based on the principle of balance andsymmetry.

Office buildings, residences, temples, and palaces all follow theprinciple that the main structure is the axis.

The secondary structures are positioned as two wings on eitherside to form the main room and yard.


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Painting, Embroidery, China

paintingembroiderychina


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1

Thank you!

Most of the materials are from internet: If you wantto know more please refer to the followingwebsites :

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_China#Chinese_culture

2. http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.html

3. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.html

4. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/cuisine.htm

The End
http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Chinahttp://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/cuisine.htmhttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/cuisine.htmhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.htmlhttp://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.htmlhttp://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.htmlhttp://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_China

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