Culture Difference Case Study
Unit 1 Language and Culture in Communication
Theory
Communication is something we do every day. It takes place so naturally that we simply fail to notice it until it hiccups or breaks down. Though it is commonplace, it is no exaggeration to say that communication is life and life is communication.
1.When you join a social gathering, you must be aware of rules and procedures that govern the way things are going to proceed. There is a technical term for such rules and procedures—schema.
2. Face and politeness are two other areas which are extremely value—sensitive. One of the distinctive features of Chinese politeness is self—denigration and other—elevation.
Case 1
Litz is a professor of cross—cultural communication in a university in Finland. She invited her Chinese students home for an evening party.
The schema from Litz’s point of view includes the following:
1. Giving invitation: by phone / by mail
2. Prepare everything before the arrival of guests
3. Receiving guests: open the door / express welcome / take their overcoats / introduce guests / offer them drinks / make them comfortable
4. Serving food: set the table / soup first / main course / desert
5. Post dinner activities: chat / play music / offer more drinks
6. Seeing guests off: thank them for coming / good night
Litz’s evening party was not very successful, because she was upset by one of her guests. Here was the initial conversation between Litz and Lin:
Litz: (opens the door) Oh, Lin, how nice you could come!
Lin: It’s not difficult to find your house.
Litz: Come on in.
Lin: (comes in)
Litz: Can I take your coat?
Lin: No, thanks.
Litz: Ok, this way please.
Lin: (take off her coat and hangs it)
Analysis: Litz was hurt because Lin did not let her hang her coat. Litz’s offering to hang Lin’s coat is one of Litz’s ways (it’s on Litz’s schema). On Lin’s side, she thought that Litz was her supervisor and that it was inappropriate to let her supervisor hang her coat. Here we have an instance of one action attached with different cultural values.
Case 2
Finding an Interested Buyer
Georage Hall was in Beijing attending a trade fair and looking for an opportunity to do
business in China. He had been very successful in his business dealings in the US and prided himself on his ability “to get things moving.” His first day was going well .He looked around at the displays of sporting equipment to get some idea of whom he might approach. He was sure that his products, tennis rackets with an unusual new design, would arouse some interests. On the second day he approached the company which he felt would be most responsive to his products. He introduced himself to the general, a Mr. Li. Since he had read that Chinese find getting down to business immediately too abrupt and rude, he began a casual conversation, eventually leading up to the topic of his products and suggesting how Mr. Li’s company might benefit from using them. George then suggested that he could arrange to get together with Mr. Li and provide more specifics and documentation on his products.
Mr. Li responded in fairly good English,” That would be interesting.”
Knowing that he had only a few days left in Beijing, George wanted to nail down a time,” When can we meet?” asked George.
“Ah. This week is very busy,” r eplied Mr. Li.
“It sure is,” said George,” How about 10 o’clock? Meet you here.”
“Tomorrow at 10 o’clock?” asked Mr. Li thoughtfully.
“Right,” said George, “I’ll see you then?”
“Hmm, yes; why don’t you come by tomorrow,” was the reply.
“OK,” responded George,” It was nice meeting you.”
The next day at 10 o’clock he approached Mr. Li’s company’s exhibit only to find that Mr. Li had some important business and was not able to meet with George. He called back later in the day and was told that Mr. Li was not available.
Analysis:英美人士做事情讲究守时。而中国人不太重视这方面。本案列中，李先生不仅没有准时接见预约的客户，甚至放了他“鸽子”。
Case 3
Professor Liang has written a book on Chinese culture in Chinese. His book is put on display in Beijing International Book Fair’ 96. Professor Liang would like to have his book translated into English and submitted to Thompson Publishers. Professor Liang has asked Li Yan, whom he meets regularly in the English Corner, to help him to talk to Peter Allright, a Thompson representative.
Prof. Liang:奥莱特先生，这是鄙人的拙作。
Li Tan: Mr. Allright, this a clumsy book written by your humble servant.
Mr Allright: No, no, no, you're not my humble servant. We do not publish books in Chinese. Li Yan (to Professor Liang): 不，不，不，你不是我的仆人，我们不出中文书。Professor Liang: 我要请李艳翻译成英文。
Li Yan (to Mr. Allright): Professor Liang will ask me to translate it into English.
Mr. Allright: Mm that’s interesting.
Analysis: Chinese authors almost always belittle their works by describing them as clumsy writings, and they use the same description when they present them to Chinese publishers. But this will be counter—productive in English. Instead, authors should point out the merits of their works rather than “clumsiness”.
Unit 2 Culture Shock
Theory
1. Culture shock can be described as the feeling of confusion and disorientation that one experiences when faced with a large number of new and unfamiliar people and situations.
2. There is a desire for independence and separateness, found in foreigners' needs for their own privacy and autonomy
3. Hospitality means the cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests.
4. Politeness refers to the consideration for others, tact, and observance of accepted social usage.
5. Privacy could be understood as the right of an individual to self-determination as to the degree to which the individual is willing to share with others information about himself.
Case 1
Jane, an American teacher in the US, had just started teaching English to a group of Japanese students. She wanted to get to know the students more formally, so she invited them to her house for party. The students all arrived together at exactly 8:00 p.m. They seemed to enjoy the party: they danced, sang, and ate most of the food. At about 10:00 p.m, one of the students said to the teacher, “I think it’s time for me to leave. Thank you very much for the party.” Then all the other students got up to go, and all left at the same time. Jane decided she would never invite them again!
Analysis:在日本以及其他很多的亚洲国家里，年轻人通常成群结队的一起去参加一些社交聚会，然后一道离去。在他们看来这是很正常不过的事。然后Jane认为这是一种侮辱，因为他们在同一时间里一下子全部离开了。在美国以及其他一些英语国家，晚上10点离开一个聚会相对来说是比较早的。
Case 2
Four Secretaries and Their Jobs
Four classmates from a top Chinese university all took jobs as secretaries after graduation. Five years later the four former classmates had a reunion and discussed their jobs.
Chen Qi and Dai Yun both work as bilingual secretaries for a Finnish company in Beijing. Chen Qi is secretary to the Finn general manger, and Dai Yun is secretary to the Chinese local manger, a position only slightly lower than that of the Finn manger.
Zhang Ying is from a politically prominent family and was hired as the secretary to the leader of a small government bureau in the capital city of her home province. Lu Yan works for a state run enterprise in the same city where she was hired as the secretary to the new manager for international marketing. The company has never marketed its products abroad before so this office and Lu Yan’s position are new to the company.
Five years later Chen Qi is satisfied with her job with the Finnish company but Dai Yun is not. The Finn manager receives orders from the company’s home office in Finland, and he gives orders to those below him in China, including his secretary Chen Qi. He tells her how he wants his time scheduled and she then makes appointments for him according to his instructions. She translates memos and other documents and interprets from Chinese to English to Chinese. If the manager does not think Chen Qi has done her work well, he tells
her right away. He is very demanding, but Chen Qi feels that she knows what her duties are and knows what her manager expects. She is confident that she is doing a good job.
Dai Yun often does not have as much work to do as Chen Qi does, because her boss schedules his own appointments and does a lot of the office paperwork himself. When he is out of town she has time to study for the graduate entrance exam. However, she is not sure whether or not she is doing a good job. Her manager tells her what she is expected to do, but he does this day by day. When people call or come to the office to see her boss, she greets them in English or Chinese as necessary. She receives their memos and other messages as well as their questions and requests and passes them on to her manager. Dai Yun thinks of her job as doing what her manager wants her to do. She pays close attention to his moods and behavior, and sometimes she is able to anticipate what he would like without him telling her. Analysis: 许多中国人在外企工作，不同国家的外企领导有不同的工作作风和标准。本案列中，戴云给不同的外国上司做秘书，在工作中出现由于不同的文化冲突而引起的各种工作以及沟通中的问题就很常见了。
Case 3: One cold winter day in a Chinese city, Wang Lin on his way to the library met an American professor who knew very little about China. After greeting him, Wang said: “It’s rather cold. You’d better put on more clothes.” But the professor didn’t a ppear happy on hearing this.
Analysis: 美国人以及大部分西方国家的人们不喜欢被告知要怎么做怎么做，他们比较喜欢独立，然而中国人则习惯关心别人，这个案例中王林的建议表达的就是一种对他人的关心，可是美国教授却不习惯这样的表达。
Case 4
In a good restaurant, fourteen people are gathered to say goodbye to their professor, who is moving to another university.
Steven: May I have your attention please? I’d like to call upon Ben to say a few words. Ben: Thank you, Steven. Professor Shore, colleagues:
Tonight is one of those paradoxes --- it’s a sad time and yet it’s a happy time. Sad, because.
We are losing one of our best professors; happy because we are pleased to see Professor Shore
gain the recognition that he richly deserves.I’m not sure who will be able to control us and keep us
in line. I think the new professor will have a difficult time. And surely no one will be able to tell
jokes in the same way as you, Professor. Seriously, we all know that you will be difficult to replace. Your scholarly approach and your dedication will always be remembered. I would therefore like to propose a toast. Colleagues, pelase charge your glasses. Professor Shore, may your future be filled will great success, and may you always remember us. We know we will never
forget you.
To Professor Shore!
All: (Standing up) To Professor Shore! (Everyone drinks. Professor Shore remains seated and
smiles at them all.)
Analysis:就餐时总是要在各种缘由下向人敬酒：可以是非正式的，向朋友或同事敬酒；也可以是正式的，向全体聚会的人敬酒。与中国式的敬酒大不相同的是，在西方正式的敬酒时，受敬的人是不能喝酒的，而是正襟危坐，两眼睁睁看别人喝酒。另一个不同是：无论正式还是非正式，敬酒的人不必走过去敬酒，而是在自己的座位处站起来敬酒。敬酒时开始的语言永远是：“向…”，而其他随敬酒的人重复敬酒人的第一句话（即“向…”），然后喝一口酒。敬酒时如果举了杯，说了敬词，而实际上没有喝酒，就会被看做十分不恭的行为，在很久以前甚至于被认为是一种侮辱，是不想加入敬酒的仪式。
Case 5
An American went to Chinese home. He was offered some tea. Just when the first cup was about to finish, more tea was added. The visitor drank the second cup. Then the cup was filled t he third time. Then he drank it, then… until the visitor was quite full. Why?
Analysis:在中国的传统文化习俗里，主人通常会不断给客人倒水倒茶，或者不断地给客人的盘子里加食物以表示他的热情好客。面对的这样的情况，中国客人知道如何处理，在他们觉得吃饱喝足之后，就会随它放在桌上。而美国客人就不懂了，在美国，在自己的盘子里剩下食物是不礼貌的，于是他出于遵循美国文化理念可能会在这样的招待中吃的过多。
Case 6
Dinner with Friend
Janice is a young American engineer working for a manufacturing joint venture near Nanjing. She and her husband George, who is teaching English at a university, are learning Chinese and enjoying their new life .They have been eager to get to know Chinese people better so they were pleased when Liu Lingling , Janice’s young co-worker invited them to her home for dinner.
When Janice and George arrived，Lingling introduced them to her husband Yang Feng , asked them to sit down at a table containing 8 plates of various cold dishes, served them tea and then disappeared with her husband into the kitchen. After a few minutes Lingling came back and added water to their tea. Janice offered to help in the kitchen but Lingling said she didn’t need help. She invited the couple to look at their new CD player and their colorful TV and then disappeared again.
A half-hour later she came back and sat down and the three began to eat. Yang Feng came in from time to time to put dish after hot dish on the table. Most of the food was wonderful but neither George nor Janice could eat the fatty pork in pepper sauce or the ea cucumbers, and there was much more than they could eat. They kept wishing Yang Feng would sit down so they could talk to him .Finally he did sit down to eat a bit ,but quickly turned on the TV to show them all its high teching features. Soon it was time to go home.
George and Janice felt slightly depressed by this experience, but returned the invitation two weeks later. They decided to make a nice American meal and felt lucky to find olives, tomato juice, crackers and as appetizers. For the main course they prepared spaghetti and a salad with dressing made from oil, vinegar, and some spices they found in the market.
When Liu Lingling and Yang Feng arrived they were impressed by the apartment and asked the price of the TV, video player, vacuum cleaner and other things. Janice politely refused to
answer their questions. They took small tastes of the appetizers and seemed surprised when both George and Janice sat down with them. They ate only a little spaghetti and did not finish the salad on their plates. George urged them to eat more but they refused and looked around expectantly. Junice and George talked about their families and jobs and asked the table and served coffee and pastries. Yang Feng and Lingling each put four spoons of sugars into their coffee but did not drink much of it and ate only a bite or two of pastry.
After they left, George said that at least they had a chance to talk, but Janice was upset. “We left their place so full that we couldn’t walk and they’re going to have to eat again when they get home. What went wrong?
Analysis:中西方饮食习惯大大的不同。中国人邀请客人会准备一大桌子的菜，并在就餐过程中使劲劝说客人多吃点，吃完之后，还有剩菜，就表明主人的盛情款待。而西方人一不劝吃，二就餐完毕后，盘子最好是空的。本案列中的两对中外夫妇不明这个文化差异，发生误解就是自然而然的事了。
Case 7
After the meal and after the table has been cleared. Liu is not sure what to do, but wants to help in some way. At least he wants to offer.
Helen: Thanks for your help, Huang.
Liu: Pleasure. What can I do now?
Helen: Nothing. It’s fine. I’ll rinse these dishes then stack them. It’ll only take a minute.
Liu: Does the family usually help?
Helen: Well, at special times. Jack sometimes rinses the dishes but you can see he’s really tired tonight.
Liu: Let me do it for you.
Helen: No truly, it’s okay.
Liu: Maybe I can wipe the table then.
Helen: That would be helpful. Thanks. You’re really kind, Huang.
Analysis:在西方人家中的就餐的时间里，大家都设法插手帮一下忙，即便是男士也不例外，不要一点不动着开饭。所有家住者要能帮者摆摆餐具，或餐后收拾洗碗，把餐具放进洗碗机，倒垃圾，站在一边帮着擦干洗好的餐具。虽然都是小忙，却表明你对别人的操劳非常在意，是个用心的人。
Case 8
Two strangers have been chatting.
A: So you’re been here for a year?
B: Yes. One more year to go, then I’ll go back to chin a.
A: What will you do back home?
B: It’s hard to know. There’s a lot change at the moment.
A: Yeah. Everything is changing, everywhere. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep up.
B: That’s true. Maybe I’ll…
(A’s mobile phone rings.)
A: Excuse me, I’d better answer this. It’s probably work.
B: Sure. Take your time.
Analysis:有时在与人交谈中，难免要有什么原因要离开一会儿，或是去接一个电话，
或要去洗手间。礼貌再此被提出来。出于礼貌起见，要记住做一些恰当解释再离开。不管理由是什么，即便是要接一个手机电话，在打开电话回话前，向对方说声对不起。如果只离开几分钟，没有必要找一个理由。你说了对不起，就表明你确实是有事要离开一会儿。
Case 9
Liu Huang is calling his friend Steven at his home.
Person: Hello. John is speaking.
Liu: Hell o? I’m looking for Steven.
Person: Sorry, there’s no one here called Steven.
Liu: Is that 6577 8868?
Person: No. I think you’ve got the wrong number. This is 6578 8868.
Liu: Oh, I’m sorry.
Person: No problem. Good luck.
Liu: Thanks.
Analysis:失手拨错号码是常有的事。如果在国外，即便有语言障碍，害怕说英语，也还是要先与对方核对是不是拨错了，然后再道歉。如果发现拨错了号码就马上挂电话，是不礼貌的行为。
Case 10
Lin: Thank you so much for a wonderful night. I’ve had a great time.
Erica: It’s been a pleasure having you. We hope you can come again, soon.
Lin: I’d like that. You both k now how to make me feel at home. Thanks for everything. Analysis:在动身离去的时候，找到主人，当面说一声谢谢，是有礼貌的行为。
Case 11
Off to a Bad Start
David Hu had just started working for the foreign owned company. He was sitting at his workstation but had not been given any assignment that he should be doing at this moment. He was relaxing and waiting and then thought he would take the opportunity to have a look around. He poked his head into several offices just to see what there was to be seen. Suddenly Mr. Parker came up to him and angrily asked him what he was doing. David Hu was embarrassed. He laughed and quickly started to move back toward his workstation. This did not seem to satisfy Mr. Parker who started to talk rapidly and angrily. Hoping to calm him down, Mr.Hu smiled and apologized, trying to explain that he was trying to learn more about the department. However, Mr. Parker got even angrier. Finally, another worker came by and calmed him down, but Mr. Parker left, he still looked angry. Mr.Hu sighed; he knew he had made a bad start but still didn’t understand why.
Analysis:外国人很讲究隐私权，一般不允许自己的私人空间受到打扰。而中国人比较喜欢看热闹，想知道别人在做什么。所以在本案列中，吴先生未经允许就在公司四处走动，引起其他员工的强烈不满。
Case 12
Sharing the Wealth
Anna Bilow had been working for a Chinese-owned and operated company in Nanjing for about six months. The division she was working in had a small collection of Chinese-English dictionaries, English language reference books, and some videos in English including a couple of training films and several feature films that Anna had brought at her new employer’s request when she came from Europe. Anna knew that some of the other sections had similar collections. She had sometimes used her friendship with one of the women in another department, Gu Ming, to borrow English novels and reference books and in turn had let Gu Ming borrow books from her section’s collection. On other occasions, she had seen friendly, noisy exchanges, where one of the other workers in her division had lent a book or video to a colleague from another section.
Anna thought it was a great idea when a memo was circulated saying that the company’s leaders had decided to collect all the English language materials together into a single collection. The plan was to put them in a small room that was currently being used for storage so that all employees could have equal access to them. Now she would no longer have to go from department to department trying to find the materials she needed.
Anna was surprised to hear her co-workers complaining about the new policy. When the young man in charge came to the department to collect their English language materials, she was astounded to see them hiding most of the books and all but one of the videos in their desks. When she checked out the new so-called collection, she found that the few items were all outdated or somehow damaged. She also noticed that none of the materials she had borrowed from Gu Ming were in the collection. She asked her friend why the Chinese were unwilling to share their English language materials with all their co-workers, when they seemed willing to share them within their departments.
Analysis:西方人对隐私方面有许多禁忌，中国人对自我隐私的保护也十分注重，但是两者之间存在较大差别。西方人乐于将自己的书籍和整理的资料拿出来让朋友和同事共享，而在中国，即便是朋友间，人们也不愿意与人共享自己的书籍和资料。由于这种资料共享的观念不同，案例中Anna才会难以理解顾明等同事将自己的资料，书籍藏起来的做法。
Unit 3 What’s in a Name?
Theory
1. Chinese and British people call each other with titles in different ways.
2. Kin terms are used in family members, but it differs between westerns and Chinese people.
Case 1
A British tourist is traveling by train in China. Sitting opposite him is a Chinese passenger. They introduce themselves to each other…
British tourist: Hello, I’m Eric Jackson. Glad to meet you.
Chinese passenger: Hello, my name is Liu Xin. I’m glad to meet you, too. Where do you come from, Mr. Eric?
British tourist: I’m from Britain. Please just call me Eric, Mr. Xin.
Chinese passenger: And you may just call me Liu Xin.
Analysis:Both of them have taken each other’s given name for the surname, since the order of the surnames of Chinese and English names are just the opposite. As in both cultures a title is usually used with the surname, they feel unnatural when their given names are used with the titles. According to British custom it’s quite normal for persons who first meet to address each other by their given names alone, whereas here, when people first meet, they usually address each other by their full names and never by their given names alone.
Case 2
A British tourist is visiting a Chinese family. The Chinese hostess introduces herself and her husband to guest…
Chinese hostess: Welcome to my home. My name is Cai Hong, and this is my husband. British tourist: Thank you, Mrs. Cai. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Cai. I’m Lucy Taylor. Chinese hostess: Have a seat, Madam Lucy.
Analysis:The British tourist thinks that Cai Hong’s surname is her husband’s surname, since she is unaware of the fact that in China women still use their own surname after marriage. Cai Hong thinks that ‘madam’ is a respectful term of address for any female English-speaker, unaware of the fact that in Britain it is usually used by someone who is providing a service such as a shop assistant to a customer or a policeman to a member of the public as in ‘Can I help you, madam?’ It is never used as a title before someone’s name. She also mistakes the given name for the surname.
Case 3
Lin Mei is a Chinese student who is now studying at a university in America. Her seven-year-old daughter Jiajia is with her and studies in a primary school. They have been in America for three years. Wang Xiaohong is a Chinese visiting scholar at the same university as Lin Mei and the two get on well with each other. Wang Xiaohong sometimes feels lonely since she has been in America for only two months, so she sometimes visits Lin Mei’s family. One day she came to visit them. Below is their conversation.
Wang Xiaohong: 佳佳，你妈妈在家吗？
Jiajia: 在。妈妈，小红阿姨找你。
Lin Mei: 王教师您来啦，请坐。我女儿真不懂礼貌。佳佳，以后要叫王阿姨。Analysis:The combination of the term of address Xiaohong Ayi(given name + Auntie) reflects the mixture of the two cultures. On the one hand we have the extended use of kin terms prec eded by a person’s name, conventionally surname, e.g. Wang + Auntie, in Chinese culture. On the other we have the conventional use of kin terms followed by given names e.g. Auntie + Xiaohong, in the culture of English—speaking countries. In other words, it shows the combination of Chinese sequence, i.e. name + kin term and English use of given name. Since Jiajia has lived in America for three years, she must have been strongly influenced by the foreign culture despite the influence of Chinese culture from her mother and other Chinese. So from Jiajia’s point of view it is appropriate and polite to call Wang Xiaohong Xiaohong Ayi. However, Lin Mei, as an adult, still sticks to the Chinese culture when dealing with a Chinese who came to America only recently; and according to Chinese culture, it is impolite for child to address an adult by using his or her given name.
Unit 4 Social Interaction
Theory
Social interaction is one of the most common interactions between people. Cultural differences can lead to difficulties when foreigners and Chinese meet. Such differences can cause misunderstanding, unsatisfactory interaction and even unpleasant physical reactions. Different expectations exist, governing what is considered appropriate, polite and respectful. Expectation can also differ regarding privacy, and the directness and indirectness with which people should express themselves.
Case1
Erica goes to a small dinner party to which she and a friend have been invited. Her host, Mrs. Penny meets them at the door of her home.
Penny: Hello, Erica. Welcome. Please come in.
Erica: Thank you. John, I’d like to introduce Mrs. Penny Roberts. Penny, this is my friend John Pernot.
Penny: Hello, John. Welcome.
John: Hello, Mrs. Roberts.
Penny: Please call me Penny. Now do come inside and sit down.
Analysis: 在介绍时，先介绍谁是有些规矩的，弄不好会产生误会。但学起来并不难。一般的规矩是：首先介绍女性，男女主人，来宾或不太熟的人。
Case2
Erica: Professor Honda, may I introduce my classmate Steven Jacobs. Steven, this is my professor of literature.
Prof: Nice to meet you, Steven.
Steven: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Professor Honda. Etica has talked a lot about you.
Porf: All good, I hope.
Analysis:在西方，将较年轻的人介绍给年纪较大的人以表示对后者的尊重。这也适用于对社会地位的考虑。如果有三个人：一位教授，两位学生。教授的名称要先被提起，同时请他接受向另一位学生的介绍，然后再把第二位学生介绍给他。
Case 3
When my wife introduced me to a tourist from Canada, I shook hands with him and used my business card. And he seemed embarrassed.
Analysis:西方人通常不像中国人和日本人那样在介绍时彼此递送名片。他们通常只有在商务活动中才使用名片。
Case 4
A Frenchman took part in a party; the host didn’t introduce him to others. But the Frenchman chatted with one of the guests. The others became angry.
Analysis:当两个西方人在一起的时候，如果遇到另一个人，通常要把在场每一个人介绍一遍。如果新加入的人没有被介绍就同其中一个人聊了起来，其他的人就会认为这两
个人的行为没有礼貌。
Case 5
When Lin met a lady from America, he didn’t know whether he should shake hands with her or not, but having taken politeness into consideration, he reached out his hand.
Analysis:如果一位男士拿不准是否要与一位女士握手，最好先等这位女士把手伸出来。
Case 6
Erica: Hello! Thanks for coming. Here, let me take your coat.
Lin: Hello. Thanks. Here’s some wine for you.
Erica: That’s lovely. You really shouldn’t have, Lin. Thank you. Let’s go in and meet the others.
Analysis: 无论东方还是西方，去做客总要带点儿礼物。无论赴晚会还是晚宴，带甁葡萄酒总是适宜的。有些西方人给女主人买些花儿，或是巧克力。呈上礼物的时候，对你的礼物低调处理，就是说，不要太多地谈论你的礼物。上面的范例是，受礼的主人倒要说上两句，以表谢意。
Case 7
Two colleagues are at work.
Karen: What are you doing for Christmas?
Li: Some friends have invited me to stay with them over Christmas.
Karen: That’s great! I guess you’ll experience a western-style Christmas then?
Li: Yeah. It’s good, isn’t it? Maybe you can help. I’d like to take something but I’m not sure what.
Karen: Do your friends have any children?
Li: Mmmm. Two, I think. One’s 6 and the other’s a little younger, I think.
Karen: Well you can’t go wrong if you take a gift for each of them. Wrap them up and put them under the Christmas tree.
Li: Such as?
Karen: Maybe a box of Christmas candy.
Li: That’s a great idea!
Karen: Well, I have to go now, Li. Merry Christmas.
Li: Merry Christmas to you, Karen. Thanks for your help.
Analysis: 礼物都要在节前包好放在圣诞树下，要在圣诞节那天打开。客人送的礼物也会同家人的一起方在树下。礼物都要富有圣诞色彩的纸包装，放上一个小标签（名签），上写有送的人和接收礼物的人的名字。
Case 8
Erica: Lin, do have some more dessert.
Lin: Thank you, but I’m afraid I’ve had enough. It’s wonderful.
Analysis:同世界上其他国家的人一样，西方人也很好客。他们也总是想让客人吃得多多的。所有学会怎样在餐桌上婉言谢绝很有用处。
Case 9
Linhua has accompanied an American delegation to visit China. They have experienced the hospitality of the Chinese people. After returning to America, Linhua once visited them. They were so glad to meet again. Linhua offered to host the meal, but they refused. They ordered their own dish, and Linhua ordered her own. When footing the bill, they only paid their part, and no one wanted to pay for Linhua. Linhua found them so inhospitable, though she knew the Americans would usually pay for their own food.
Analysis: 在中国，为了表示热情好客，人们往往会请客人在自己家里吃饭，要是在外就餐时，主人也会抢着为客人买单。而在美国，为了表示平等与独立，就餐时，人们一般都实行AA制，各付各的帐。
Case 10
A famous Chinese actress married a German. One day when she was acting, her husband was there watching, saying again and again that she was the best actress. The actress’ colleagues present asked her afterwards to tell her husband not to praise his own wife like that in public. On learning this, the German wondered what he did wrong.
Once the actress and her husband were talking with their Chinese friends at a party, her husband politely praised a Chinese lady on her beauty. The lady’ husband said that his wife was moderately good looking when young, but now she was old and no longer so. The lady nodded in agreement with a smile. The actress’ husband was surprised.
Analysis:在西方国家里，家庭成员之间互相赞美是很正常的事情，被赞美者通常也会感到很愉快。但是中国人似乎很少在公共场所赞美自己的家人。在第二个例子中，西方文化里认为说自己的家人看上去很老，这样的说法是不合适的。称赞“你有一个漂亮的妻子”在西方国家里是很自然的也是被高度欣赏的，而在中国同样的赞美或许会被认为是不妥当的，尤其在年长者面前。
Unit 5 Role and Relationships
Theory
There are different expectations towards different roles between males and females, parents and children, and among friends in different cultures. For instance, different values in child-rearing, family relationship, friendship and so on.
Case 1
The Entrepreneur
Charles was excited about his new promotion and transfer to China .He had done well in the marketing department of his company and had been promoted to assist the director of marketing at the company’s recently established operations in Shanghai. HE had studied a bit about Chinese, but so far had worked only in the United States and had little experience with Chinese individuals or culture. In the two months before relocating, Charles often went to the local university library to try to absorb all he could about China, its culture, and the ways of doing business. In addition, his company provided a week-long culture seminar just prior to his departure.
After arriving in Shanghai, Charles found that his work was exciting and that marketing to the Chinese was a new challenge .During his culture seminar he had learned several concepts that were important in the Chinese business environment such as the concept of guanxi .HE had also learned about individualism .He felt he understood these concepts and was sure he would learn more.
Because the marketing director had two assistants, Charles worked closely with Dashan, his Chinese was counterpart .Charles learned that Dashan came from a fairy influential family in the area. Dashan was quite motivated and worked very hard .to Charles it seemed that Dashan was quite “individualistic” as he worked hard for bonuses, was always going the extra mile, and had set a number of work related goals for himself.
After a few months, Dashan left the company to start a venture of his own .Charles kept in touch with him and noticed that Dashan’s business was doing very well. One weekend, Dashan invited Charles for dinner .Many of Dashan’s relatives were present as well as some friends whom Charles had not met .Charels found that Dashan’s house was q uite nice and equipped with many big-ticket consumer items ,such as a personal computer ,air-conditioning, and modern kitchen appliances ,Charles also learned that Dashan had recently bought a new car for his parents .It was clear that Dashan’s business wa s very profitable and successful .Dashan was managing it himself and already had 40 or 50 employees .It seemed to Charles that Dashan was doing quite a good job of being “individualistic.”
Analysis:中西方人们对父母和孩子之间关系的理解有一定区别。案例中，大山对工作努力、拿奖金、跳槽、装修房子、给父母买新车等都被Charles视为个人主义很强，为了得到自己的利益才努力工作等。而在中国人眼里，给父母买房子，买车，努力工作以让自己父母过上好日子都是孝顺的表现。
Case 2
What is True Friendship?
Yang Ruifang worked as a secretary in an Australian company in Melbourne. She became
friendly with one of the Australian secretaries , a woman named Cathy Lane .The two usually ate lunch together and Yang Ruifang often asked Cathy for advice on problems she she faced adjusting to Australian society. Cathy gave her a lot of advice and helped her move from one apartment to another. Cathy went with Yang Ruifang to the Immigration Bureau several times to help sort out some problem. Yang Ruifang visited Cathy several times at home but did not invite Cathy to her apartment because she shared it with four other people .If they did not see each other over the weekend , they usually talked on the telephone. As Yang Ruifang was also preparing to take an English test, she was able to get a lot of help with English in this way.
However, something seemed to be going wrong. Cathy seemed to be getting impatient, even a little cold .She started going out by herself at lunchtime instead of eating with Yang, and seemed reluctant to answer questions. Yang Ruifang was puzzled. She couldn’t imagine the problem was.
Analysis:中西方文化差异中，友谊的定义也是不同的，中国人觉得真正的朋友就应该非常随便，每天形影不离，一起吃饭，一起购物，在自己很无聊或是心情不好的时候随时都可以好朋友聊聊天，搬家的时候叫上朋友一起帮忙，案例中的瑞芳就是这样对待他的秘书Cathy而使Cathy感觉不自在。因为在西方国家，人们对友谊的定义与中国不同，在他们看来，无论是多么亲密的朋友都应该先约好，并且应该有自己的私人空间。
Case 3
Are You Mad at Me?
Jeff was pleased to have been assigned an international student as his roommate in his second year at a small liberal arts college in the US. Ji Bing was an easy-going guy, a good listener, warm-hearted, and always ready for a new experience. He appreciated Jeff’s explanations of Ame rican life and unfamiliar language. Jeff didn’t think Ji Bing was any more difficult to get along with than the American roommate he had the year before, except that he seemed to want to study more than Jeff was used to and he sometimes borrowed Jeff’s thi ngs without asking first.
One night Jeff was working on a project that required some artwork. Ji bing was at his desk studying for a test. Jeff’s scissors were just too dull to do the job, so he asked Ji bing, “Sorry to bother you while you’re studying, but could I use your scissors for a while?”
Ji Bing said, “Sure, “opened his desk drawer and handed Jeff the scissors. “Thanks, thanks a lot,” Jeff said. A few minutes later Jeff decided that his roommate again; “Sorry to bug your again, but these crayons make this look like kindergarten. You know those colored pencils you have? Would it be OK if I used them for my project?”
Ji Bing got up and got them off the shelf and said, “Help yourself,” and went back to reading as Jeff thanked him.
After another few min utes Jeff said, “I must be driving you crazy, but have you got any glue or tape? Promise I’ll buy you another roll.”
Ji bing handed Jeff a role of tape that was on his desk saying, “Use as much as you want. I don’t need it.” “Appreciate it,” mumbled Jeff a s he went back to his project.
Ji Bing went back to his reading. As Jeff was finishing his project he noticed that Ji Bing was watching him. He looked up and was surprised to hear his Chinese roommate ask him in a plaintive tone, “Are you angry at me?”
“Of course not,” Jeff replied, “What makes you think that?”
Analysis:中西方文化中，好朋友之间的交谈用语也有差别。在我们看来，向好朋友借用东西是不需要用很客气或正式的语言甚至是不需要打招呼，如果好朋友间用很客气的语言借用或是询问某事的话，会认为是见外，或者是生了对方了的气。而在西方国家，即便是再亲密的朋友，借用东西都要用很正式很客气的语言。
Unit 6 Non-verbal Communication
Theory
Non-verbal communication deals with how we communicate without words and how the effectiveness of what we say can be helped or hindered by the various non-verbal message our bodies send. When we communicate with people from other cultures, our body language sometimes helps make the communication easier and more effective, such as by shaking hands when greeting others. This has become such a universal gesture that people all over the world know that it is a signal for greeting.
Case 1
In a Chinese classroom a girl was asked to answer a question. She stood up and smiled, without making any sound.
When an American is parking his bicycle and the bicycle accidentally falls over, he feels embarrassed at his awkwardness, and his quite angered and humiliated when Chinese onlookers laugh.
In the dining room, when an American drops a plate quite by accident and feels bad, and Chinese onlookers laugh, compounding his discomfort and causing anger and bad feeling. Analysis：微笑通常表达的是友好，支持，满意，快乐等等。但很多西方人对于亚洲人的笑有时候感到很困惑。在案例A中，女孩处于无法回答这个问题想通过微笑来掩饰自己的尴尬局面。在案例B和C中，这时的笑显然并不是针对这个人或者是他的遭遇本身。它可表达很多意思：不要这么在意，笑笑就过了，没什么的，这样的事情在我们每个人的身上都有可能发生等等。
Case 2
One Japanese student in America said: “On my way to school, a girl whom I don’t know s miled at me several times. I was a little surprised.”
An Arab student in America said: “When I was walking on the campus the first day, many people smiled at me, which made me quite ashamed. I hurried to the bathroom to see if anything was wrong with my cl othes. Now I’m used to all smiles.
Analysis: 在日本学生这个例子中，因为在日本文化中，女孩一般不和陌生人微笑，更不用说陌生男子了。但是在美国微笑并没有什么特别的含义，他所表达的纯粹就是一种友好的意思。人们也通常会对陌生人微笑以表示他们的友好。
Case 3
In India, there are elaborate rules about how closely members of each caste may approach other castes, and Arabs of the same sex do stand much closer than North Americans. North Americans in an elevator maintain personal space if the physical space permits it. An Arab entering an elevator may stand right next to another person and be touching even though no one else is in the elevator.
Analysis:本案例反映的是非言语交际中的一个方面——空间交际学。交谈时，应注意不同文化之间，交谈者之间的距离是不同的。
Case 4
Too Close for Comfort
Bill had just arrived from the United States to study engineering at a Chinese university .He studies Chinese back at his home university and was confident that doing his graduate study at a Chinese university would give hi an edge in talking advantage of future opportunities in the growing Chinese economy .
In the first few days he met and moved in with his roommate Zemin and met several of the students who lived in nearby dormitory rooms .Most of them were also studying engineering but had little experience with Americans .He usually went to the student cafeteria with them and they were very helpful in showing him around and in gently correcting his classroom Chinese.
One evening he settled in for his first study session in his room .After a time Zemin left to visit another room where friends were listening to a radio broadcast .Bill said he would join him later .When Bill decided to take a break and see what the “guys” were up t o ,he found Zemin and two other boys huddled over the radio .Bill found it quite odd ,however ,that Zemin was draped over the back of the boy seated in front of the radio .Moreover ,that boy had his fact propped up on his roommate who was seated nearby .it seemed to Bill that he had startled then ,since they jumped up and welcomed him and even offered him tea After Bill had a cup of tea and a chair to sit in ,the group returned to the radio .
Bill shrugged the incident off, but over the next few days noticed that female students on campus frequently walked arm-in-arm or even holding hands .He noticed, too, that students of both sexes, but especially the boys, would huddle around newspaper displays in a fashion of close contact similar to Zemin and others around the radio .Bill felt rather uncomfortable and wondered how he would respond if one of his classmates were to put his arms around him. Analysis:在西方一些国家中，人们之间交谈时总是保持45-80cm的距离，除短暂的握手外，无其他任何身体部位的接触。而在中国，好朋友之间会有很多身体上的接触，如在一起开玩笑，打闹，手挽手，并肩或近距离交谈。中国人看到年轻的父母带着可爱的孩子时，总是愿意抚摸孩子表示喜欢，而做父母的也为自己的孩子被人喜欢而骄傲。西方人，尤其是英美人对此比较反感，他们不愿意让他人抚摸自己的孩子。他们看到朋友之间近距离聊天嬉戏打闹或有很多身体上的接触会很诧异。所以，案例中Bill难以理解他的朋友泽明及其他一些中国朋友的行为。
Unit 7 In Other Words
Theory
In avoidance of using the same pattern to describe the same thing, westerns and Chinese have different words of saying the same thing. Therefore, there are many synonyms in each language. On one hand, language plays a very important role in culture since much of the culture is created, maintained an expressed through language. On the other hand, language is influenced and shaped by culture. In this case, the idioms, proverbs, slang, euphemisms and taboo words are produced.
Case 1
Practicing English
One night a Chinese student majoring in English sat on the steps of the forei gn students’ residence and talked with two young male foreign students, one German and one American. They did not speak a word to her on their own initiative, but she asked many questions to get a conversation started. Every time they answered her with only one or two words. But she was determined to practice her English so she tried to keep the conversation going.
“How do you spend your weekend?” she asked.
The German boy answered immediately, “Fishing,” and the two boys looked at each other meaningfully.
“Fishing?” She was really confused. “But where do you fish?” she asked.
“Fishing has two meaning. One is the literal meaning. The other is just sitting here or walking on the street and waiting for some girls to come up to us.” Then they both burst out lau ghing. She was annoyed. She sat there silently and then suddenly stood up and walked away without saying goodbye.
Analysis: 某些英语词汇在英美国家有特殊的含义，如本案列中，“fishing” 一词除钓鱼之外，还有在街头物色漂亮女孩的意思。如果不理解两个含义，在交际中容易发生误解。Case 2
Xie Li and Tom have been working on a scientific experiment at a British university for some months. It has not been totally successful. They are discussing the situation in the laboratory. Xie Li: I don’t know where it went wrong!
Tom: Don’t feel so bad. Cheer up; you’ve done your job.
Xie Li: But our experiment has turned out to be a failure.
Tom: Relax for a couple of days. I’ll face the music.
Xie Li: Tom, we are not playing children’s games here. This is a scientific experiment. Tom: I’ve never taken the experiment as child’s play, and I’m playing the game.
Xie Li: You say you’re playing the game! It’s a rather important experiment!
Xie Li walks out of the laboratory angrily. Tom is puzzled.
Analysis: 俗语、成语等具有很强的文化内涵，经常会让非母语者产生困扰。在本案例中，谢力错解了Tom使用的两个俗语（face the music 和playing the game），导致交际失败。
Unit 8 From a Primitive Tribe to a Global Village
Theory
Human communication developed from original communication ways to hi-tech communication language. With the rapid development, people become more adaptable in our global village.
Case 1
Li Ping is calling his colleague and friend Tony. Tony lives in the student dormitory. Someone else answers the phone.
Student: Hi, Student Dormitory.
Li: Hello. I’d like to speak to Tony please.
Student: Okay, just a moment. I’ll see if he’s in.
Li: Thanks.
Student: He’s on his way. Won’t be long.
Li: Thanks for your help.
Tony: Hello? Tony is here.
Li: Hello, it’s Li Pin g.
Tony: Hi. Is everything okay?
Li: Yes, fine. I wanted to call you to see if you’d like to come over for dinner tonight. I’m cooking a Chinese meal.
Tony: That’s fine. By the way, how is your major essay coming along? Have you finished all the reading?
Li: Almost. I have to finish the reading by next Sunday. Then I can start writing the essay. What about you?
Tony: Still plowing my way through.
Li: Well maybe we can share some ideas over dinner.
Tony: Good idea.
Li: Well, I’d better go. I’ve got lots to do.
Tony: Okay. I’ll see you tonight at 6. I’ll bring something to drink.
Li: See you then. Bye.
Tony: See you.
Analysis: 拿起话筒给朋友，同事，家人拨一个电话，有什么规矩可言哪？不要马虎，还是遵照以下规矩行事为好：简单打招呼语问候对方，对对方的信息做恰当的答复，开门见山说明要谈的事，结束电话。由于身体语言的被排除，最大程度地使用或理解一些暗示语，即通过声音线索去抓住对方的支持、赞同或反对的态度、感情很重要。用好电话能帮助你保持与人的联系，建立新的友谊，是涉外生活、学习和工作不可多得的法宝。
Case 2
Can We Talk About It?
Linda Carmichael lives in a Canadian city with her two-year-old adopted Chinese daughter Ming. Linda is a busy professional woman and a single parent who wants her daughter to speak Chinese and know the culture she was born into. For this reason Linda invites new Chinese immigrants to live in a spare bedroom in her house. She always interviews
跨文化交际案例分析 LEKIBM standardization office【IBM5AB- LEKIBMK08- LEKIBM2C】
Case Study 1 Age and Status 两位同事的矛盾使一家数据处理公司的总经理遇到了麻烦。一方是一位踌躇满志的法裔加拿大小伙子，另一方是一位有特许签证的年长的中国女性，而此前两人确实很好的合作伙伴….. Case description: A manager in a data-processing company was having difficulty dealing with a conflict between a young, ambitious French Canadian male and his co-worker, an older Chinese woman who was on a special visa from China. She had recently become uncooperative and had made it clear to the manager that she would not be willing to travel to the capital with her co-worker to hold discussion with legislators about a new product with great enthusiasm. When the manager asked her what the problem was, he received no clear explanation. When he asked her co-worker, the young man had no insights to offer. The young French Canadian was clearly annoyed, however, that the Chinese woman was refusing to share her data with him. That meant he couldn’t make the presentation to the legislators because she had all the key data on her computer disks. The manager repeated questions to her but her “problem” got nowhere. So he changed his approach. He began explaining his concerns, as manger and as spokesperson for the company, about the upcoming meeting with legislators. His explanation about his position was unemotional. In that climate she then felt she could explain her position. She revealed she felt that that as an older, and to her mind, more senior person, she should not be sent to the capitol with a younger employee who would do the presentation of material she had worked hard to develop. That would diminish her status, she felt. The general manger knew the root of his headache. Questions: 1．What do you think caused the conflict? 2. What would you do to resolve the conflict if you were the general manager? 矛盾冲突 这位年长的中国女士投入极大的热情和精力开发产品．却在最后的关键时刻拒绝与年轻的同事一同去向议员做推介：当经理和同事问其原因．她并未做任何明确的回答：而当经理改变策略，不再直接询问原因，而是迂回地讲起自己的困境时，她才道出自己的顾虑。在这位资深年长的中国女士看来，同一位比她年轻的同事一同去国会，并且由对方来做推介会影响到她的地位和威信，因此她无法同意： 原因分析 造成这一矛盾的文化因素有两方面．对地位、年龄的不同态度以及这种不同的表达方式。人对权力的认识因文化背景的不同而不同。根据霍夫斯特的调查研
中西方文化差异的wenzhang 一、中西文化背景的差异 以中国文化为代表的东方文化，受到儒家思想和佛教、道教文化的影响深远，其根源可以上溯到两千多年前的春秋战国时代，以孔子编纂修订的“六经”为其文化基础，这种文化总的表现为：注重个人修养，注重道德力量，反对武力，注重与他人、自然的和谐相处，追求精神的超脱，以“仁”和“孝”为社会核心。同时更注重于自给自足的内向型文化，清朝时的闭关锁国正是其体现。 而以美国文化为代表的西方文化，其思想基础都是源自欧洲文艺复兴时，源头则是古希腊罗马文化，受基督教影响深远，看重个人的自由和权利，注重实践和探索，跟中国人喜欢对生命本源的哲学思考不同，他们更注重于对自然的探索和求证，从物质层面去考量生命的本源。以“爱”为社会核心。同时具有开放性的外向型文化，以新海路开辟时对新大陆的侵略为代表。 二、中西方价值观和思维方式的异同 ①科学观 在科学方面，中国人更相信先人的经验和权威，相信古人甚至超过相信今人，迷信权威，缺乏创新和探索精神，所以，尽管人类历史上四大发明都是出自中国人之手，郑和下西洋时，中国的造船技术是世界一流的，但几千人的船队七下西洋，不过为了宣示明王朝的“富有与强大”，但是当麦哲伦的船队环游世界时, 当西方人使用中国发明的指南针、火药入侵我们时，我们想到的竟然是在大海边再造一处万里长城，思维的保守与守旧，缺乏创新和探险精神由此可见一斑。 而西方人重视实践和理论，富于探险精神，倡导理性思维，通过正规的学院式教育对科学成果进行普及和推广，极大的促进了科学发展。 ②法制观 “法令所以导民也，刑法所以禁奸也。文武不备，良民惧然身修者，官未曾乱也。奉职循礼，已可以为治，何必威严哉？”可见，在中国人心中，法律只是道德的补充，所以，中国人提倡自我的完善，不提倡用法律法规来约束人，对法律的重视不是很够。在对欲望的约束方面，中国人主张用礼、道德来约束，宋代朱熹曾提出“存天理，灭人欲”的思想主张，即通过先贤的教诲和学习提高自己的修养，控制和压抑一切“不符合道德”的欲望，讲究克己复礼，这种结果导致了人格的缺陷，丧失了独立的人格，也是封建统治盛行的根由。 而西方人认为人的欲望是不应该被压制的，对于社会和个人的规范，主张用“法制”，通过制度，如三权分立的组织、政治机构来约束制约，道德则处于从属的地位。 ③民主观 中国人注重精神的自由，虽然整个封建社会二千多年的历史，基本都是封建集中制的不断加强，是民主政治的彻底丧失，但从一开始，儒家、道家的思想家们就把民主政治放到一个很高的思想高度去认识和看待, 要求统治者爱民、亲民，重视民生疾苦，孔子的“仁”治思想，孟子的“民为重、社稷次之，君为轻”思想，老子的”老吾老，以及人之老，幼吾幼，以及人之幼”思想等等，都包含着“民主”思想，但又推崇君权神授，维护等级制度，把自由、民主看成是君主权贵的赏赐。所以我们的人民总在渴望青天，希望能有好官的出现为民谋利。 而西方的民主政治认为，政出于民，一切的权利只是人民授予，让政府来行使的一种权力，所以，西方人对不能为民服务的政府，通过选票的方式可以给予否决或者改选。当然这中间可能也有许多问题，但无论认识水平上还是制度设计上，无疑都比我们要先进的多。 ④人际交往
论中西文化差异-高一作文 当传统国学文化与西方文化相遇，当圣诞节与春节“撞车”，随 着时代的发展进步，人们越来越趋向于欣赏西方文化。如今，“崇洋 媚外”已成为一种风尚；“抨击传统文化，赞赏西方文化“似乎是文 学家教育家津津乐道的话题；越来越多的家长希望自己的孩子出国接受国外的教育……我不得不思索，难道中华五千年源远流长的传统文化真的比不上西方文化吗？ 其实不然。中西方文化的起源不同，二者追求的信仰也不一样。我们的东方文化受到佛教、以孔子为首的儒家思想和老子的道教思想影响深远，主要追求精神的超脱，追求礼孝忠义，注重个人修养和人与自然的和谐相处。而西方文化起源于古希腊罗马文化，他们拥有平等、自由和开放的观念，追求个人权利以及对自然的探索和求证。因此，中西方文化存在明显的差异， 在文化教育方面，中西方各领风骚。传统国学文化深受儒家影响，中国的教育也注重于培养学生的个人素质，注重基础教育和因材施教。虽说应试教育不利于学生的全面发展，但是我们不能全盘否定我国的教育方式。考试是对学生在某个阶段学习效果的检验。应试教育有助于培养学生的自我思考和独立自主能力。而在西方，无论是在学校还是在家庭都很注重培养一个人的动手和实践能力。曾经有一个二年级的中国孩子，随父母去美国读小学，它的教师告诉他父母说：“我可 以告诉你，六年级以前，他们的数学不用学了！”
中西方文化教育的不同直接导致了人们性格修养不同。中国人热情好客，关心和询问别人的身体健康状况是一种有礼貌，有修养的表现。人们一般见面都喜欢相互寒暄：“你吃饭了吗？”“最近过得怎么样？”而西方人喜欢尊重他人隐私，所以才以谈论天气，生活来避免尴尬。中国人提倡默默无闻和无私奉献精神，以集体利益为重，个人利益为轻，崇尚助人为乐和不求回报。但是西方人的自我中心意识很强，他们个人荣誉感极强，把个人利益放在第一位，并且推崇个人奋斗，强调多劳多得。 传统国学文化历史悠久，源远流长。漫步在历史的长廊中，我们可以细细品味抒写美的爱情，反映现实生活的《诗经》。穿越过春秋战国时期的百家争鸣的文化盛宴，我们有唐诗宋词元曲明清小说……伟大的祖先留给我们的文化瑰宝如同满天繁星般璀璨，是每个民族都可望不可及的。传统国学文化是华夏子女的历史财富，是我国全人类的文化遗产，我们应当学会珍惜。 面对着中西方文化的差异，当外来文化“入侵”时，我们应当取之精华，采取谦虚，不卑不亢的态度。对于我们的传统文化，我们则需要总结提炼其精华，推崇提倡中华民族文化之瑰宝，才能培养更高素质的人才。
中西方饮食文化差异比较 古人云：民以食为天。在人类社会的发展中，各国的饮食也逐渐形成了自己独特的文化。不同的地区有着不同的饮食习惯，不同的饮食习惯造就了不同的饮食文化。 （一）中国的饮食文化 中国有着五千多年的历史，形成了灿烂丰富、博大精深的饮食文化。中国人注重“天人合一”。中国饮食以食表意，以物传情。中国的饮食文化令人拍案叫绝，赏心悦目。 中国的传统饮食有四大特点： 1.重食：古人就有“民以食为天”之说。见面常问“吃了没有”，可见饮食文化的地位。朋友离合，送往迎来，人们都习惯在饭桌上表达惜别和欢迎的心情。感情上的风波，人们也往往借酒菜平息。这是饮食活动对社会心理的调节功能。 2.重养：以“五谷”养“六脏”，饮食中重视人体养生保健。中国的饮食注意各种食物的搭配，以相生相克、相辅相成等阴阳调和之理性认识指导烹饪。 3.重味：中国的饮食最注重食物的味，讲究“色、香、味、型”。孙中山先生讲“辩味不精，则烹调之述不妙”，将审美视作烹调的第一要义。 4.重理：对于饮食活动中的情感文化，有个引导和提升品位的问题。中国的饮食提倡健康优美、奋发向上的文化情调，追求一种高尚的情操。 （二）西方国家的饮食文化
西式餐饮的主要特点是：一是生,如牛排带血丝；二是冷,如凡是饮料都加冰块；三是甜，无甜不餐，无餐不甜。此外西式餐饮不讲究精细，追求快捷方便，也不奢华，比较大众化。 此外西餐还有以下显著特点： 1.重视各类营养成分的搭配组合，根据人体对各种营养（糖类、脂肪、蛋白质、维生素）和热量的需求来安排菜或加工烹调。 2.选料精细，用料广泛。西餐烹饪在选料时十分精细、考究，而且选料十分广泛。如美国菜常用水果制作菜肴或饭点，咸里带甜；意大利菜则会将各类面食制作成菜肴：各种面片、面条、面花都能制成美味的席上佳肴。 3.讲究调味，调味品种多。西餐烹调的调味品大多不同于中餐，如酸奶油、桂叶、柠檬等都是常用的调味品。 4.注重色泽。在色泽的搭配上则讲究对比、明快，因而色泽鲜艳，能刺激食欲。 5.工艺严谨，烹调方法多样。西餐十分注重工艺流程，讲究科学化、程序化，工序严谨。西餐的烹调方法很多，常用的有煎、烩、烤、焖、焗、炸、熏、铁扒等十几种，其中铁扒、烤、焗最具特色。 6.器皿讲究。烹调的炊具与餐具均有不同于中餐的特点。特别是餐具，除瓷制品外，水晶、玻璃及各类金属制餐具占很大比重。 二、中西方饮食方式的差异 （一）就坐形式的差异中西方的饮食方式有很大不同，这种差异对民族性格也有影响。
成功案例一： 1925美国总理福特访问日本，美国哥伦比亚广播公司（CBS）受命向美国转播福特在日的一切活动。 在福特访日前两周，CBS谈判人员飞抵东京租用器材、人员、保密系统及电传问题。 美方代表是一位年轻人，雄心勃勃，提出了许多过高的要求，并且直言不讳地表述了自己的意见，而日方代表则沉默寡言，第一轮谈判结束时，双方未达成任何协议。 两天后，CBS一位要员飞抵东京，他首先以个人名义就本公司年轻职员的冒犯行为向日方表示道歉，接着就福特访日一事询问能提供哪些帮助。 日方转变了态度并表示支持，双方迅速达成了协议。 分析： 在这个案例中可以看出，美国人坦率外露的思维方式和日本人内部思维方式相冲突。 美国人反对过分拘泥于礼仪，办事干净利落，注重实际，语言表达直率，而且耐心不足；日本人讨厌过分施加压力，比较注重资历、地位。 CBS的要员充分掌握了日本人的性格及谈判风格，才促成了谈判的成功案例二： 美国福特汽车公司和通用汽车公司最初来上海谈判时，正值美国政府要对中国进行制裁，并提出美国在中国的合资公司不能提出国产化要求的时候。 但福特汽车公司代表一开始就提出合作期间可考虑50%的国产化要求，通用汽车公司接着在上海谈判时，又主动提出国产化率可从60%开始。 由于他们并未理会其政府的限制，我方代表也充满信心的与其谈判，最终达成协议。
分析： 美国人热情奔放，性急但信心十足、很容易接近，认为自己是谈判高手，希望对方也是谈判高手，含糊隐晦、高深莫测的对手只会让美国人纳闷，只有同样充满信心才能获得对方的好感。 案例三： 美国某公司与河北省某市谈判黑白玻壳项目，由于竞争条件不如日商，谈判失败。 后来中方积极调动美方力量，使其对陕西、河北、河南三省的几个玻壳项目一起承包，最后达成交易，并向中方条件靠拢。 分析： 美国商人喜欢搞全盘平衡的“一揽子”交易，我方积极运用对方力量去促成更大范围内的联合协作，从而减少谈判中的阻力，在这种情况下，就必须充分了解美国人的特性。 失败案例一： 1992年，我国13名不同专业的专家组成一个代表团，去美国采购约三千万美元的化工设备和技术。 美方自然想方设法令我们满意，其中一项是送给我们每人一个小纪念品。 纪念品的包装很讲究，是一个漂亮的红色盒子，红色代表发达。 可当我们高兴地按照美国人的习惯当面打开盒子时，每个人的脸色却显得很不自然———里面是一顶高尔夫帽，但颜色却是绿色的。 最后，合同我们没和他们签。 分析： 美国商人的原意是：
论中西文化差异 当传统国学文化与西方文化相遇，当圣诞节与春节“撞车”，随着时代的发展进步，人们越来越趋向于欣赏西方文化。如今，“崇洋媚外”已成为一种风尚；“抨击传统文化，赞赏西方文化“似乎是文学家教育家津津乐道的话题；越来越多的家长希望自己的孩子出国接受国外的教育……我不得不思索，难道中华五千年源远流长的传统文化真的比不上西方文化吗？ 其实不然。中西方文化的起源不同，二者追求的信仰也不一样。我们的东方文化受到佛教、以孔子为首的儒家思想和老子的道教思想影响深远，主要追求精神的超脱，追求礼孝忠义，注重个人修养和人与自然的和谐相处。而西方文化起源于古希腊罗马文化，他们拥有平等、自由和开放的观念，追求个人权利以及对自然的探索和求证。因此，中西方文化存在明显的差异， 在文化教育方面，中西方各领风骚。传统国学文化深受儒家影响，中国的教育也注重于培养学生的个人素质，注重基础教育和因材施教。虽说应试教育不利于学生的全面发展，但是我们不能全盘否定我国的教育方式。考试是对学生在某个阶段学习效果的检验。应试教育有助于培养学生的自我思考和独立自主能力。而在西方，无论是在学校还是在家庭都很注重培养一个人的动手和实践能力。曾经有一个二年级的中国孩子，随父母去美国读小学，它的教师告诉他父母说：“我可以告诉你，六年级以前，他们的数学不用学了！” 中西方文化教育的不同直接导致了人们性格修养不同。中国人热
情好客，关心和询问别人的身体健康状况是一种有礼貌，有修养的表现。人们一般见面都喜欢相互寒暄：“你吃饭了吗？”“最近过得怎么样？”而西方人喜欢尊重他人隐私，所以才以谈论天气，生活来避免尴尬。中国人提倡默默无闻和无私奉献精神，以集体利益为重，个人利益为轻，崇尚助人为乐和不求回报。但是西方人的自我中心意识很强，他们个人荣誉感极强，把个人利益放在第一位，并且推崇个人奋斗，强调多劳多得。 传统国学文化历史悠久，源远流长。漫步在历史的长廊中，我们可以细细品味抒写美的爱情，反映现实生活的《诗经》。穿越过春秋战国时期的百家争鸣的文化盛宴，我们有唐诗宋词元曲明清小说……伟大的祖先留给我们的文化瑰宝如同满天繁星般璀璨，是每个民族都可望不可及的。传统国学文化是华夏子女的历史财富，是我国全人类的文化遗产，我们应当学会珍惜。 面对着中西方文化的差异，当外来文化“入侵”时，我们应当取之精华，采取谦虚，不卑不亢的态度。对于我们的传统文化，我们则需要总结提炼其精华，推崇提倡中华民族文化之瑰宝，才能培养更高素质的人才。
成功 案例一： 1925美国总理福特访问日本，美国哥伦比亚广播公司（CBS）受命向美国转播福特在日的一切活动。在福特访日前两周，CBS谈判人员飞抵东京租用器材、人员、保密系统及电传问题。美方代表是一位年轻人，雄心勃勃，提出了许多过高的要求，并且直言不讳地表述了自己的意见，而日方代表则沉默寡言，第一轮谈判结束时，双方未达成任何协议。两天后，CBS一位要员飞抵东京，他首先以个人名义就本公司年轻职员的冒犯行为向日方表示道歉，接着就福特访日一事询问能提供哪些帮助。日方转变了态度并表示支持，双方迅速达成了协议。 分析：在这个案例中可以看出，美国人坦率外露的思维方式和日本人内部思维方式相冲突。美国人反对过分拘泥于礼仪，办事干净利落，注重实际，语言表达直率，而且耐心不足；日本人讨厌过分施加压力，比较注重资历、地位。CBS的要员充分掌握了日本人的性格及谈判风格，才促成了谈判的成功 案例二： 美国福特汽车公司和通用汽车公司最初来上海谈判时，正值美国政府要对中国进行制裁，并提出美国在中国的合资公司不能提出国产化要求的时候。但福特汽车公司代表一开始就提出合作期间可考虑50%的国产化要求，通用汽车公司接着在上海谈判时，又主动提出国产化率可从60%开始。由于他们并未理会其政府的限制，我方代表也充满信心的与其谈判，最终达成协议。 分析：美国人热情奔放，性急但信心十足、很容易接近，认为自己是谈判高手，希望对方也是谈判高手，含糊隐晦、高深莫测的对手只会让美国人纳闷，只有同样充满信心才能获得对方的好感。 案例三： 美国某公司与河北省某市谈判黑白玻壳项目，由于竞争条件不如日商，谈判失败。后来中方积极调动美方力量，使其对陕西、河北、河南三省的几个玻壳项目一起承包，最后达成交易，并向中方条件靠拢。 分析：美国商人喜欢搞全盘平衡的“一揽子”交易，我方积极运用对方力量去促成更大范围内的联合协作，从而减少谈判中的阻力，在这种情况下，就必须充分了解美国人的特性。 失败 案例一：1992年，我国13名不同专业的专家组成一个代表团，去美国采购约三千万美元的化工设备和技术。美方自然想方设法令我们满意，其中一项是送给我们每人一个小纪念品。纪念品的包装很讲究，是一个漂亮的红色盒子，红色代表发达。可当我们高兴地按照美国人的习惯当面打开盒子时，每个人的脸色却显得很不自然———里面是一顶高尔夫帽，但颜色却是绿色的。最后，合同我们没和他们签。 分析：美国商人的原意是：签完合同后，大伙去打高尔夫。“戴绿帽子”是中国男人最大的忌讳，合同我们没和他们签，不是因为他们“骂”我们，而是因为他们对工作太粗心。连中国男人忌讳“戴绿帽子”都搞不清，怎么能把几千万美元的项目交给他们？ 案例二：张先生是位市场营销专业的本科毕业生，就职于某大公司销售部，工作积极努
浅谈中西文化差异 我们知道，不同的文化孕育了不同的价值观、道德观，形成了差异鲜明的社会关系、民情风俗。然而，这些不同的文化到底有哪些差异呢？你可能有些许好奇。那么，就让我们来简单的谈一下中西文化的差异吧。 一、价值观与道德标准的差异 1、个人荣誉感与谦虚谨慎的不同 在西方，人们崇拜个人奋斗，尤其为个人取得的成就自豪，从来不掩饰自己的自信心、荣誉感以及在获得成就后的狂喜。相反，中国文化不主张炫耀个人荣誉，而是提倡谦虚。中国人反对王婆卖瓜式的自吹自擂，然而中国式的自我谦虚或自我否定却常常使西方人大为不满。“这是应该的”、“我自己没做什么，都是大家的功劳”或“不行，不行！差远啦”等中国式的谦虚，在西方人看来，不仅否定了自己，还否定了赞扬者的鉴赏力。这种中国式的谦虚在资本主义的竞争市场是行不通的。 2、自我中心与无私奉献的不同 西方人自我中心意识和独立意识很强，他们觉得:自己为自己负责。在弱肉强食的社会，每个人生存方式及生存质量都取决于自己的能力。因此，每个人都必须自我奋斗，把个人利益放在第一位。不习惯关心他人，帮助他人，不过问他人的事情。正是由于这些，主动帮助别人或接受别人帮助在西方常常是令人难堪的事。因为他们会觉得接受帮助只能证明自己无能，而主动帮助别人会被认为是干涉别人私事。而中国人的行为准则是“我对他人，对社会是否有用”，个人的价值是在奉献中体现出来的。中国文化推崇一种高尚的情操———无私奉献。在中国，主动关心他人，给人以无微不至的体贴是一种美德，因此，中国人不论别人的大事小事，家事私事都愿主动关心，正所谓“风声雨声读书声声声入耳，家事国事天下事事事关心”此种情况，西方会说“多管闲事”。 3、创新精神与中庸之道 西方文化鼓励人民开拓创新，做一番前人未做过的、杰出超凡的事业。而传统的中国文化则要求人们不偏不倚，走中庸
综 合 191 # 浅谈中西方文化差异 文/黄文娟 摘 要:中西方文化差异导致了中西方交流中的误解,引起了很多不便。本文针对日常生活中中西方文化交流中的典型现象如婚姻家庭,餐厅礼仪和日常招呼等进行分析,阐述了这些文化现象后所隐藏的文化内涵和其所植根的文化根基,从个人主义和集体主义,平等概念和等级观念,自我中心和牺牲精神等方面做出解释,为困顿于中西方文化的学习者提供参考。关键词:中西方文化;现象;文化内涵;文化根基作 者:湖南对外经济贸易职业学院 ?1Cited phenomena A 1Mar riage A Chinese gir l got mar ried with an Amer ican boy and sett led down in Los Angeles not far away from wher e her par ents-in -law lived.T he fir st few months went by much smoothly and the Chinese girl got along very well with her new family. Six months later,she got pr egnant and infor med her par ents -in-law at the fir st moment.The r eady grandparents blessed her and her baby and went to Europe where they planned to enjoy a half -year holiday.The Chinese gir l was surprised at their decision:/Don .t you stay to take car e of me and my baby?Don .t you think the baby is the most import ant thing in the family now?0T he parents-in-law also got confused:/We love this baby,but does it mean we should give up our own life and do everything for it?0 B 1Rest aur ant customs A young Chinese tourist sat in a Par is caf and or der ed tea.Twice he asked for more hot water to top it up while putting the saucer on the cup to keep the tea warm,as he would have done at home. T he waiter grew impatient./This Chinese is too stingy t o pay for mor e tea.And doesn .t he know t he saucer goes under the cup to cat ch the dr ips?0 T he Chinese man noticed the displeasure on the wait er .s face and lost pat ience himself./This Wester n waiter is r ea lly stingy and silly!Why is he so reluctant to serve me hot water?Why does he put the lid under the cup?0he got angry,and left the caf st eam ing with resent ment. C 1Greeting An American student Charlie went to China and continued his study in Peking University.Ever ything went well with him except that the Chinese people were hard to understand for him somet imes. One day afternoon,he was on his way back from the super market when he encounter ed two Chinese classmates./H i,Charlie,wher e are you going?0one of the Chinese classmates greeted him./I .m just back from the supermar ket.0H e answer ed./What did you buy?0T he Chinese student continued./Er ,0Char lie felt ver y awkward,/I bought a bar of bread,five apples,a bott le of salad jam and ,0/You don .t have to tell us all these specific t hings,we ar e just greeting you by asking you questions.0/What?You confused me!0 ò.Analysis on the cited phenomenon and the cor responding cultur al implications In the fir st case,both the Chinese girl and her par ents-in -law can keep their own opinion.In China,it is par ents .dut y t o be responsible for their childr en and this responsibility will last (4)勤巡视病房,观察生命体征、面色、意识及有无感染、周围组织坏死等。当出现因插管技术而导致的并发症(如穿破脐血管造成出血插进或堵塞腹主动脉分支、空气栓塞、血栓形成、误插在门静脉沟处、穿破肝实质等)时,应通知医生尽早拔管,同时给予对症治疗,使症状得以改善。 (5)细菌学检测。每周1次分别做外周血和脐部穿刺处皮肤的细菌培养。本组病例共做16次外周血和脐部穿刺处皮肤的细菌培养,无1例发生院内感染等插管并发症。 参考文献: [1]余波,李莎莎.新生儿126例脐静脉插管末端细菌培养的临床分析[J]中国新生儿科杂志,2007(4) [2]宋新志,曹明艳,何咏梅,等.新生儿窒息血肌钙蛋白T 变化[J ]湘南学院学报,2005(1) [3]周宇,周晓光.新生儿胎粪吸入综合征临床分型与特点的初步探讨[J]中国当代儿科杂志,2000(5) [4]高树辉,周杰,张映辉,等.早产儿血脂水平与出生体重的关系[J]中国当代儿科杂志,2003(3)
中西文化比较教学大纲 课程名称：中西文化比较 课程代码：EE3007 计划学时：34 学分： 2 课程性质：必修、考试面向专业：英语专业学生 课程负责人：梁洁 一、课程的性质、地位和作用 中西文化比较是英语专业本科必修课程之一。本课程主要讲授中西文化理论，文化基本模式，基本因素，中西文化对比，跨文化交际基本原理，跨文化交际能力以及文化冲突案例分析。通过对本课程学习，帮助学生理解中西文化，克服文化障碍，以减缓可能碰到的文化冲击，逐步提高学生跨文化交际的实际能力，使学生能够用文化的眼光，认识自己，包容他人。 二、教学目的和要求： 通过中西文化比较课程的教学, 培养学生以下能力： （1）英语理解能力——通过文化对比课程教学，使学生熟悉和了解中西文化差异，掌握跨文化交际的基本知识，从而提高英语理解能力。 （2）跨文化交际能力——通过课程教学，掌握跨文化交际的技巧，熟悉文化差异的表达方法，培养学生英语表达能力（包括口语表达和书面表达），从而提高跨文化交际能力。 （3）实践应用能力——通过课程教学，提高学生的跨文化交际意识，使学生接受和适应不同的文化差异，并使之为自己的社会实践服务。 三、素质培养目标 通过课程教学, 应注重培养学生以下素质：
（1）文化素养——通过课程教学，学生应能够认识中、西文化的基本异同点，以及语言、文化和交际三者之间的关系；培养学生对文化多元性的意识和对差异的宽容态度，从而提高学生的文化素养。 （2）鉴赏能力——通过对课程学习，使学生接触各种不同的文化，了解中西文化差异，促使学生对不同文化进行对比，激发学生对文化的审美热情，提高他们的鉴赏能力。 （3）创新和开拓精神——学生学习课程后，对各类交际形式有所认识；为了更有效地进行交流；预料和避免由于不同的文化期望而产生的误解，他们将会寻求更好、更恰当的交际形式，培养学生创新和开拓的精神。 四、课程内容的深度、广度、重点、难点 本课程的重点在于有关文化的定义，特性和作用，以及价值观对比。 本课程的难点首先在于实践教学环节很难操作。由于学生很少有机会接触外国人，很难有机会直接观察跨文化交际现象，更难直接参与。 五、教学方法与手段与主要内容 本课程共九个单元。每单元大概四课时，共34课。主要学习方法包括：典型实例分析，学Presentation展示，角色扮演，PPT演练，英汉双向练习等。 第一单元为绪论，总体介绍文化与交际、跨文化交际和跨文化交际学的基本知识。 第二、三单元介绍日常言语交际，着重介绍跨文化日常交际中经常出现的问题，如称呼、话题选择、拜访礼仪、赞语与赞语应答等。练习注重训练学生的日常交际的模式化习得。 第四单元介绍语言交际，着得讲解词语的文化内涵与文化思维模式。通过大量的实例，把语言与文化的关系生动有趣展现在学生面前，同时把文化深层结构引入学生的视野。 第五单元介绍非语言交际，主要概述非语言交际的三大内容：时间观念、空间的使用与身势语，用大量事例充分展示了非常语言交际在跨文化交际中的重要作用及应用规则。 第六单元介绍跨性别文化交际，介绍中外男女性别意识的差异所导致的文化差异，如谈话风
企业文化冲突的案例 【篇一：企业文化冲突案例及分析】 四川吉峰农机与长城公司的企业并购文化冲突 一、案例背景介绍 四川吉峰农机始创于1994年，2008年完成股份制改造。公司主要 从事国内外名优农机产品的引进推广、品牌代理、特许经营、农村 机电专业市场开发，已形成传统农业装备、载货汽车、农用中小型 工程机械、通用机电产品等四大骨干业务体系。其销售网络覆盖了 四川、重庆、江苏、辽宁、浙江、吉林、湖南、广东等10多个省、市、区。 被并购的长城公司成立于1993年，公司主要的经营业务从零部件 的销售，到现在整机销售、维修服务、配件供应、二手机交易、租 赁及再制造等领域。随着我国农村结构的调整和劳动力成本的上升，用小型机械代替手工劳动是未来发展的趋势，为了更好地发展大农 机的概念吉峰农机进行了这种跨行业的资本运作，在2010年并购了 长城公司。 二、企业并购重组的文化冲突 ; 企业文化是存在于头脑中的一种意识形态，它有较强的历史延续性 和变迁的缓慢性。企业要改变原有的文化观念很难，需要一个长期 的过程。在这一个改变过程中，企业原有文化会继续在原有群体中 发挥作用，与重组企业的文化发生摩擦和冲突。 因此，并购企业怎么在最短的时间里建立一种文化整合模式，是决 定并购是否成功的关键。由于两家公司原来老板的领导风格和企业 规模差异较大，在吉峰农机并购长城企业后，被并购企业存在感知
的文化差异较为明显，存在着明显的文化冲突。其主要表现在以下 几点： （1）人员结构不合理。 由于新公司业务的高速发展，需要引进大批新员工，但学历都偏低、年龄太年轻，这不利于新公司的企业文化的相互融合。 （2）公司人员流失率过高。 公司2010年的离职率达到了26％，说明公司整体人员的稳定性较弱，公司吸引人才的政策和力度还不够，员工对新公司的企业文化 认可度较低。 （3）制度流程不清晰。 公司很多的规章仅限于口头约束或大众惯例，未能形成有影响力的 文化氛围，不能够有效地去规范员工的纪律、言行以及指导员工的 工作。 · （4）员工的技能培训不够。 公司和厂家对员工的培训不够系统，销售精英的经验分享还不到位，导致员工成长缓慢。 （5）企业文化建设较弱。 新公司发展至今，在文化的建设上比较薄弱，也许在员工的潜移默 化中已经表现出文化的一些方面，但没有得到沉淀和梳理。 三、结论 为了避免企业文化冲突，文化的融合工作应该做到企业并购的前面。要在事先对并购企业的文化进行充分的调查，对其文化的内容要仔 细确认。在企业并购事前要拿出文化融合方案，对其文化差异从各 个方面进行分析。
浅谈中西方文化差异 计算机科学与技术学院 xx级x班 xxx 学号：xxxxx 通过对本学期中西文化比较课程的学校，我对中西方文化的异同有了一定程度的认识，以下我将从饮食、节日、音乐、建筑等方面，简要对中西文化的异同做一下探讨。 首先，从饮食方面来说：餐饮产品由于地域特征、气侯环境、风俗习惯等因素的影响，会出现在原料、口味、烹调方法、饮食习惯上的不同程度的差异。正是因为这些差异，餐饮产品具有了强烈的地域性。中西文化之间的差异造就了中西饮食文化的差异，而这种差异来自中西方不同的思维方式和处世哲学。中国人注重“天人合一”，西方人注重“以人为本”。 中国和西方的饮食习惯之间的主要区别是，不同于西方，其中的每个人都有自己自己的食品板块，在中国菜都放在表和大家共享。如果你是被视为一个中国主机，准备一吨的食物。中国是他们的饮食文化非常自豪，并会尽力给你许多不同类型的菜肴的味道。朋友之间，他们只是为了将足以为那里的人民。如果他们有人出来吃饭的关系是半礼貌客气的，那么他们通常会比客人数量（例如四口人，五菜）为了一个菜。，如果它是一个商务宴请或一个非常正式的场合，有可能是一个巨大的食物量，将不可能完成。一个典型的餐开始与一些凉拌菜，像煮花生和大蒜捣烂黄瓜。这些都是其次的主要课程，热鲜肉和蔬菜菜肴。最后，汤是带了出来，这是由淀粉的“主食”食品，通常是米饭或面条或有时饺子。许多中国人吃米饭（或面条或其他）最后，但如果你要与其他菜肴米饭，你应该说那么早。 对比注重“味”的中国饮食，西方是一种理性饮食观念。不论食物的色、香、味、形如何，而营养一定要得到保证，讲究一天要摄取多少热量、维生素、蛋白质等等。即便口味千篇一律，也一定要吃下去——因为有营养。这一饮食观念同西方整个哲学体系是相适应的。形而上学是西方哲学的主要特点。西方哲学所研究的对象为事物之理，事物之理常为形上学理，形上学理互相连贯，便结成形上哲学。这一哲学给西方文化带来生机，使之在自然科学上、心理学上、方法论上实现了突飞猛进的发展。但在另一些方面，这种哲学主张大大地起了阻碍作用，如饮食文化。在宴席上，可以讲究餐具，讲究用料，讲究服务，讲究菜之原料的形、色方面的搭配；但不管怎么豪华高档，从洛杉矶到纽约，牛排都只有一种味道，无艺术可言。作为菜肴，鸡就是鸡，牛排就是牛排，纵然有搭配，那也是在盘中进行的，一盘“法式羊排”，一边放土豆泥，旁倚羊排，另一边配煮青豆，加几片番茄便成。色彩上对比鲜明，但在滋味上各种原料互不相干、调和，各是各的味，简单明了。 中国人是很重视“吃”的，“民以食为天”这句谚语就说明我们把吃看得与天一样重要。由于我们这个民族几千年来都处于低下的生产力水平，人们总是吃不饱，所以才会有一种独特的把吃看得重于一切的饮食文化，我想，这大概是出于一种生存需要吧。如果一种文化把吃看成首要的事，那么就会出现两种现象：一方面会把这种吃的功能发挥到极致，不仅维持生存，也利用它维持健康，这也就是”药补不如食补”的文化基础；另一方面，对吃的过份重视，会使人推崇对美味的追求。中国饮食之所以有其独特的魅力，关键就在于它的味。而美味的产生，在于调和，要使食物的本味，加热以后的熟味，加上配料和辅料的味以及调料的调和之味，交织融合协调在一起，使之互相补充，互助渗透，水乳交融，你中有我，我中有你。中国烹饪讲究的调和之美，是中国烹饪艺术的精要之处。菜点的形和色是外在的东西，而味却是内在的东西，重内在而不刻意修饰外表，重菜肴的味而不过分展露菜肴的形和色，这正是中国美性饮食观的最重要的表现。在中国，饮食的美性追求显然压倒了理性，这种饮食观与中国传统的哲学思想也是吻合的。作为东方
T h e d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n c h i n e s e a n d w e s t e r n c u l t u r e With the rapidly challging word, people throughout the world have found it increasingly necessary to minimize the rate of misunderstanding due to miscommunication in their contacts with another. In the oast most human beings were born, lived, and died within a limited geoographical area, never encountering people of other cultural backgrounds. It might be said that technological advances have been most effective in creating the borderless word, the global community. As our world shrinks and its inhabitants become interdependent, people from remot cultures increasingly come into contact on a daily basis. It is no longer hard to find situations in which membes of ince isolared groups of people. Now these people may live thousands of miles away or right next door to each other. So all the people are faced with the challenge of understand this world. So when the east meet west, there are many problems. Some problems are listed as follows. First of all, the way of eating. All huaman beings have certain basic needs. Our fundamental needs for things that keep us alive. This is the physioligical need. All individuals must eat in order to survive. But what people eat, when they eat, and the manners in which they eat are all patterned by culture. No society views everything in its environment that is edible and might provide nurishment as food. Americans eat oysters but not snail. The French eat snails but not locusts. The Jews eat fish but not pork. The Hindus eat pork but not beef. The Russiand eat beef but not snake. We all have ideas about what kinds of food are good to eat. We also have ideas about what kinds of food are bad to eat. As a result, people from one culture often think the food that people from another culture eat are disgusting or nauseating. Dislike is not the only reason why some culture will not eat a certain food. In some clture, certain foods are taboo. Sometimes the food taboos may be so strong thrat just the thought of eating forbidden foods can cause an indivdual to feel ill. We can also find culture difference in way of bring up children treating the early, greeting each other, saying and spending money before other people do in everyday, but in some English-speaking countries, people do not agree with us. We chinese may enjoy something that is not usually consider as edible by the English-speaking people. Generally we perfer to have thing hot and much emphasis on the taste. We eat from one plate when we are eating with others, and we like to seat one by one, and in the shape of a round. On the