Chinese Culture - Term Paper Example

Cultural Analysis of Chinese Culture People have different beliefs regarding various issues that affect their lives because of culture. The definition of culture encompasses various practices, which human beings perform including language. Anthropological studies provide information, which explain cultural diversity that people experience across the world. Historical facts project various dimensions in human culture. Historians use cultural dimensions such as language, social structure, religion, beliefs, and relation to the environment among other dimensions to acknowledge diversity in humanity. Each geographical location in the world has people who are distinguished using their cultural identity. Chinese culture provides historical information about the Chinese people, their beliefs, and their attitude towards other people, social economic practices, and education among other factors. This paper is analysis of Chinese culture in relation to socio economic practices, language, education, belief, government, environment, topology, and historical facts about their cultural heritage. Language Historians believe that language is one aspect of culture, which distinguishes various communities from each other. Historians believe that Chinese language has varieties, which have some close relation. The language family of Chinese is Sino-Tebetan (Pletcher, 68). Each group of Chinese language has its own dialect or sub-dialect. These dialects are less or more mutually intelligible. Chinese population, which stands at about 1.2 billion, speaks one these dialects. In China, Chinese is formal language, which they use in both public and domestic places. Sign communication and media communication in China uses Chinese language. It is arguable visitors coming China need to learn Chinese or use interpreters to help them in their communication. Clothes Chinese culture ranks clothing among other primary necessities in life. China a renowned history of garment making in which Chinese exchanged their garments in trade. Chinese garments in the ancient time had ornate details, refined artisanship, and bright colors. Clothes in Chinese culture changed with different dynasties. However, 20 century has observable changes in garments. Some styles portrayed on Chinese garment include Cheongsam, Qipao, western suits, silk stocking, hat, high heels, jackets, bell-bottom, bikinis, miniskirt, and bell-bottom among other fashion trends in the 20 century (Chen 111). Analysts believe that China decided to respond positively to the fashion trends in 1978 by embracing some western practices (Choi 89). During the ancient age, Chinese people devoted, various clothing to people according to the color of the skin. For instance, ordinary people wore costume and long hat when offering sacrifices to ancestors or gods. Another notable aspect of Chinese clothing culture is that ethnic minority wore clothing, which was colorful, flowery, and highly distinctive. Chinese people associate red color to good fortune. Red color characterizes wedding clothes for the Chinese people. It is notable that Chinese in the north wear qipao, and southern Chinese wear Kwa for their weddings. Dominance hierarchy Gender dominance is relevant in Chinese culture. Men gender dominated over women in the Chinese culture. The culture views a woman a subordinate who is subject to his father during the youthful stages, to her husband upon reaching maturity, and to her son at old age (Palmer 44). Dominance by the male gender in the Chinese culture influences the activities of women. Women should not roam freely as men. Largely, their duty is to stay inside the house performing house chores. Cultural responsibility for women gave them the authority to govern their homes, whereas men guarded the outer world. In ancient time, women never had dominant role in the family. Historic information about hierarchy in ancient time in China indicates that social stigmatization characterized life of the Chinese people (Chen 138). For instance, women had little or no choice in selecting the right time for marriage. A woman was to marry before attaining the age of thirty. However, modern trends in China indicate that women have some social obligations, which has reduced their stigmatization observed during the early times. It is notable that male child is still preferable among Chinese parents. Entertainment Entertainment is a vital aspect of culture, which revitalizes or symbolizes various practices in the society (Zhang 49). Chinese culture embraced entertainment in the ancient time and today. It is apparent that Chinese people performed music, martial arts among other form of entertainment in various occasions according to the Chinese calendar. Chinese culture embraces various sporting activities, which attract attention of the Chinese people and the whole world. Some notable entertainments are Peking Opera, Chinese yoyo, juju, Go-Weiqi, swinging and Lu Ban Lock among other forms of entertainment. Peking Opera is one of the most celebrated orchestra in Chinese culture. It is apparent that Chinese entertainment catered for almost all type of persons. For instance, indoor entertainment caters for individuals who are not willing to participate in outdoor games. Indoor category of entertainment include mah-jong, Chinese chess, and weiqi whose players can do while sitting (Zhang 52). Painting is another aspect of entertainment that enriches the Chinese culture. Chinese artists painted abstract objects and real objectives. Dance is a form of entertainment in Chinese culture, which commands many followers. Lion or dragon dance is a common cultural dance in China. Many Chinese people feel that dragon dance is a symbol of their rich culture. In this modern days dragon dance is among competitive sports, which the Chinese society practices at a national scale. Tai chi and Kung fu are some admirable martial arts skills that Chinese culture displays. Ethics in Chinese culture Ethics influence cultural attributes such as relationships in families and greater society. Chinese culture observed ethical beliefs, which promoted peaceful coexistence in the Chinese society. Ancient ethical believes in Chinese culture include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism. Confucianism ethics roots for values in the society, summarized as ren, junzi, and dao. In the ancient days, Chinese people believed in rituals as a means of achieving goodness. The Chinese community respected this ethics. Ethics in Confucianism argue in favor of five different relationships: ruler and the subject, wife and husband, children and parent, sisters and brothers, and friend and friend (Chen 89). Human morals such as sincerity, honor, loyalty, filial piety, respect, age seniority, and an individual duty in the society are some of the core principles in Confucianism. It is evident that different relationships in Chinese culture commanded a different amount of respect. Children pledge loyalty to their parents and any senior person in the society. Leaders in the Chinese society commanded a lot of respect from the community. In this sense, the Chinese people adhered to rules in their society. Societal values are above individual values in Chinese culture. Collectivism principles bind the Chinese people. Collectivism ethics respects rights of another individual over one’s own right (Choi 124). This principle ensures that the society lives in harmony. The society holds meetings, which addresses issues affecting the society. Historians believe that fabric that holds the society is ethics. However, the society has to use mechanism, which aims at installing the ethics into the people’s mind. Society taught Chinese ethics in schools, at home, in meetings and in public forum. People may disagree in meetings based on differences in opinions. Chinese ethics of meeting catered for such differences. A person in disagreeing would face down and remain silent. This would lead to rubbishing of the opinion of the person speaking. It is arguable that public disagreement which elicit exchange often lead to exchange of blows. Meeting ethics provided a smooth means of addressing issues without ending up in a fight. Meeting etiquette Chinese culture promotes respect of the senior people in the society. In meetings or any other ceremony or place, an elderly person commands the respect of the junior i.e. a junior person should greet the elderly person (Giskin & Walsh 59). When greeting each other the Chinese people bow their heads. Use of surname is common when addressing people in meeting. When the Chinese meets a foreign, they prefer handshake. It is important to note that greeting is a formal thing in Chinese meetings. Gift giving etiquette Gift presentation in the Chinese community has some etiquette. Gift presentation usually occurs during wedding, New Year celebration, and birth celebration. Chinese like nice food or basket as great gift. A person uses his two hands to presenting gift. This shows honor and respect in Chinese society. Gift etiquette dictates that an individual may reject a gift three times, no opening of the gift when received. Items such as knives, cutting utensils or scissors indicate a sign of severing relationship. Chinese do not present such items as gift. Chinese associate items such as clock, straw sandals, handkerchief, and flowers with death. (Giskin & Walsh 52) Another important thing about gift is that one should not wrap gift in black, white, or blue paper. Dinning etiquette Chinese prefer to entertain foreigners in public places not their homes. Chinese regard invitation to a Chinese home a great honor. It is arguable that such turning down such honor requires some explanation. An individual responding to an invitation in Chinese home should arrive on scheduled time, remove his or her shoe before entering the house, demonstrate that he or she enjoys food, and take instruction of the host among other etiquette. It is important to note that an individual may get an opportunity to dine with the Chinese during the visitation period. Chinese expect the visitor to show a lot of respect and be observant (Chen 72). While eating Chinese may produce a belching sound. It is notable that a visitor should not eat that last piece in the serving tray. Religion Chinese people are religious as evident from the temples they built in the ancient time. Historians argue that Chinese religion inclination is not strong given the fact that Confucianism arguments are more philosophical than divine. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are some of religious practices that Chinese have embraced in the ancient time and partly in the modern society (Palmer, et.al 121). Many Chinese observe Buddhism as the religious practice. Historical evidence indicates that Buddhism is one of the ancient practices that Asian communities observed in the ancient time. Taoism is another renowned religious practice common among the Chinese people. Historians argue that modern Taoism practices among the Chinese people borrow many ancient practices. It is observable that religious practices such as Christianity and Islam do not command a lot of audience in the Chinese society. Historical evidence about introduction of Christianity in China indicates that persecution of Christians in 10 and 14 century led to decline of the Christian practices among the Chinese people (Palmer, et.al. 98) The Chinese government observes principals of atheist, arguing that the religion and government should be two different entities. However, the Chinese government recognizes the practices of the following religions: Buddhism, Protestantism, Islam, Taoism, and Catholics. Ancient shrines used for worship in ancient time are still relevant to the Chinese community. For instance, Meizhou Island has a statue of Mazu, a goddess that people of southern China worship. It is apparent that modern trends, which have watered religious adherence in western countries, have not eroded cultural practices in China. Government Historians assert that early settlement in the present day China took place in about 5000 B.C. The system of Chinese government have changed over time following the fall and rise of different dynasty in China. History reveals that Shang dynasty is one of the early forms of government in the Chinese history (Palmer, et.al 75). Shang dynasty embraced the feudal system, which gave rise to the feudal states. Emperor headed Chinese dynasty in the ancient time. It is arguable that emperors in the ancient time exercised their rule of the land controlling the activity of the Chinese people and the outside world. History reveals that in the ancient time feudal states were at war with other states, thus influenced the building of walls to protect the people from intruders. Political transformations have changed the government system in China over time. The current government system is much different from the ancient form of government in Chinese society. The Chinese government controls international and internal affairs of China. Historians believe that the current system of government was a result of several revolutions, which ended the dynastic system of government to republic system. Current governance structure involves the public participation in electing the leader. Largely, the government roots for communist ideals in which the society values override individual values. The government exercises a lot of control of economic development of the nation because it has powers to influence international relation with other countries (Palmer, et.al. 59) Chinese people trade with other countries, and send their experts to work in other countries. It is important to note that Chinese government implements laws as provided in the Chinese constitution. Chinese law Chinese law has some element of Confucian principles, which dictated the type of relationship that people should have in the society. It is apparent that law is a fabric, which embeds the society towards achieving some set objectives. Chinese law influences the number of children that a family should bear, influence international relations, and influence cultural practices in the community (Chen 58). Historians have observed that societal laws are part of Chinese law. Chinese law does give room for dual citizenship. The Chinese law has several provisions, which influence an individual’s citizenship, relationships with fellow citizen among other factors. Chinese Supreme Court handles matters of highest degree of law in the nation. The law provide strict penalty to defaulters. For instance, Chinese law advocate for a severe punishment for drug trafficking, including death. Experts believe that much of the Chinese law depend on their cultural norms (Chen 56). It is evident that some of the practices provided for in the international law do not apply in the Chinese system. Foreigners willing to visit China have to go through legal requirement of the Chinese law or risk prosecution. Largely, the Chinese law does not spare Chinese citizens who fail to adhere to it. Geography Geographical aspect of China is very important since it influences distribution of people, economic activities in the nation, transport system, architecture, and farming among other things. China has a land area of 9.6 Million km squared and a coastline that is 18000 km (Pletcher 76). this coastline boarders the ocean pacific. China has fourteen neighboring countries, which borders it. Notably, China is in third place in the list of largest countries in the world. Geographers believe that vast land of China is plateaus, basins, mountains, and plains. Mountainous landscape in China occupies about two thirds of the total land. Highest topography in China is Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which has a height of over 4000 meters above the sea level (Pletcher 79). Mountains in China include Taihang, Daxing’an, and Wu among others. Plateau in China include Loess, Mongolian plateau, and Yungui among others. Geographically, mountainous region in China gives rise to foothills and basins as is evident in China geography. Rivers in China include Yangtze, which is the longest river, yellow river, and the Yarlung Zangbo River, which drains its water in the Indian Ocean. The other two rivers drain their water into the Pacific Ocean. China has lakes such as Qinghai, Dongting, Poyang, and Taihu Lake among others. Most of these lakes have fresh water except Qinghai Lake, which contains salty water. China uses its rich geographical features to generate petroleum, renewable tide energy that it taps from the sea, minerals, and aquatic products. It is evident that Chinese people depend on the natural resources for their economic development. It is important to note that geographical features in China play an important role in boundary demarcation. Plains provide magnificent scenery, which attract tourists. Education Chinese education system has undergone various changes from the ancient time to the present date. History reveals that Confucianism had been the education doctrine in the ancient time. However, many people were illiterate. Major reform in the Chinese education system took place around 1905 when western education practices found their way into the Chinese system (Giskin & Walsh 121). Analysts argue that Chinese culture value education, which they view as a bridge to the next level in life. Historically, since China became a republic, it emphasized on education. The government has set education policies, which it has worked to implement. The Chinese government plays a vital role in footing compulsory education bills to the whole republic (Giskin & Walsh 121). It is also notable that Chinese system of education recognizes higher education, which includes medium level schools or polytechnics, junior college, and colleges where people are able to acquire bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees. The education system also observes the needs for adult folk in the Chinese community. Special education centers for adults offer adult education training programs. Technology Technology is a driving motor in the modern world. Today, China is among countries, which have embraced use of technology. Anthropological evidence indicates that Chinese people embraced the use of technology in the ancient time (Zhang 75). Areas such as agriculture embraced use of technology in the ancient time and in the present time. It is evident that education system in China rooted for technology, thus exposing Chinese population to technological advancement. It is apparent that the world has recognized technological advancement made by China. China uses its national rich technology to manufacture nearly all technical machines. Chinese technology has finds its way into the international market. Largely, China competes favorable with other countries such as Japan, United States, and Australia among other countries. Chinese products flood international market because China is able to make nearly everything that people need in terms of technology. Chinese have been able to manufacture their own motor vehicles, mobile phones, electronic components, weapons, tools used in industrial processes among other technological applications. Today Chinese technology influences the world economy. Architecture History reveals that Chinese architecture influenced housing design in the ancient period and in the present day China. History asserts that Chinese housing in the ancient period used rectangular structures to build houses and temples (Alon 79). This feature is still relevant among Chinese housing in the modern world. A wooden structure is another vital component used by the Chinese to build their houses in ancient time and today. Chinese buildings have varied ornamental appeals, which the Chinese people attribute to have significance to their culture. It is apparent that modern technology in architecture borrows many ancient architectural designs. Medicine History regards Chinese culture as one of the first to embrace the use of medicine. Chinese doctors in the ancient time diagnosed their patient without using apparatus. Traditional treatment in Chinese community is still relevant. Traditional herbs such as Ginseng form part of traditional medicine that the Chinese community uses today (Giskin & Walsh 158). Chinese regard turtle shell (Hawksbill) to be of medical importance. However, modern technology has found its way into the Chinese hospitals. Conclusion Chinese cultural diversity borrows many cultural practices observed in the ancient time. Modern technological application and education system are some of the advancement that has influenced Chinese culture. Government structure in China borrows a lot of socialist system observed in the olden times. It is apparent that social relation in the ancient China and in the present China has not registered many changes. Gender roles in the ancient time seem to shape the current society. Work cited Alon, Ilan. Chinese culture, organizational behavior, and international business management. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. 2003. Print. Chen, Zishan. Food and Chinese culture: essays on popular cuisine. San Francisco: Long River Press. 2005. Print. Choi, Julie & Nunan, David. Language and Culture: Reflective Narratives and the Emergence of Identity. New York: Taylor & Francis. 2010. Print. Giskin, Howard & Walsh, S. Bettye. An introduction to Chinese culture through the family. Philadelphia: Sunny Press. 2001. Print. Palmer, A. David et.al. Chinese Religious Life. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2011. Print. Pletcher, Kenneth. The Geography of China: Sacred and Historic Places. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2010. Print. Zhang, Xing. Preserving Cultural Identity Through Education: The Schools of the Chinese Community in Calcutta, India. Heng Mui Keng Terrace: Institute of Southeast Asian. 2010. Print. Read More