送交者: LA 于 August 03, 2004 20:36:31:
回答: 你同意吗？ 由 binbin 于 August 03, 2004 17:15:39:
I haven't been lived in China for more than 5 years. My last visiting was back to 2000. You can fill the gap in between when you read my following comments.
The Chinese know, that they are the custodians of the greatest and most advanced culture on earth. They consider themselves as the “cream” of mankind. To them China is the centre of the civilized world. The Chinese do not identify with any other people on earth.
COM: I believe that's what Chinese would like the foreigner to buy(their story). Although we Chinese feel that we are so much different from Japaness and Korean, I would say we share a lot of common values, especially culture-orientated,
with the people from Japen and Korea. I didn't realize this before I came abroad, because I simply did not have a reference while I was only dealing with Chinese.
¨ All Chinese operate on system of tight insider networks, mercilessly exploiting them and in turn being exploited by them, but relying on them. Not individuals but families were considered as the basic units of society.
Intense loyalty to a small group is therefore part of the Chinese character.
COM: very true! and very easy to explain (leave it to you).
¨ All Chinese are inured to hierarchy, they suppress initiative and rely on direction from above, in turn suppressing independence in those beneath them. There are no eccentrics in China, because there is a strong conformism.
COM: Compared to the decision making level in western world, it's very true. It is also a common comment. My former boss from Finland told me the same thing.
¨ All Chinese have fatalism heavily built in. Most Chinese will not make any important decisions without first consulting the stars for auspicious day and hour.
COM: When I was in China, it's not a strong trend. Maybe nowadays. 迷信风疯长。
¨ Chinese are very modest. No Chinese will ever confess to doing anything well or to possessing anything valuable. On the other hand, no Chinese will fail to praise the deeds, attributes and possessions of almost everyone
else he/ she meets.
COM： From surface, it's true. But whoever believe in this, he/she maybe get him/herself into trouble later on. Chinese just say like that, in most cases, they don't mean it. If you truely believe "they are modest, or stupid"
, you will be in deep shit, especially with Chinese men with titles.
¨ The Chinese are addicted to noise and feel uncomfortable with silence.The Chinese word for “having a good time” is “re-nao”, which means literally “it`s hot and noisy”.
COM: True for the majority.
¨ Be patient. The Chinese are very cautious in business matters, and will expect a strong relationship to be built before they close the deal.
COM: You can't emphasize this more. 200% true.
¨ It is very important to be punctual in China, not only for business meetings, but for social occasions as well. Lateness or cancellation is a serious affront.
COM: Whoever gave foreigners this impression, I'd admire them. Lateness or cancellation is the privilege of the person in power. So I would say, if you happen not to be that person, it's a true case.
¨ Chinese can have dozens of words with different meanings pronounced exactly the same. Therefore, if possible, bring your own interpreter as well to help you understand nuances in the discussion. Use short, simple sentences, and pause often to make sure that you are understood.
COM: As a matter of fact, an interpreter in China business is not a simple interpreter. They are bridges towards what you want. At least 51% of your business depends on them. Their understanding of Chinese's English level is also true.
¨ Chinese might ask very personally questions ━ for them it is not impolite to ask and you are expected to answer, though a little tailoring of fact may be in order.
COM: Binbin you know the answer on this question.
¨ Chinese will drag out negotiations to gain an advantage. They may try to renegotiate everything on the final day of your visit, and they will continue to try for a better deal even after the contract is signed.
COM: This is a true case from my experience: right after we shakehand with our customer, they kept us in the hotel for a whole one more week to negotiate a better deal, before signing the contract! We almost gave up the deal.
They just wanted to reach your limit.
¨ Chinese are highly sensitive to the almost invisible signals of others and they are able to anticipate what you are about to ask or do. They read your intention before you have consciously formed it.
COM: Ohh, how well they know Chinese people. I believe you can explain to your boss why.
¨ They smile under all circumstances, tone down emotion and avoid direct confrontation. Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using hands or dramatic facial expressions, when speaking.
COM: You can fancy this one by lecturing him on Chinese philosophy.
¨ The Chinese do not like to be touched by people they do not know. This is especially important to remember when dealing with older people or people in important positions.
COM: 200% true with people in important positions. For elder people, I guess there is a gender difference. For an elder Chinese woman, she may show the shyness or against it, but she won't be truely against it unless you touch
another lady instead of her:))) I also have true stories on this. For an elder Chinese man, I am not sure.
¨ The Chinese nod or bow slightly when meeting another person, although handshakes are common. Wait for the Chinese to extend a hand first. Visitors may be greeted with applause as a sign of welcome. The usual response is
to applaud back.
COM: Not necessary. Sometimes the Chinese are not sure what a foreigner's habit will be. If a foreigner extend a hand first, 9 out of 10, it will be a positive response. But I've noticed many "important" Chinese prefer a light touch type of handshaking instead of tight one. They show the distance at beginning and the changes after negotiation.
¨ The Chinese are very sensitive to status and titles, so you should use official titles. Never call anyone ”Comrade” unless you are a Communist also.
COM: Nowadays it's the nickname for a homosexual person.
¨ Colours: white is for mourning and death, red is for weddings and auspicious occasions, yellow for China and emperors, black for severe moral uprightness.
COM: No comments :)))