跨文化交际案例分析

Case One: Setting Rules for a Guest – American Hospitality

案例：

When Zhang Tao traveled in America, he lived in the home of his American friend, Bill. Once after he had traveled back, he found Bill was in a bad mood. When he asked what the problem was, Bill told Zhang Tao that his son Adam got furious about the noise Zhang made when walking upstairs and also because he was using too much water in the solar powered shower and Adam had to have his shower in cold water. Bill told Zhang Tao that he should walk more softly in future, and have a fast shower to save water. Zhang Tao felt uneasy. How could the host set such rules for his guest!

Question: Why did Zhang Tao feel uneasy?

分析：

1) In China, when people host someone, they put the guest in the place of honor to show hospitality. They try to take care of the guest，and try to make the guest feel comfortable and at ease.

2) In America, people tend to give the guest great freedom and treat a guest more casually, naturally and truthfully.

3) Zhang Tao knew he was a guest, and thought in terms of Chinese expectations of hospitality. He thought Bill should treat him courteously instead of setting rules for him.

4) Since Zhang Tao lived in American surroundings, he should have known about the customs there sooner.

Case Two:

案例：

Lin had traveled 20 hours from Beijing to New York. He needed a good meal. His American friend, Mike, met him. But Mike only offered him a plate of roasted chicken and a glass of orange juice. Lin was used to having a main course, and asked Mike if he had any rice. Mike said he only had fried noodles, and Lin had to make do with it. Though Lin knew Americans didn’t care very much about what food they ate, he still felt surprised because he had taken Mike to the most famous duck restaurant in Beijing

-- Quanjude -- when he arrived in Beijing.

Question: Why did Lin feel surprised? Offer some advice to him about adjusting to his new environment in America.

分析：

1) 0n the topic of hospitality, the Chinese stress on warmth and demonstrating friendship. They take the guest to a famous or luxurious restaurant to have a very good (expensive) meal to show their hospitality. And the Chinese are used to having a big meal. The more dishes they put out，the greater the warmth and friendship they show.

2) In western countries, people stress on freedom. They give the guest great freedom to choose their own foods. And westerners tend to have only one main course and some juice or dessert，which is viewed as casual in the eyes of the Chinese.

3) Lin lived in American surroundings and should have adjusted himself quickly to the new world (lifestyle). He should have known the custom there first, and felt more at ease in Mike’s home.

Case Three: Equality or Hospitality for Table Manners

案例：

Lin Hua 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.

Question: Why did Linhua find them inhospitable?

分析：

1) In China, to show hospitality, people tend to host the meal. And if they cannot do this, they at least will struggle to pay for the guest.

2) In America, people tend to pay for themselves to show equality and