中西文化对比复习资料

Comparison and Contrast between Chinese and Western Cultures Part 1 Culture and value

I. The characteristics of culture

a. Culture is learned, not hereditary (遗传的).

b. Culture is transmitted from generation to generation.

c. Culture is dynamic.

d. Culture centers around the race or nationality.

e. Values are the core of culture.

II. value (The difference between western and Chinese value)

Individualism and collectivism

Part 2 Religion

I. Religions in the world

The three major religions in the world: Christianity; Islam; Buddhism

II. Christianity

⏹It is the largest religion in the world.

⏹Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

⏹Jesus Christ: He is the founder of Christianity.

III. Islam

⏹Islam is one of the top3 religions in the world with Buddhism and the

Christian religion, with a history of more than 1000 years.

⏹Three important concepts.

(1) Allah: He is the only God, creator of the universe. (monotheism一神教/论)

(2) Muhammad: The founder of the religion of Islam

(3) Koran(古兰经): The religious text of Islam

IV. Buddhism

⏹It originated in India in the 6th century BC.

⏹Shakyamuni: the founder of Buddhism

Part 3 Festivals

Western festivals:

1.New Year’s Day (1st January)

2.St. Valentine’s Day (14th February)

3.April Fools’ Day (1st April )

4.Good Friday (the Friday before Easter)

5.Easter (around March 22---April 25)

6.Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May)

7.Father’s Day (the third Sunday in June)

8.Halloween (31st October)

9.Thanksgiving Day (The last Thursday in November)

10.Christmas Day (25th December)

Know about the symbols and traditions of western festivals (such as Christmas Day, Thanksgiving day, Valentine’s day, Easter Day, Halloween)

中国节日自己了解

Part 4 Etiquette

I. Meeting and Greeting People

(1) Greeting

In Chinese：

“你吃了吗？” “Have you eaten yet?”

“你上哪里去？” “Where are you going?”

“你干什么去？” “What are you going to do?”

In China these greeting questions are intended to show consideration instead of inquiring about others’ private affairs. But this kind of greetings often cause

westerners uneasiness and annoyance because they sound more like being curious and inquisitive.

(2) When to shake hands

When two persons are of the same sex, it is usually for the older to put his hand out first; when of different sexes, it is the woman who first offers her hand.

II．Introduction

How to introduce people

You should introduce:

a man to a woman

children to adults

a younger person to an older person of the same sex