Listen to this article1Why choose to study in China – Chinese individuals enjoy interacting with Westerners
Foreigners are often welcomed and treated kindly by Chinese people. Chinese culture places a high value on hospitality and respect for guests, which frequently extends to visitors from other countries.
They may exhibit interest in interacting with foreigners to find out about their origins and experiences because they are frequently curious about other cultures. They might provide support or direction to visitors who require aid overcoming linguistic or cultural difficulties. Chinese people frequently treat visitors with courtesy and warmth.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that cultural norms, behaviors, and personal experiences can vary from person to person. Due to language problems or unfamiliarity, some Chinese individuals may be reticent or bashful while engaging with outsiders. The geography, age, and particular personality of a person can also have an impact on how Chinese people interact with outsiders.
Overall, even though it can be challenging to generalize about the entire community, many Chinese are renowned for their great hospitality and willingness to make visitors feel at home in their nation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that China is a huge nation with a variety of regional customs, and that there may be subtle regional variations in how foreigners are treated. However, Chinese people are typically anxious to build cordial and respectful connections with foreigners and generally have a positive attitude toward them.
It is very common to receive some help from them when they have no intention of getting anything back. Whenever you need them, they help you naturally, have a short conversation, ask you to add them on WeChat and leave to fulfill their obligations.
2Chinese people are interested in Western culture
Many Chinese people have shown a growing interest in Western cultures in recent years. Technology, entertainment, and fashion are just a few of the industries in which Western nations are frequently regarded as prominent. Aspects of Western culture are admired by many Chinese people.
Due to the size and diversity of China, opinions of Westerners might range significantly between various provinces and generations. Greater exposure to foreign influences in urban and cosmopolitan locations may lead to a high level of acceptance and favorable perceptions of Westerners.
Overall, despite the fact that many Chinese people have favorable opinions about Westerners, it’s crucial to approach people with an open mind and understand that opinions might differ widely across people. Relationships between Chinese and Westerners can be strengthened through establishing mutual understanding and encouraging good interactions.
3If you can speak English, you are prepared to go to China
It’s better to speak Mandarin when you go to China because you will be able to communicate with more people, but if you can’t, speaking English is enough.
Chinese individuals, especially young Chinese, are keen to practice their English with outsiders. English is now a common subject taught in schools across China, and competence in the language is strongly encouraged.
Chinese people have the chance to put their language skills to use by conversing with native English speakers or foreigners who are fluent in English. They can improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and overall fluency by conversing with foreigners.
Chinese individuals frequently regard speaking English with foreigners as a beneficial approach to advance their language skills and expose themselves to various accents and cultural viewpoints. To develop their language skills or get clarity on particular English language elements, they may ask inquiries of or converse with foreigners.
Chinese people occasionally approach Westerners on the street or in public areas to strike up a conversation and improve their English. They might show interest in learning more about the origins, hobbies, or culture of the visitors, as these discussions can be advantageous for both parties in terms of language learning and cross-cultural understanding.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all Chinese people will feel at ease starting discussions in English, especially if they lack language confidence or have little contact to foreigners. Overall though, a lot of Chinese individuals are enthusiastic about speaking English with foreigners and value the chance to improve their language skills through actual conversations.
In conclusion, Westerners who don’t speak Chinese should consider moving to China to study even if they don’t speak the language.
Rafael Alves
