FAQ - Asian culture

FAQ short answers
Some particularities of Asian
cultures and behaviors

www.chopard.org

click

Do they always disagree	?	Some Asians might seem to disagree ... when they approve.
What's so funny	?	Laughing is not mockery.
They agree but don't do it	!	"Yes" might be a polite "no" and "Yes Sir" can mean "I try to understand you".
They listen but don't care	!	To ask no question is a mark of respect, not of disinterest.
Move that body	!	Body language is very subtle and gestures are seldom used to emphasize communication.
Is this two or seven	?	Signs can have different meanings in different cultures.
They are all "Chinese"	!	At first they all look alike and seem to eat behave and think in the same way. A better understanding shows how different they actually are.

In general

Asian people have a discrete way to communicate information or feelings. Strong body gestures are rather rude. Some signs and expressions are different or convey another meaning than in the West.

Even verbal communication can be confusing. "Yes" can be a face saving "No" and "Yes Sir" might suggest that someone is trying hard to understand what is said.

The Indian "Yes"

Indians (at least some of them) and Nepalese agree by moving there heads in a sort of balancing "figure 8". This can easily be interpreted as a negation. It remains amazing even after one knows about this particularity.

The way Chinese indicate numbers with their fingers is different and sometimes confusing. Rising two fingers might indicate 2, 6 or 7.

"Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me..." (Bee Gees, Words)

Smiles might convey or cover very different moods. They often express the gentle hospitality of Asian people. They are expression of joy and fun, like everywhere in the World. The confusing part is that Asians might smile to cover their embarrassment or to beg pardon.

Sometimes in sad or even dramatic situations smiles and laughter are used to ease the tension. More than an expression, a smiling face might just be and mask of impassivity, a way to hide sentiments (anger, disapprobation, misunderstanding). With this in mind, the context of a situation will usually allow to decipher these signs accurately.

The Family

Westerners (particularly Americans) tend to be individualist. Personal success and achievements are primordial objectives. Asians are educated to privilege the interest of the group. Their greatest philosophers (like Buddha, Confucius and Lao Tse) have taught the respect of the master and the elder and propagated the concept of behaving properly in a group (family, state).

. The saying of the teachers or elders are not questioned and it is improper to argue with them. The interest of the group (in development and harmony) is prevalent upon individual interests.

Face

It seems easy to understand the concept of "face". Westerners also dislike to be publicly dishonored. In times of Chivalry this had frequently led to duels with fatal endings. In Asia "face saving" is still very vivid and extremely important.

When people behave in a way which is irrational for Westerners, when attitudes or actions are difficult to understand or seem exaggerated, then the pressure to save face might be an explanation. Once hurt individuals might feel a profound shame and resentment, not only for themselves but for the group they belong to

Cross cultural studies, books about "Culture Shocks", description of Asian Cultures, specializes web sites, and so on are innumerable. This site is only a modest contribution. But ... as you are already here, why not go further?

Home

Top

Next

chopard@thai.com - May 1999

!