Encountering the Chinese: A Guide for Americans

by Hu Wenzhong, Cornelius N. Grove

As the economic and diplomatic climates in China have changed, Chinese and Americans are interacting with each other more and more. Encountering the A Guide for Americans presents a straightforward, practical and sensitive cross-cultural analysis of a complex culture and people. Authors Hu Wenzhong and Cornelius Grove provide a comprehensive cross-cultural guide to Chinese cultural, along with insights on how best to communicate and interact with Chinese people in both business and social contexts.Encountering the Chinese provides fundamental information on basic Chinese values and cultural norms, identifying cross-cultural factors that often lead to failed business negotiations and misunderstandings. The advice and skills in this book enable Westerners and the Chinese to establish more effective and rewarding relationships, inside and outside of the People's Republic of China.Encountering the Chinese is an insightful book with the practical cross-cultural analysis of Chinese culture. The book's intention is to decrease anxiety and make things easier for Americans interacting with Chinese. It is neatly structured, and the language is kept as simple as possible with a friendly tone.-Hongmei Pang, visiting scholar, Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL at Georgia State UniversityEncountering the Chinese literally transformed my life. You see, when I first arrived in Taiyuan (Shanxi Province), China, I never expected to have a tremendous culture shock-I thought I was 'prepared' to live in China, but just the opposite happened. I was looking for any excuse to return home to my comfortable life in Mexico. Fortunately, an American friend lent me a book that helped her adapt to China, [Encountering the Chinese].The book became my companion, as I read it every day for about a month. It helped me understand the aspects of daily life that I was experiencing . . . [T]hanks to my gradual understanding of Chinese culture, I became interested in China and decided to make this country my home. [T]hank you for sharing your experiences in the book. I am sure that it has made a difference in many other expatriates' lives who are now living in China! It definitely changed mine.-Victor Garza, Dragon International Communication Consulting, Hangzhou, ChinaContentsAcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroduction to the Second EditionIntroduction to the First Edition1 A Brief Background to the Chinese Way of LifePart Advice for Americans Interacting with the Chinese2 Chinese Titles and Forms of Address3 Greetings, Conversations, and Farewells4 Chinese-Style Dining5 Appointments, Visiting, and Time Use6 Chinese Modesty and Humility7 Making Friends with the Chinese8 Education and Training Among the Chinese9 Negotiating and Institutional Decision Making10 The Concept of Face in Chinese-American InteractionPart Advice for Americans Living and Working in the PRCAppendix Glossary of Chinese TermsAppendix Chinese Titles and Forms of AddressRecommended Readings

Genres: Nonfiction, Cultural, China

230 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Emmanuelle Chiocca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is simply outdated and full of inaccuracies and stereotypes, not only about China, but also about “the West”.

[Tara Guiffredo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great advice about many different types of individuals and how they could successfully encounter Chinese culture and the Chinese people. The research and information are a little outdated. The book does mention that this could occur since China is a rapidly developing nation.

The book includes information about relationships, business, language learning, and the basics for someone planning to move overseas. Although the information is a little outdated, many of the topics are still relevant today. The book does not include information prior to 2010, so it doesn't include China's new currency system (WeChat/Alipay), their current leadership, or the new norm around Covid.

[Ruthanne Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was excellent! I learned so much and I wish I had read it either before or when I moved to China.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was giving a presentation on the differences between the American educational system and the Chinese educational system. I was able to include my experiences living in China, but wanted some other source material. I found this book to be very useful in describing some important cultural differences.

For example, plaigrism is not a concern in China because students are expected to repeat what they are taught in class. In fact, copying large amounts of text from someone else is considered to be good. Most of my Chinese students are surprised when I find they are plaigrizing because they don't think it is a big deal.

I found this book to be structured by topics well. It was written for people that don't have a background in knowing about China. I thought it was well written and supported.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this before going to live in China, and found it very straightforward, sensitive, and extremely helpful. I had no idea how polar-opposite eastern and western cultures could be until I arrived, but having read this book I was prepared for a lot of what I encountered and was more understanding- even if adjusting was still difficult.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for any person who will be interacting with Chinese nationals, especially in a business environment, or living in China. The author presents a very well-thought out explanation of Chinese culture as well as tips and pointers for Westerners.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The form is pretty standard. It's a Chinese culture book like many others. That being said, this one is extremely well-written and enlightening. Especially compared to most other Chinese culture books I've read. I highly recommend it.

[Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good cultural overview of China. I was aware of all the broad themes, but I found a number of subtleties that refined my understanding, and put some previous interactions in a new light. Very useful. Including pinyin without tone marks is annoying, though.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge asset to anyone thinking of living in China. The insights contained in this book will really help me avoid some of the awkwardness incurred by a cultural shift.

[Numa Parrott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could cut and paste the essay I had to write about it, but that would be boring. If you have to read this, you have my sympathy.

[Gregory Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good use of scholarly sources and firsthand accounts. Like most "culturalist" descriptions, though, one wonders how accurate most of the generalizations are.

[Emily Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read and very informative. Some of the info, though, was stereotypical or no longer accurate for all Chinese.