I think it’s an obvious statement to make when i say that China has changed me. China has changed me in big ways, which i think i talk about on a continual basis. However, while visiting America i have found that China has changed me in several unexpected ways. I have found myself making subtle cultural mistakes. These mistakes aren’t the end of the world for anyone, but it sure is interesting to take notice of the ways that i’m different because of living in China.
One example of how i’ve changed is my proximity to strangers and the way i interact with strangers on the streets and sidewalks. Because there are so many people in China and the streets are very crowded it’s common to walk closely to other people and not pay attention to who walks in front of you or passes you or bumps into you So, here in America i find myself walking closer to other people or not noticing when people walk very closely to me. This is something i noticed today as i “cut someone off” on the sidewalk in front of Walgreens. I think the lady looked at me strangely because the common courtesy in the south would have been to let her go first. But i’ve learned in China that if you always let others go first then you’ll never get to where you’re going.
alexsandra
June 28th, 2009
oooohhhh….that explains it!
Here in Canada we have a favorite Chinese restaurant that we go to for Dim Sum. Sometimes we are the only non Asians in the place (and it’s big). That makes it a very cultural experience for us. Often it’s so busy you have to get a number and wait in the (very small) lobby. Shoulder to shoulder, packed in with hungry people watching those amazing trays go by….my friends think I’m crazy but I love it! Then the tables are only inches apart!! Huge families at large round tables….and us at a tiny table against the wall. Definitely goes against what my daughter calls “personal bubble”. I guess it’s more authentic than I realized: my own quick trip to China!
Do you love Dim Sum too?
Biscuet
June 28th, 2009
I think Dim Sum is pretty good, but we don’t get much of it in Beijing. Dim Sum is mostly a Hong Kong favorite and not very popular in northern China. I’m glad you get to experience Chinese culture right there in your backyard.
Mary Beth
June 30th, 2009
i was at the mall last weekend and was shocked that when people stepped in my way (or vice versa) they said excuse me. it happened multiple times and i didnt know how to react… i was kind of in shock. and then i got so excited about how ‘polite’ people are