A country is just like an onion; the innermost skin is Culture. Culture is like the soul of a country. All countries have their own unique cultures to live by, which means that people who have grown up in different places will have different ways of behaving, different ways of thinking about things and different ways of expressing themselves.
One of the most obvious examples of how culture can affect education is in the way that people learn. In some cultures, children are taught to be respectful and obedient to their elders, while in others they are encouraged to be more independent and inquisitive. This can lead to different educational outcomes – in countries where children are taught to be more independent, they may be more likely to ask questions and challenge ideas, while in countries where obedience is emphasized, they may be more likely to accept what they are told without question.
Culture also affects the way that people make friends. In some cultures, it is common for people to greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, while in others this would be considered very strange. People from different cultures may also have different ideas about what is appropriate to talk about with friends – in some cultures it is perfectly normal to discuss sensitive topics like religion or politics, while in others it would be considered very rude.
All of this can lead to misunderstandings and communication difficulties between people from different cultures. However, it is also possible for people to learn about and respect each other’s cultures, and to find common ground despite their differences. With open communication and a willingness to learn, people from different countries can build friendships and create a more connected world.
Every nation has its own culture, and there are many variations between countries in terms of customs. Those differences help to make our world a more colorful and interesting place to live. We may have a better perspective on it if we compare the significant cultural variances between America and China. According to my study of America and Intercultural Communication Stumbling Blocks by LaRay M. Barna, which discussed the distinctions among cultures, I discovered two major discrepancies in friendship and education.
In China, people attach more importance to the relationship between friends while American people seem to focus on the result of the friendship. A Chinese old saying goes like this: “A man who has no friends is not a human being.” In other words, in order to be considered as a good person or to achieve something, one must have lots of friends.
For example, when Chinese students want to find a good job, they would first think about whether they know someone in that company who could help them with an interview or resume. However, American people would just focus on whether they are qualified for that position and if they could do a great job. Consequently, the process of making friends is also quite different.
In China, people would become friends through a lot of social activities such as singing, dancing and playing games together. They get to know each other gradually and then become friends. However, in America, people tend to be more direct. If they want to be friends with someone, they would just go up and talk to that person. There is no need for a lot of social activities.
The second big difference between these two countries is education. In China, the pressure of getting good grades is much higher than in America. For most Chinese families, the top priority of education is to get good grades so that their children can enter a good university which leads to a better job.
As a result, Chinese students usually have a lot of homework every day and they have to go to school even on weekends. However, in America, students are encouraged to be well-rounded and they are not only graded on their academic performance but also on their social skills and extracurricular activities. Consequently, American students have more free time than Chinese students and they can choose what they want to learn in school.
Though there are many differences between the cultures of China and America, we can still learn from each other and become good friends. By understanding the cultural differences, we can avoid misunderstandings and build a better world.
The first distinction is a friendship. The time is frequently the most effective approach to assess a relationship and learn more about each other. In order to communicate deeply, discover each other’s habits, temperament, comparable interests, and shared experiences of “suffering,” the Chinese must get to know one another for a length of time. They will treasure this connection after they have recognized each other as friends in their hearts. It will be difficult to destroy since it will be long-term once friendship has been established.
On the contrary, Americans focus on the quality of the friendship, not the quantity of time they have known each other. They don’t need to necessarily spend a lot of time with each other to develop a friendship. Even if they haven’t seen each other in years, as long as they can still communicate and share common interests, their friendship will be as strong as ever.
Culture also shapes education. In America, individuality is celebrated. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and think outside the box. Classrooms are often lively places where students debate with each other and the teacher.
In China, however, collectivism is emphasized. Students are expected to listen quietly and follow the teacher’s lead. Classrooms are usually more subdued, and students are discouraged from speaking out.
These are just some of the ways that different countries can have different cultures. It’s important to be aware of these differences so that you can be respectful of other cultures and understand how to communicate effectively with people from all over the world.
When you go to China, at a restaurant, you can see people fight over the bill. It’s not about showing off to their pals or anybody else. It’s just because they want to show their gratitude for their friendship. In contrast, most Chinese believe that Americans are “superficial,” as Barna said, “They talk and smile too much” (67) and “Their friendships are, most of the time, so ephemeral compared to the friendship we have at home.” (68)
However, we can’t deny that American style of friendship does have some advantages. For example, people in US “are more likely to take the initiative in developing new relationships…and they are also more likely than others around the world to view their friends as confidants and sources of support.” (69) In a word, Chinese think Americans are good at making new friends while we think our friendships are more genuine and intimate.
When it comes to education, Americans place a lot of emphasis on it while Chinese people tend to put more focus on economic development. In China, getting a good job and making money is the goal for most people while in America, people seem to care more about getting a good education and bettering themselves. As a result, the level of education in America is generally higher than in China.
Friendship is another area where Chinese and American cultures differ. In China, friends are often thought of as family and people are very loyal to their friends. On the other hand, American friendships are often less intimate and more superficial. This is not to say that one culture is better than the other, but merely that they are different.
Culture plays a big role in shaping how people think and act. It is interesting to see how different cultures approach things like friendship and education. Hopefully, by understanding these differences, we can learn to appreciate each other’s cultures more.