Final essay of Different cultures between Chian and United States

Different cultures between China and United States

 Table of Content

Introduction

What people put in their bodies: Food

What young people put in their minds: Education

The meaning of the difference: Diversity of taste and culture

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

China and American have many differences in culture. In my first semester I have two orientation classes about the American culture and I learned lots of information from these classes and make many friends from all over the world. I have learned many things of American culture in this year and I also got culture shock too. Food and education styles these two have many differences between China and American, with the development of economic, more and more people pay attention on food and education quality. Food and education culture has been becoming popular in our daily life, so I want to talk about the differences in food culture and education styles.

What people put in their bodies: Food

China and America these two countries have their own food style, also have many biggest differences, and there have three ways to show how differences between these two countries. Different regional cuisine styles are the first one between these two countries. For China, Chinese food is diverse. Because of China has a vast land, it is diverse in climate, so different place have the different climate and habits, ethnicity and subcultures. Not surprisingly therefore, there are many distinctive styles of cuisine. So in Chinese name it ‘South prefer rice, north prefer noodle’ that rice is the staple food for South and North will use wheat to make the food, such as noodle and dumplings. And Chinese have another call from taste: 'Southern sweet, North salty, East acids and West spicy.' So Traditionally there are eight main families of dishes, namely Hui (Anhui), Yue (Cantonese), Min (Fujian), Xiang (Hunan), Yang (Jiangsu), Lu (Shandong), Chuan (Szechuan),Zhe (Zhejiang). “The history of Chinese cuisine in China stretches back for thousands of years and these styles are distinctive from one another due to factors such as available resources, climate, geography, history, cooking techniques and lifestyle(1)”. For America, there are kind of single than Chinese food. We all know she is Multi-ethnic nation of immigrants. So except America- Indians, the first cuisine, number of ingredients and cooking styles were made from European colonization of the Americas, at this time America cuisine style have no more different with European. During 19th and 20^th, there have immigrants from many foreign nations in American and they make the various styles of food continue expanding. And in America there have five regional cuisines: New England, Pacific and Hawaiian cuisine, Midwest, The American South and Cuisine in the West. But the different with Chinese food are America regional cuisine styles Influence by the country which colonized or close to this place. For example: “The style of New England cookery originated from its colonial roots, that is to say practical, frugal and willing to eat anything other than what they were used to from their British root. (2)” And“Cooking in the American West gets its influence from Native American and Mexican cultures and other European settlers into the part of the country. Common dishes vary depending on the area. For instance, the Northwest relies on local seafood, while in the Southwest, Mexican flavors are extremely common. (2)”

Second is eating differences in different Seasons. Four seasons are different. In China throughout the year, according to the season and to eat, this is second feature of Chinese food. Since long ago, our country has followed the different seasons to cook the food. For example, winter and summer. Winter is cold so the food usually has strong taste and food usually use stew and simmer to cook, like Chafing dish these foods that can let body become hot. Summer is hot and supper different with winter, if people still eat the same style as winter, they will sick, so the food usually is cool and refreshing. In America most of people do not have this concept, that people should eat difference in different season. So frozen food and canned food are kind of popular in America, because these foods could save long time and eat in all four seasons.

Third one is, Chinese food have four important standard of food: color, smell, taste and shape. The color is means how was the food looks like, when you first time to some restaurant and looking for the menu you have no idea which food is better, at this time of course you will chose it which have the picture and looks like good to order. The smell, after you order the food and before you eat you will smell it first, so nice smell usually can attract you want to eat. Taste, of course this is very important if the food is very delicious there is no reason you will dislike it. And for the shape, the special shape is good part to improve the point of food. And “Confucius once said ‘Eating is the utmost important thing in life’.Cooking Chinese food requires more time and effort, and is considered a very sophisticated art .(3)” But as American people when they eat something, the things they care most are the nutritious value, such as the protein, the fat, the vitamin, the minerals and the carbohydrate. But it has made some problems, for example, from Los Angeles to New York, the steak is only one taste, which has no arts to speak of. As a dish, chicken is chicken, steak is steak. In America, they think the foods are used just to eat, so they often eat a large piece of meat, the whole chicken and other “hard food”. So between Chinese and America food, Chinese foods have a lot of various classes, but U.S. relative to kind of single type of food.

What young people put in their minds: Education

We all know how important of Education, this is the basis of a national. Because of two different social systems, educational structure was very different between China and United States. Structure is one of different, like Chinese high schools different with American high schools in many ways. A Chinese school day is much longer than an American school day. Like our high school in China, we came to school at 6:30AM then study in school until 10:00PM and every day except Sunday, we all have this same study schedule. But for America student usually attend school for about seven hours each weekday. Grade division this is another one, “In China, kindergarten through 6th grade is called elementary school and 7th through 12th grade is called middle school. At American schools, the most common system classifies kindergarten through fifth grade as elementary school, sixth through eighth grade as junior high school, and ninth through twelfth grade as high school.(4)”

The major way in which Chinese and American education different is in the way information is taught. In China, the teachers would like to use the whole time to interpret the concepts of textbooks and the skills to take exams. In the classes, every student should catch the information quickly. Because every class had about 60 students, the teachers did not have any extra time to spend on one student. Students also should understand the concepts very well; if not, students could get bad grades in tests and be blamed by teachers. “Chinese classrooms, the Class are based on the teacher lecturing and the students listening quietly. This means that students can do well in class by being diligent and attentive, but it also means that less interaction exists between the teacher and students. This difference extends to the overall classroom attitude. (4)”

In contrast, for America, the teacher in his class explained to students one by one patiently and encouraged students to give their own opinions. Even though some of the opinions were without logic, he did not refute it. The teacher uses a good way such as discussion groups to let students learn. It makes student understand the content more clearly and have more thinking in the class. Those are mostly two different teaching styles. “In American classrooms, students are likely to talk not only when participating in classroom discussions, but also when talking out of turn. As a result, the classroom can become noisy and boisterous. Students often develop a friendly relationship with teachers over the course of the year. In Chinese classrooms, respect towards teachers is emphasized far more. Students are much more quiet and attentive than many American students, and when a student is called on to speak, he or she is expected to stand. This classroom atmosphere is more formal and respectful. (4)”

For the Grade, American teachers prefer to use "ABCD" instead of Arabic numerals to evaluate the students, in their eyes every student is good, so teachers will not grudge praise for the students, may be appreciative education is enlightened from this. “In America, personal expression is valued heavily. Many classes are based around discussion of the material, and teachers expect students to be engaged in this dialogue. Classroom participation, meaning how a student contributes to the class discussion, is a significant part of a student’s grade, so a student who is attentive but never speaks up could receive a lower grade as a result. (4)" But China education always tells us the score is the most important. We have are great pressure on our students, if you score not well that means you will to be eliminated.

As myself, I think the style of Chinese teachers is more attuned to taking tests and having high grades. Students in China can get good grades on tests, but they did not always understand how to use the information in people’s lives. Teachers in America gave more attention to students’ thinking and practical ability, so students in the America are good at creativity and actions, but do not always have high grades on tests. In my opinion, America teachers are more successful than Chinese teachers, because they focus on teaching rather than grades. Low power distance makes students and teachers to be friends, so the student would not be ashamed to ask questions. It can also help students know how to use concepts from textbooks pragmatically in their lives.

The meaning of the difference: Diversity of taste and culture

So China and America these two countries have many differences ways of culture, and here have these reason why these two countries culture much different. First I want talk about food. We know China is a multi-ethnic country, we have 56 different nation and those 56 nations still have different food culture, when the 56 ethnic groups into a big family that cause to diversified food countries. In China, we always said “the food is god", also the Chinese way of eating is further characterized by the ideas and beliefs about food, which actively affect the ways, so that can found the food in China is very important, this is a kind of world view is different. “Food, therefore, is also medicine. The regulation of diet as a disease preventive or cure is certainly as Western as it is Chinese. Common Western examples are the diet for arthritics and the recent organic food craze. But the Chinese case is distinctive for its underlying principles. The bodily functions, in the Chinese view, follow the basic yin-yang principles. Many foods are also classifiable into those that possess the yin quality and those of the yang quality. When yin and yang forces in the body are not balanced, problems result. Proper amounts of food of one kind or the other may then be administered (i.e., eaten) to counterbalance the yin and yang disequilibrium. If the body is normal, overeating of one kind of food would result in an excess of that force in the body, causing diseases.(5)” But in American, people always said “the time is money", so they do not feel the need to spend time on food, such as Americans just use about 20minutes on the lunch. Americans pay more attention to the food's nutrition not taste. That is why we have different food culture, like as a kind of idea thorough popular feeling.

Why we have the different education styles? That has many reasons, such as history, political elements, population and economies. Chinese education has very long history, and actually at first Chinese education has very good starting point, that was teach people philosophy of life and leader them how to become goodness. “Passed down from ancient times, the maxim from the Three-Character Scripture that says 'if no proper education is given to children, their nature will go bad' has proved to be true. The great master Confucius taught us that 'it is a pleasure to learn something and to try it out at intervals'. Similarly, numerous students have been convinced that 'reading books excels all other careers'. The records tell us that Mencius' mother became an example to millions of mothers who were keen for their children to be talented. - she moved her home three times in order to choose a fine neighborhood in which Mencius could be effectively influenced.(6)”After many reasons, China's education system fell into something of a state of confusion due to the changes in national government. Then, with the foundation of modern China the new order introduced a fresh approach to education and brought is into a new phase, although still have many place could improve. For American this kind of young country, many immigrants let her education become more diversity and more focus on practical. So as I think history and social system is the most important reasons of why have these differences.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the reasons which caused the different food culture and education styles in China and America are the different culture, customs, history, atmosphere, nutrition values and economic condition and so on. Although we have many different things between American and China, but we need learn from other's strong points to offset one's weakness, the culture is not important, the most important thing is we can common development because we are the person; we live in the same star that is the earth.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine WIKIPEDIA, Chinese cuisine, 30 November 2013.

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_the_United_States WIKIPEDIA, Cuisine of the United States, 2 December 2013.

3. http://www.shanghaifinance.com/food/chinesefood.php SHANGHAIFINANCE, Chinese food.

4. http://www.chinainsight.info/culture/travel-3/302-education-differs-in-china-and-america.html CHINAINSIGHT, By Grace Rybak, Breck School Senior, 02 July 2009.

5. http://asiasociety.org/lifestyle/food-recipes/food/meats/food-chinese-culture ASIA SOCIETY WORLDWIDE, by K.C. Chang, Food in Chinese Culture, Yale University Press, 1977

6. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/education/ TRAVELCHINAGUIDE, Education in China.

First essay

Different culture in China and United States

 Table of Content

Introduction

What people put in their bodies: Food

What young people put in their minds: Education

The meaning of the difference: Diversity of taste and culture

Conclusion

Bibliography

 

Introduction

China and American have many differences in culture. In my first semester I have two orientation classes about the American culture and I learned lots of information from these classes and make many friends from all over the world. I have learned many things of American culture in this year and I also got culture shock too. Food and education styles these two have many differences between China and American, with the development of economic, more and more people pay attention on food and education quality. Food and education culture has been becoming popular in our daily life, so I want to talk about the differences in food culture and education styles.

 

What people put in their bodies: Food

China and America these two countries have their own food style, also have many biggest differences, and there have three ways to show how differences between these two countries. Different regional cuisine styles are the first one between these two countries. For China, Chinese food is diverse. Because of China has a vast land, it is diverse in climate, so different place have the different climate and habits, ethnicity and subcultures. Not surprisingly therefore, there are many distinctive styles of cuisine. So in Chinese name it ‘South prefer rice, north prefer noodle’ that rice is the staple food for South and North will use wheat to make the food, such as noodle and dumplings. And Chinese have another call from taste: 'Southern sweet, North salty, East acids and West spicy.' So Traditionally there are eight main families of dishes, namely Hui (Anhui), Yue (Cantonese), Min (Fujian), Xiang (Hunan), Yang (Jiangsu), Lu (Shandong), Chuan (Szechuan),Zhe (Zhejiang). “The history of Chinese cuisine in China stretches back for thousands of years and these styles are distinctive from one another due to factors such as available resources, climate, geography, history, cooking techniques and lifestyle(1)”. For America, there are kind of single than Chinese food. We all know she is Multi-ethnic nation of immigrants. So except America- Indians, the first cuisine, number of ingredients and cooking styles were made from European colonization of the Americas, at this time America cuisine style have no more different with European. During 19th and 20^th, there have immigrants from many foreign nations in American and they make the various styles of food continue expanding. And in America there have five regional cuisines: New England, Pacific and Hawaiian cuisine, Midwest, The American South and Cuisine in the West. But the different with Chinese food are America regional cuisine styles Influence by the country which colonized or close to this place. For example: “The style of New England cookery originated from its colonial roots, that is to say practical, frugal and willing to eat anything other than what they were used to from their British root. (2)” And “Cooking in the American West gets its influence from Native American and Mexican cultures and other European settlers into the part of the country. Common dishes vary depending on the area. For instance, the Northwest relies on local seafood, while in the Southwest, Mexican flavors are extremely common. (2)”

Second is eating differences in different Seasons. Four seasons are different. In China throughout the year, according to the season and to eat, this is second feature of Chinese food. Since long ago, our country has followed the different seasons to cook the food. For example, winter and summer. Winter is cold so the food usually has strong taste and food usually use stew and simmer to cook, like Chafing dish these foods that can let body become hot. Summer is hot and supper different with winter, if people still eat the same style as winter, they will sick, so the food usually is cool and refreshing.  In America most of people do not have this concept, that people should eat difference in different season. So frozen food and canned food are kind of popular in America, because these foods could save long time and eat in all four seasons.

Third one is, Chinese food have four important standard of food: color, smell, taste and shape. The color is means how was the food looks like, when you first time to some restaurant and looking for the menu you have no idea which food is better, at this time of course you will chose it which have the picture and looks like good to order. The smell, after you order the food and before you eat you will smell it first, so nice smell usually can attract you want to eat. Taste, of course this is very important if the food is very delicious there is no reason you will dislike it. And for the shape, the special shape is good part to improve the point of food. And “Confucius once said ‘Eating is the utmost important thing in life’. Cooking Chinese food requires more time and effort, and is considered a very sophisticated art .(3)” But as American people when they eat something, the things they care most are the nutritious value, such as the protein, the fat, the vitamin, the minerals and the carbohydrate. But it has made some problems, for example, from Los Angeles to New York, the steak is only one taste, which has no arts to speak of. As a dish, chicken is chicken, steak is steak. In America, they think the foods are used just to eat, so they often eat a large piece of meat, the whole chicken and other “hard food”. So between Chinese and America food, Chinese foods have a lot of various classes, but U.S. relative to kind of single type of food.

What young people put in their minds: Education

We all know how important of Education, this is the basis of a national. Because of two different social systems, educational structure was very different between China and United States. Structure is one of different, like Chinese high schools different with American high schools in many ways. A Chinese school day is much longer than an American school day. Like our high school in China, we came to school at 6:30AM then study in school until 10:00PM and every day except Sunday, we all have this same study schedule. But for America student usually attend school for about seven hours each weekday. Grade division this is another one, “In China, kindergarten through 6th grade is called elementary school and 7th through 12th grade is called middle school. At American schools, the most common system classifies kindergarten through fifth grade as elementary school, sixth through eighth grade as junior high school, and ninth through twelfth grade as high school.(4)”

The major way in which Chinese and American education different is in the way information is taught. In China, the teachers would like to use the whole time to interpret the concepts of textbooks and the skills to take exams. In the classes, every student should catch the information quickly. Because every class had about 60 students, the teachers did not have any extra time to spend on one student. Students also should understand the concepts very well; if not, students could get bad grades in tests and be blamed by teachers. “Chinese classrooms, the Class are based on the teacher lecturing and the students listening quietly. This means that students can do well in class by being diligent and attentive, but it also means that less interaction exists between the teacher and students. This difference extends to the overall classroom attitude. (4)”

In contrast, for America, the teacher in his class explained to students one by one patiently and encouraged students to give their own opinions. Even though some of the opinions were without logic, he did not refute it. The teacher uses a good way such as discussion groups to let students learn. It makes student understand the content more clearly and have more thinking in the class. Those are mostly two different teaching styles. “In American classrooms, students are likely to talk not only when participating in classroom discussions, but also when talking out of turn. As a result, the classroom can become noisy and boisterous. Students often develop a friendly relationship with teachers over the course of the year. In Chinese classrooms, respect towards teachers is emphasized far more. Students are much more quiet and attentive than many American students, and when a student is called on to speak, he or she is expected to stand. This classroom atmosphere is more formal and respectful. (4)”

For the Grade, American teachers prefer to use "ABCD" instead of Arabic numerals to evaluate the students, in their eyes every student is good, so teachers will not grudge praise for the students, may be appreciative education is enlightened from this. “In America, personal expression is valued heavily. Many classes are based around discussion of the material, and teachers expect students to be engaged in this dialogue. Classroom participation, meaning how a student contributes to the class discussion, is a significant part of a student’s grade, so a student who is attentive but never speaks up could receive a lower grade as a result. (4)" But China education always tells us the score is the most important. We have are great pressure on our students, if you score not well that means you will to be eliminated.

As myself, I think the style of Chinese teachers is more attuned to taking tests and having high grades. Students in China can get good grades on tests, but they did not always understand how to use the information in people’s lives. Teachers in America gave more attention to students’ thinking and practical ability, so students in the America are good at creativity and actions, but do not always have high grades on tests. In my opinion, America teachers are more successful than Chinese teachers, because they focus on teaching rather than grades. Low power distance makes students and teachers to be friends, so the student would not be ashamed to ask questions. It can also help students know how to use concepts from textbooks pragmatically in their lives.

The meaning of the difference: Diversity of taste and culture

            So China and America these two countries have many differences ways of culture, and here have these reason why these two countries culture much different. First I want talk about food. We know China is a multi-ethnic country, we have 56 different nation and those 56 nations still have different food culture, when the 56 ethnic groups into a big family that cause to diversified food countries. In China, we always said “the food is god", also the Chinese way of eating is further characterized by the ideas and beliefs about food, which actively affect the ways, so that can found the food in China is very important, this is a kind of world view is different. “Food, therefore, is also medicine. The regulation of diet as a disease preventive or cure is certainly as Western as it is Chinese. Common Western examples are the diet for arthritics and the recent organic food craze. But the Chinese case is distinctive for its underlying principles. The bodily functions, in the Chinese view, follow the basic yin-yang principles. Many foods are also classifiable into those that possess the yin quality and those of the yang quality. When yin and yang forces in the body are not balanced, problems result. Proper amounts of food of one kind or the other may then be administered (i.e., eaten) to counterbalance the yin and yang disequilibrium. If the body is normal, overeating of one kind of food would result in an excess of that force in the body, causing diseases.(5)” But in American, people always said “the time is money", so they do not feel the need to spend time on food, such as Americans just use about 20minutes on the lunch. Americans pay more attention to the food's nutrition not taste. That is why we have different food culture, like as a kind of idea thorough popular feeling.

Why we have the different education styles? That has many reasons, such as history, political elements, population and economies. Chinese education has very long history, and actually at first Chinese education has very good starting point, that was teach people philosophy of life and leader them how to become goodness. “Passed down from ancient times, the maxim from the Three-Character Scripture that says 'if no proper education is given to children, their nature will go bad' has proved to be true. The great master Confucius taught us that 'it is a pleasure to learn something and to try it out at intervals'. Similarly, numerous students have been convinced that 'reading books excels all other careers'. The records tell us that Mencius' mother became an example to millions of mothers who were keen for their children to be talented. - she moved her home three times in order to choose a fine neighborhood in which Mencius could be effectively influenced.(6)” After many reasons, China's education system fell into something of a state of confusion due to the changes in national government. Then, with the foundation of modern China the new order introduced a fresh approach to education and brought is into a new phase, although still have many place could improve. For American this kind of young country, many immigrants let her education become more diversity and more focus on practical. So as I think history and social system is the most important reasons of why have these differences. 

Conclusion

In my opinion, the reasons which caused the different food culture and education styles in China and America are the different culture, customs, history, atmosphere, nutrition values and economic condition and so on. Although we have many different things between American and China, but we need learn from other's strong points to offset one's weakness, the culture is not important, the most important thing is we can common development because we are the person; we live in the same star that is the earth.

 

1.      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine WIKIPEDIA, Chinese cuisine, 30 November 2013.

 

2.      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_the_United_States WIKIPEDIA, Cuisine of the United

States, 2 December 2013.

 

3.      http://www.shanghaifinance.com/food/chinesefood.php SHANGHAIFINANCE, Chinese food.

 

4.      http://www.chinainsight.info/culture/travel-3/302-education-differs-in-china-and-america.html CHINAINSIGHT, By Grace Rybak, Breck School Senior, 02 July 2009.

 

5.      http://asiasociety.org/lifestyle/food-recipes/food/meats/food-chinese-culture ASIA SOCIETY WORLDWIDE, by K.C. Chang, Food in Chinese Culture, Yale University Press, 1977

 

6.      http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/education/ TRAVELCHINAGUIDE, Education in China.

Outline

OUTLINE OF MY FINALY PAPER

 

Introduction:  China and American have many differences in culture. In my first semester I have two orientation classes about the American culture and I learned lots of information from these classes and make many friends from all over the world. I have learned many things of American culture in this year and I also got culture shock too, for example Food and education styles these two that have many differences between China and American. Except these two also have others different such as etiquette, privacy and etc. So I want to talk about these things and complete how differences between China and the United States.

 Body:

1. The differences of Food.

2. The different way of education.

3. Why have differences culture between China and the United States

 Conclusion:

  Comparing the culture difference between USA and China, I sums up a point is that in different system have different way to make the country richer and more beautiful. As I think the reasons that caused the differences between China and America are the different culture, customs, history, atmosphere, nutrition values and economic condition and so on. But whatever the most important thing is we should to learn good thing from each culture and respect them.

 Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_the_United_States From: WIKIPEDIA

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/austin.356/cultural_values From: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

http://www.mysteriouschina.com/the-food-habits-differences-between-china-and-america/ From: Mysterious China Blog

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_46d5810901008u8b.html From: XIAOMA Blog

“Chinese Restaurant General Information” Book, From: Joanne Lee

Final topic

Final paper topic

For my final paper the topic that I choose is " Culture shock between China and America". I choose this topic because when I do my interview I found, at least  have one or more things let them feel uncomfortable in US living, and aslo am I. For that feeling the culture very different and let them get shock is the most important reason. So I want to write the essay about this topic, and use online information and complex with my experience.

Last interview review

Last interview grade

 

Sainju, Jasmin

Liu, Yipeng

Mattson, Valerie

Alshaikhahmad, Ali

 

 

These four I give them grade 20.

 

They have interest interview, and let me feel how hardly work about them.

 

 

Interview Grade

Review second interview

Second interview Grade

For these time:
Liu, Yipeng,
Mattson, Valerie ,
Sainju, Jasmin,
Alshaikhahmad, Ali

these four I think are best, they have very clearly write that great.

HERE

My thirdy Interview

Prepare for the interview

From both the first and second interview, I got more familiar about how to make a conversation and how to make an interview. I knew more about how to improve myself and make my interviewee to be relaxed. Therefore, before this third interview I prepared a lot of information about Japan, which could help me speak more during the conversation. The atmosphere will be harmonious. I still came up 15 questions to ask during the conversation. Actually, I have already known my interviewee Takahashi who is my classmate and also he is one of my best friends. So we meet at Library on the weekend and start this very comfortable meeting.

 Interview report:

This is a wonderful interview for me. I never heard some information about Japan before. Takahashi is a very funny guy. We cooperate perfectly during this semester, so we felt very relaxed in this interview. We could talk about anything without embarrassing. Therefore, from his speech I studied a lot of knowledge about Japanese culture, language and their educational system. Meanwhile, I also find some similar things between China and Japan. That is very interesting and I am pleasure to make more Japanese friends.

 

 

Culture Report

Country introduce: All about Japan "A land of incredible diversity: modern yet steeped in custom; home of the friendliest of welcomes. A country of blazing neon lights and rugged mountains, coasts and valleys." Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years; on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid flux, with continually shifting fads and fashions and technological development that constantly pushes back the boundaries of the possible. It could therefore be said that Japan is a country of stark contradictions and is in part this that makes it such a fascinating country to visit and unique tourist destination. If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here! (1)

 Japanese language: Japanese is the official and primary language of Japan. Japanese is relatively small but has a lexically distinct pitch-accent system. Early Japanese is known largely on the basis of its state in the 8th century, when the three major works of Old Japanese were compiled. The earliest attestation of the Japanese language is in a Chinese document from 252 AD. Japanese is written with a combination of three scripts: hiragana, derived from the Chinese cursive script, katakana, derived as shorthand from Chinese characters, and kanji, imported from China. The Latin alphabet, rōmaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially for company names and logos, advertising, and when inputting Japanese into a computer. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional Sino-Japanese numerals are also common. (2)

Reference:

 (1) From INSIDE JAPAN, All about Japan, http://www.insidejapantours.com/japanese-culture/

 (2) From WUKIPEDIA, Culture of Japanese, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Japan

 

 

During the Interview

F :( Yu Fan, me)

T: (Takahashi)

F: How do you communicate with each other in your home country?

T: In Japan people now, young people usually use cellphone, Facebook or Xbox online play these high-tech product. Also, write message this traditional contact way still have many people use it.

F: What is the clothing style for men and women?

T: Now is kind of same as US, but we for the traditional clothing we call “kimono”. The modern kimono is not worn as often as it once was. Like the furisode kimono is worn by single women and it’s usually bought for the coming-of-age ceremony. For Young men wear western suits for their coming-of-age ceremony.

F: How are women and men treated differently?

T: I have to say in our country usually men have more high position than women, in our traditional think that women are inferior to men. Of course now this action got change, but still not really equality of men and women.

F:  How has your experience here helped you interpret and respect cultural differences?

T: Yes, grow up and let me know why home country could use “Home” this world to call, I miss there.

F: Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students?

T: Yes, I love it. I have many friends form different countries.

F: How long have you been in the United States?

T: This is my first year, I still have long time need to studying.

F:  Have you been able to visit any other parts of the United States?

T: Actually no, I have to say I am really dislike travel. I prefer to stay at home take break more than travel out and become so tired.

F:  What are your home country’s major religions?

T: Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. They have co-existed for several centuries and have even complemented each other to a certain degree. Most Japanese consider themselves Buddhist, Shintoist or both. Religion does not play a big role in the everyday life of most Japanese people today. The average person typically follows the religious rituals at ceremonies like birth, weddings and funerals may visit a shrine or temple on New Year and participates at local festivals matsuri, most of which have a religious background.

F: What influenced you to come to the United States?  Especially, Saint Cloud State?

T: There are two reasons that are why I want to come to SCSU. First, one of my friends is studying here and he suggested me to come here. Second, SCSU can give me culture exchange scholarship, so the tuition fee is not very high here and I also can study knowledge and get bachelor degree.

F: What are you planning to do after school?

T: I do not want to stay in USA because I cannot live without my family member. I want to go back home and find a job that is suitable for my major.

F: What is your traditional food?

T: In the food area, fish is our favorite and sushi is also a typical Japanese food, which is popular in all around the world.

F: What are major holidays in your country?

T: I just remember a few my own countries’ major holidays. 1th of January is New Year, second Monday of January is Coming of Age, 3rd of February is Beginning of spring, 14th of February is Valentine’s Day

F: Do you like the weather in SCSU?

T: I fine, here have beautiful winter and I think I like it.

F: How often do you contact with your family?

T: I usually call them on the weekend, and let them don’t worry about me.

 F:  Do you have any questions for me?  I have asked so many of you!

T: I think no, and very nice to meet with you.

Second Interview

 

Preparations for the interview

For my second interview, some information I researched about how to make a good interview, especially, process that I should know that. Frist, I have to choose interviewee, second I have to selected different questions to ask him, during the interview I have to communicate with him about different points which are personal and regular. For this interview, my objective for the interview is that I am going to ask questions about his country. Before I am going to interview I researched some information about the Saudi Arabia will trying to use this information to close him. Furthermore, I made two copies of questions for each other is order to us what process is. To record the interview, I will write down important data from interviewee. After it, I will consider important information from this interview assignment.

 

When, where, and how did I Conduct the Interview?

The library of study room is where I was interviewed with Mie. Before I checked the room I had to tell them we were meeting at study room. I made two hours of study time for interview.  I interviewed began at 5:00 pm, fished at 6:00 pm it about 1 hour time. I gave him a copy of questions let him know that. At begin, we introduced each other, and then we were going to focus the conversations. During interview we shared different information opinions, sometime made jokes and drink water. Also, we used different action to descript ours points, and eyes contract. Finally, I showed my gratitude and asked his plans at this university.

 

How Did I Approach People?

First I used the Facebook to chat with my Saudi Arabia friends, and trying to tell them about this interview. However, I asked them who would like to help me to process this assignment. At result, I asked some friends who didn’t have good time for my purpose, but some friends would like to help me for this interview. I used formal behavior to invite one of my Saudi Arabia  friend was enjoy my assignment, and during the interview, I was trying to follow his points and most of points were closed ours topic. Some time I used different gesture to describe my points.

 

Describe the Interview

The second interview was success for me, because I interviewed on the Anna we are on different countries, it kind be good experiences for me. I learned a lot of things from this interview. However, I realized a lot more about Saudi Arabia on different aspects that culture, food, festive, and so on. We made successful job for this assignment, it was good experience. If I have more time I will tell him about Chinese culture, and compare different country. On the other hand, I can introduce different sports for him. 

 

Interview Questions and Answers.

F( Fan Yu)

A (Anna)

 

 

 

F:    How do you communicate with each other in your home country?

A: There have many ways to communicate with each other, like a phone call that is the most useful way. We also use internet to contact, especially right now science and technology improve, our connection become more convenience and often.  Except these high-techs, go outside and drop around also is the popular way to communicate with each other in our country.

F: What is the clothing style for men and women?

A: Saudi men usually wear a traditional dress, this is a long, ankle-length, flowing robe-type garment which is usually white or light colored, and wear a unique headdress. For Saudi women usually wear an abaya, a Head abaya rests on top of the head and extends below the ankles, ensuring that a women’s body stays completely hidden, the color usually is black.

F:      How are women and men treated differently?

A: You know our country is very traditional country, so men and women have very different treated in our country, like women cannot drive a car, could not go abroad by her-self. Women who are related to each other usually shake hands or kiss, but when you meet a woman for the first time you just shake hands, and the same for men, but women will never shake hands with men no matter if they know each other or not, they say hello to each other.

F:    How has your experience here helped you interpret and respect cultural differences?

A: Yes, of course. I am feeling grateful that I have this chance to studying in abroad. This experience let me feel how difference between US and our country, and let me lean more equality between men and women. Also, I am very glade that I can know many different country’s friends. These experiences help me a lot to grow up.

F:      Do you enjoy speaking with other exchange students?

A: Yes, because I could learn lots of useful things from them.

F:     How long have you been in the United States?

A: I have been here about 4 years, and I will graduate after this semester. And after I graduate I will go back to my home country, there have my family company waiting for me go back to work.

F:    Have you been able to visit any other parts of the United States?

A: Yes I did, but not much part, Chinchaga is the only one part that I visited. Because I am very busy, except studying I still have two jobs. I do not have enough time go outside and travel.

F:      What are your home country’s major religions?

A: In Saudi, of course Islam is the major religion and virtually all citizens of the country are Muslim.

F:    What influenced you to come to the United States? Especially, Saint Cloud State?

A: You really want to know?  Ok actually this is an accident to me. Come to the US this is my family decision and I have no choice, my dad think this is good way let me have physical training. And my first school choice is in LA, but the interesting thing was my older sister also wants to study in the US, and Saint Cloud is her prefer place, and then I am here.

F:   Do you like this city?

A: Yes, I really like this city because my friends are at this university for studying. I came to here with them. I like weather and snow. And my favorite sport is ice hockey

F:  Do you know how to cook some food? Like some traditional food.

A: No way. It is complicated. I don’t like to cook foods when I was young. But, now I sometime I would like to learn about that are not usually such as you really like to cook food.

F:   How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

A: Not too usually, all of us are very busy, so usually once a week.

F:    What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do?

A: That I just said, I will go back Saudi after I graduate. I hope I could do well when I work into my parent’s company.

F: Do you get culture shock when you first come here? And how do you deal with it?

A: Yes I did, but I have met one very great roomie he helped me a lot.

F:   Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you.

A: No my friend, I am happy that I am help you to do the interview.

 

 

Culture Support

Culture of Saudi Arabia: The cultural setting of Saudi Arabia is Arab and Islam, and features many elements from historical ritual and folk culture such as dance and music. Traditional values and cultural mores are adapted into legal prohibitions, even for non-Muslims who are forbidden by law from publicly practicing their faith inside the kingdom, although they are free to do so in the privacy of their own homes. For example, Christmas decorations are sold in supermarkets, but you will not find Christmas parties advertised. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited as are pork products. Women may not ride a bicycle, drive a car, or even sell make-up to other women. Saudi Arabia is well known for its unique way of life which, in its own way, preserves its centuries-old heritage

Religion: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocratic monarchy in which Islam is the official religion; the law requires that all Saudi citizens be Muslims. Religious freedom is non-existent. The Government does not provide legal recognition or protection for freedom of religion, and it is severely restricted in practice. Moreover, the public practice of non-Muslim religions is prohibited. The Saudi Mutaween, or Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, enforces the prohibition on the public practice of non-Muslim religions. For this reason, Saudi culture lacks the diversity of religious expression, buildings, annual festivals and public events that is seen in countries where religious freedom is permitted

 

Dress: The religion and customs of Saudi Arabia dictate conservative dress for both men and women. Foreigners are given some leeway in the matter of dress, but they are expected to follow local customs, particularly in public places. As a general rule, foreign men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover the upper torso. Foreign women should wear loose fitting skirts with hemlines well below the knee. Sleeves should be at least elbow length and the neckline modest.
The best fashion guideline is "conceal rather than reveal". Teenagers are also required to dress modestly in public places. Jeans should not be tight fitting and low necks and tank tops are not recommended. Shorts and bathing suits should not be worn in public. Whatever their job or social status, Saudi men wear the traditional dress called a thobe. Wearing the thobe expresses equality and is also perfectly suited to the hot Saudi climate.

 

Reference of culture support: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Saudi_Arabia( Wikipedia)