Chinese Culture
July 24, 2008
I have always been attracted to Asian culture (particularly Chinese and Japanese) and wanted to know some of these countries. With reference to China, had read books of great renown as “The Art of War” (which is usually a must read for entrepreneurs and managers in this country) and I really like his cinematography (especially coming from Hong Kong although I have seen movies of authors such as Zhang Yimou, Wong Kar Wai, Ang Lee in my country). When I learned last year about a master who had China as its goal not hesitate to submit my application. Finally I was granted a scholarship and I could travel with other students.
While completing my Masters I had occasion not only to study Mandarin and applied to the Chinese market economy, but also a section devoted to the culture and history. Despite many habérseme warned about Chinese customs before my departure from Spain, I took many surprises during my stay. The first thing I noticed when leaving the airport in Shanghai was to see a man squatting (the normal resting position in China) smoking on the street. Such a posture is unthinkable in a Western country, but not in China, where I think the anatomical and physical differences have much to do, and allow people to “sit” that way “. My previous conception of the Chinese was that of a taciturn and reserved people, loving work and with little interest in dealing with foreigners. In later days, I found this was not it, as Chinese are extremely outgoing and expressive, curious about foreigners, and sometimes show frustration at not being able to communicate with you properly. He also believed that Chinese living only for work but I could see that consumerism love, buy clothing and quality, go out at night, go to discos and pubs …
During the weeks that followed I began to feel increasingly integrated in Chinese culture (not without some effort). In terms of language was where I found it more difficult, but as soon as I started to have friends among the Chinese, my Mandarin level began to improve. Today my attempt to advance knowledge through self-study Chinese, and practicing conversation with friends or in daily life with taxi drivers, pedestrians, shops, etc..
It took me quite some time to adjust to the food in this country. At first I went every day for lunch at western fast food restaurants (McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut …) but soon I realized I had to change this bad habit and start using Chinese dishes. I began to frequent restaurants in the minority ethnic Hui, Chinese Muslims, whose kitchen specializes in preparing noodles (Noddles) and meats. It became my favorite style of Chinese food, but during my stay I also had opportunity to taste dishes from the kitchens of Si-Chuan, Zhejiang and Guangdong.
With reference to my stay on campus, in addition to Chinese language learning materials divided into three compulsory study (grammar, listening and speaking), we had some electives such as Chinese painting, Chinese characters, tai chi and kung fu . Because of my schedule I could only attend the class of characters, but one day I found under the window of my room in a nearby garden, a group of people practicing kung fu in an “unofficial”. The teacher was Mexican, but had Chinese living in over ten years, and had much experience in the practice of wushu (the generic name given to the Chinese martial arts). I was curious because so far only had practiced Japanese martial arts, karate and judo in my country. My experience with the kung fu was short (lessons only lasted until the end of the semester), but satisfying, though sometimes painful .
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