China Study Abroad China-culture Broken-down

By Author: Maureen Hayes
Total Articles: 23
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Language:
The official language in China is Mandarin Chinese. Over 98% of study abroad in China students come to China to study Mandarin in China. The remaining students focus on Cantonese, a major dialect spoken within the Southern Parts of China including Hong Kong. Chinese is not just limited to these to forms however. Among the enormous number of local dialects include Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, as well as Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. If you wish to travel while you Learn Chinese in China, rest assured you do not need to master all of these dialects to get around. Translation and interpreter services are good as English is spoken by many guides and in hotels.

Religion:
Many foreigners Study in China with the notion that Religion within the country is forbidden. This in truth is not the case although officially the nation is Atheistic. When you study Chinese in China you will be able to practice your religion. In fact there are many religions which thrive within the nation including Buddhism, ...
... Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.

The Mix of China:
If you study in Beijing or study in Shanghai the local people have become very accustomed interacting with foreigners as both these cities are become some of the world’s greatest cosmopolitans. However within the lesser travelled cities cultural differences may create misunderstandings between local people and visitors. When you study Mandarin in China and go for a travel remember the Chinese do not usually volunteer information therefore it is advised to ask questions. Hotels, train dining cars and restaurants often ask for criticisms and suggestions, which are considered seriously. Furthermore, do not be offended if you are followed by a crowd; this is merely an open interest in visitors who are rare in the remoter provinces.

Many Study abroad in China students tend to think China is a nation of bowing. The belief is a misunderstanding between Japan, the nation of bowing, and China. At almost all occasions handshaking is sufficient when being introduced. For formal events a visitor will frequently be greeted by applause as a sign of welcome. The customary response is to applaud back.

No matter where you study in China the family name is always mentioned first. It is customary to arrive a little early if invited out socially. As you study in Beijing and study in Shanghai, you may be invited to a home dining. Remember guests should wait until their seat is allocated and not begin eating until indicated to do so. If using chopsticks, do not position them upright in your rice bowl as the gesture symbolises death. Toasting at a meal is very common, as is the custom of taking a treat when visiting someone's home, such as fruit, confectionery or a souvenir from a home country.

The most important thing to remember when you Learn Chinese in China is to enjoy the experience and cultural difference. Although social misinterpretation may and often happen, the Chinese are understanding people and do not get easily offended.

For more information Study abroad in China please visit http://www.glchinese.com/