Vertical Culture vs. Horizontal Culture 纵向文化与横向文化 高 原 郑州工程技术学院·外国语学院

Contents 1 3 5 2 4 Cultural Differences Further Explanation Assignment 模板来自于 http://meihua.docer.com/ 2 4 Root Conclusion

Objectives To learn vertical and horizontal cultures Knowledge Emotion Ability To enhance awareness of multicultural communication To deal with culture clash appropriately

Example 1: The Chinese way to describe families in English Part One: Cultural Differences Example 1: The Chinese way to describe families in English I have an older sister. I have a younger brother.

Why must there be an “older” or a “younger”? Part One: Cultural Differences Example 1: The way to describe families in English Why must there be an “older” or a “younger”? We usually say “ I have a brother” or “I have a sister”.

Example 2: Words to describe family members in Chinese Part One: Cultural Differences Example 2: Words to describe family members in Chinese 姑姑、姑父 舅舅、舅妈 叔叔、婶婶 姨妈、 姨夫

婶婶、姑姑、 叔叔、姑父、 舅妈、姨妈 舅舅、姨夫 Aunt Uncle Part One: Cultural Differences Example 2: Words to describe family members in English 婶婶、姑姑、 舅妈、姨妈 叔叔、姑父、 舅舅、姨夫 Aunt Uncle

Part Two: Root Vertical Culture and Horizontal Culture It is believed that cultures have vertical and horizontal cultural roots. Vertical Culture Horizontal Culture China and other oriental cultures have vertical cultural roots. Many western countries have horizontal cultural roots.

Confucius Buddhism Taoism Part Two: Root Vertical Culture Confucius Buddhism Taoism

Common People position value Middle Class respect authority Part Two: Root Vertical Culture position Emperors, ancestors value Middle Class respect 模板来自于 http://docer.wps.cn Common People authority

Emperors, ancestors, etc. Part Two: The Root Vertical Culture E A S T R N V I C L Emperors, ancestors, etc. Common People

Christianity the Bible Part Two: Root Horizontal Culture Christianity the Bible

There is only one God, and no one except him is to be worshipped. Part Two: Root Horizontal Culture There is only one God, and no one except him is to be worshipped. People should not worship other humans, because everyone is created in God’s image and all humans are of equal value.

Part Two: Root Horizontal Culture

Other People Self Horizontal Culture WESTERN HORIZONTAL Part Two: The Root Horizontal Culture Other People WESTERN HORIZONTAL Self

1 2 Why must there be an “older” or a “younger”? Part Two: Root Questions 1 Why must there be an “older” or a “younger”? 2 Why are there so many Chinese words to learn just for describing family members?

Part Two: Root Answers There is an order of seniority from top to bottom. Even aunts and uncles are included in this system.

We shouldn’t do anything. It’s none of our business. Part Three: Further Explanation Dialogue What if your neighbor is beating his wife? Will you knock on the door? Will you call the police? Will you try to rescue her? We shouldn’t do anything. It’s none of our business. Teacher Student A He must have a reason. We should not interfere. Student B You mean you wouldn’t help your neighbor?

horizontal culture vertical culture Part Three: Further Explanation Analysis horizontal culture vertical culture We should help them, even if we have no relationship with those we believe are in need of our help. It is not appropriate to interfere with the affairs of others.

Who’s wrong and who’s right? Part Three: Further Explanation Question Who’s wrong and who’s right?

Part Two: Roots Answer People with both kinds of cultural roots think they are doing what is correct. The difference between vertical and horizontal cultures can be seen in the choice of vocabulary. The same action is described as “ interference” by one culture, while another calls it “help”.

Emperors, ancestors, etc. Part Four: Conclusion Vertical and Horizontal Cultures As the world becomes more global, cultures may look more like this. Emperors, ancestors, etc. Other People Self Two cultures going in opposite directions have the potential of a serious crash when they meet each other. They also have the potential of having harmony and cooperating well together if they understand and accept each other. Common People

Part Four: Conclusion Expectation As international visitors flock to China you will meet people with all kinds of cultural roots. Some of their views, feelings, thoughts and ways of doing things will seem illogical or inappropriate to you. When this happens, try not to be angry or unkind. Accept them for who they are and respect them for the cultures they represent.

Part Five: Assignment Case Study Analyze an example showing cultural difference, state the reason and if possible, try to offer a solution.

Contents 1 3 5 2 4 Cultural Differences Further Explanation Assignment 模板来自于 http://meihua.docer.com/ 2 4 Roots Conclusion

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