Liberal Studies Test 4

(a) With reference to the above information, how is globalization related to the phenomenon that more and more people from different parts of the world are celebrating traditional Chinese customs? Explain. (10marks) Under globalization, the barriers once created by time and space are collapsing because of the advancement of transport and information technology. The distances between countries are narrowing and their relationships are becoming closer. More Chinese people travel around the world, and many of them move to other parts of the world, bringing traditional Chinese customs into other societies. During the celebrations, people from other places can feel and understand the interesting part of the traditional customs and thus take part in them.

Globalization has its effect on both cultures and economies. In terms of cultural globalization, as media technology becomes more advanced, celebrations of traditional Chinese customs are spread to other places through television, movies and the Internet. People from other parts of the world can learn about the unique features of these customs and may even become interested in taking part in the celebrations.

In terms of economic globalization, the advancement of transport and the breakdown of barriers posed by time and space allow people from other countries to come to China to do transnational business. When they are developing their business in China, they can learn about the meanings and interesting aspects of traditional Chinese customs as they interact with local people, and they may take part in the celebrations.

(b) How do traditional Chinese customs survive through globalization? Explain with reference to the information and according to your knowledge. (10 marks) Globalization draws countries closer and facilitates increased cultural exchange. Many cultures from around the world are introduced to the Chinese society. Under globalization, traditional Chinese customs come into contact with noteworthy aspects of global culture and can undergo a ‘creative transformation’. Through this process, traditional Chinese customs become more suitable for modern society and can survive.

Also, globalization makes it easier for Chinese people to travel and move to other parts of the world. They often bring traditional Chinese customs to other places, where people from different countries can have contact with and take part in them. This facilitates the internationalization of traditional Chinese customs which can raise China’s international status, and people from different parts of the world can help preserve traditional Chinese customs.