It's All Chinese to Me: An Overview of Culture & Etiquette in China - Softcover

Ostrowski, Pierre; Penner, Gwen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0804840792 ISBN 13: 9780804840798

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing, 2009

Synopsis

Ready to gain insight into China in a fascinating way? It's All Chinese to Me is a comprehensive overview of Chinese culture that allows you to peer into what makes the Chinese people tick.

Firsthand tips, insights and fun cartoon-like illustrations give you graphic impressions of the real China, and allow you to get a feel not only for what it's like, but how to survive the cultural differences. Covering everything from major influences and historical events that guide Chinese behavior to social idiosyncrasies that surprise most Westerners, It's All Chinese to Me helps demystify Chinese culture for Westerners.

About this title

About the Author:

Pierre Ostrowski studied Chinese at Providence University in Taichung, Taiwan, and has traveled to over twenty Asian countries.

Gwen Penner, the recipient of numerous awards in painting, drawing and printmaking, has spent years living in Asia.

Review:

"A straight-talk, no-nonsense introduction to basic Chinese culture and rules for politeness. The simple, cartoony, black-and-white illustrations help drive home these absolute "must-know" lessons for tourists and business travelers - especially anyone responsible for business negotiations! The advice ranges from common faux pas to avoid (never give clocks or cut flowers as a gift - they symbolize approaching mortal death), to the titanic importance of allowing others to "save face" (never rebuke a Chinese person in public!), to how one should behave when invited to another's house (guests should always leave a little food on their plates - too much left suggests that the food was bad, and a clean plate suggests that the hosts have not fed the guest properly) and much more. It's All Chinese to Me offers a balanced view of
China's cultural strengths and weaknesses, and should be required reading for international travelers. Highly recommended."—Midwest Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0804840792
• ISBN 13: 9780804840798
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192