social interaction

[bjgodefr]

Hi,

I would like some recommendations on books about Chinese sociology/mentality/…

I just finished a book written to help foreign businessmen in China (although I’m not looking for the business aspect, just life and social interaction in general) which was really helpful (it’s in dutch, otherways I would post the title).

One of the reasons I’m interested in this subject is that to my surprise the cultural differences between the west and china are really big. I made some Chinese friends in my home country and I must say that I experience many misunderstandings with them. (sometimes they think I’m rude and impolite – which was not the case from a western point of view (I hope)). I also find the Chinese way of not directly telling what it is about quite difficult.

I hope that by learning about the existence of these and other differences to be able to interact in a smoother way with Chinese.

Thanks a lot

[confucius]

Try reading Chapter 5 of "Chinese Negotiating Style" by Lucien Pye. That should help!

[Lu]

Can you post the title anyway? I can read Dutch.

[bjgodefr]

Sure, the book’s very good, definitely worth the read:

Author: Yvonne Oudshoorn

Title: Leer ze mij kennen de Chinezen: sociaal-psychologische aspecten van de Chinese samenleving.

Published in 2000

I didn’t find any other books in this genre in the libraries in my neighbourhood. (except the ones that go like: Chinese spit, and: you should accept a business card with both hands; quite superficial)

Maybe I’ll order some titles I found on amazon:

- 'Chinese Business Etiquette: A Guide to Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People's Republic of China' by Scott D. Seligman (Author)

- 'Getting Along With the Chinese: For Fun and Profit'

by Fred Schneiter

(although the last one appears to be out of stock)