Top 10 Common Misconceptions About China
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In western media, there are many common stereotypes about China, Chinese food, Chinese people, and Chinese customs. However, China has a long and proud history that goes back millennia. Its cultural history includes many ruling dynasties, unique inventions, and many other cultural influences. It is impossible to put China and its culture in a box of western common misconceptions. There are too many aspects to it. With that in mind, check out the list below for the top 10 common misconceptions about China and the truths behind them.
#10: China is a Communist Country
Today, China is under no circumstances a communist country. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. It is true that from 1949 to 1976, under the guidance of Mao Zedong, China was a communist country from 1949 until 1976. However, after Mao’s death in 1976 the country quickly turned to capitalism. Ever since, China’s economy has been growing at astounding rates. In fact, economic signs by 2030, China will be the largest economy in the world.
The current political system in China is a one-party system. The current ruling party is the CPC or Communist Party of China. This is where the common misconceptions about Chinese communism come from. However, despite the party’s name, its views are not exactly communistic. The country’s economic system is best described as capitalism with Chinese characteristics. In fact, the government greatly encourages private enterprises.[1]News of the Communist Party of China – Full text of Constitution of Communist Party of China[2]The Diplomat – The Chinese Communist Party and Legitimacy[3]The Diplomat – China Sells Socialism to the Developing World For example, many times it is much easier to start a company in China than it is in Europe and in the USA.
#9: Do Chinese People Really Eat Dogs???
One of the common misconceptions about Chinese people is that they all eat dogs and all sorts of other weird animals. As this beloved four-legged creature is greatly loved by many people in the west, it is only natural that this could cause a lot of concern. However, the truth of the matter is that in modern day China, eating dog is actually quite rare. In fact, it generally was only something done in previous generations where they considered it a delicacy.
Today, as China is becoming more and more globally-minded, very few Chinese still eat dogs. Rather, it is now seen as being old-fashioned and lower-class. In addition, the Chinese government has held talks about making legislation that would simply ban the sale of dogs and cats for consumption.[4]BBC News – China’s taste for the exotic The only places you might find dogs still being eaten are in the northern part of China close to the border with North Korea.
#8: It All Seems Chinese to Me!
Learning a new language is hard. However, one of the common misconceptions about Chinese is that it is nearly impossible for a foreigner to learn. While, the Chinese language is definitely tougher than many European languages, it is not impossible to learn. In fact, thousands of people around the world study Chinese every year. Furthermore, it is possible to make significant progress within only a few months!
The most important stage in learning Chinese is the first few months. During this time, you will learn the basic grammatical structure as well as increase your vocabulary. In fact, the grammatical structure in Chinese is relatively straight forward and logical with little exceptions to the rule. In comparison to English grammar, it is much easier. With consistent studying, most people who study the Chinese language can become fluent in the language in only a couple years of practice.[5]Fluent in 3 Months – Why Chinese isn’t as hard as you think: Encouragement for Learners[6]TutorMing – IS CHINESE THE WORLD’S HARDEST LANGUAGE?
#7: Does the Chinese government force every family in China to have only one child?
It is true that the one-child per family policy still exists in China. However, one of the common misconceptions about this Chinese law is that it applies to everyone in China. This is far from the case as there are many exemptions to the law and not all Chinese families have to follow it. For example, some ethnic minorities and couples who were only children are exempt. This means that the law only applies to actually 35% of the population. In addition, the Chinese government enforces the policy by taxing families for every extra child. Therefore, if you have enough money, you can have as many kids as you want.[7]ThoughCo. – China One Child Policy Facts
#6: The Status of Women in China
One of the common misconceptions that western people have about China is the status of women in China. Often, western people think that the Chinese treat women as second class citizens. While this misconception holds some degree of truth, the reality is that China is in fact much more progressive than many countries in the world.
There are a few problem areas that still exist though. For example, China still faces a serious problem with sex trafficking. The Chinese government has taken serious actions in limiting this problem. Additionally, Chinese women also face many hardships with regards to job opportunities. However, the Chinese government has taken serious actions in changing this reality, by making their Constitution more supportive of women. Currently, the future for women in China is very hopeful. For example, Chinese women are doing a lot better in higher education in comparison with men both domestically and abroad.[8]We Forum – Table 3b: Detailed rankings, 2013
#5: They are all the same
One of the common misconceptions about China is western culture is that China is one big homogeneous country. However, this is far from the truth. While the majority of people in the country are of Han Chinese origin, China actually consists of 56 different ethnic minorities. Many of these minorities are quite different then the stereotypical Chinese person. In different parts of China, different ethnic groups are dominant. For example, in the Yunnan Province in southwestern China, the main ethnic group is the Bai people. Additionally, in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwestern China, the dominant ethnic group is the Hui people. These minorities have unique traditions and dress that are very different from Han Chinese.
Another big thing that separates many groups in China is the language. Mandarin is the main Chinese dialect. In fact, it is the government approved language that is taught in schools and is used commonly throughout China. However, it is not the only spoken language in China. In fact, there are literally thousands of dialects in China, many which are completely different than Mandarin. A few examples of these dialects are Cantonese (that has been used in many movies) and Shanghainese (which is the dominant dialect in Shangai).[9]pinyin – Chinese[10]Civil Service Bureau – OFFICIAL LANGUAGES DIVISION[11]ResearchGate – Shanghai Chinese
#4: Do They Speak English?
As a westerner or English speaker, it is a common misconception that when you visit China, you won’t be able to understand anything. Especially since no one can speak English. However, contrary to this popular common misconception, English is in fact widely spoken in China. This is especially true in bigger cities like Hong Kong and Beijing which have transformed into global business centers.
However, the level of English can vary a lot depending on where you are. For example, vendors and sellers will probably know enough English in order to help you shop in their store, but they will not be able to get into lengthy conversations in English. However, there are many Chinese companies that deal with international companies that have people who work on staff that are 100% fluent in business and technical English.[12]gbtimes – Does China have an English problem?
#3: One of the Common Misconceptions is that Fortune Cookies Are Chinese Food
Fortune cookies are desserts that are synonymous with American Chinese fast food. If you are getting Chinese food in the west, you are bound to have a few of these thrown in with your meal. Naturally, it is a common misconception, that fortune cookies must be a popular Chinese dessert. However, the reality is a little bit different. When you finish your food at a authentic Chinese food restaurant in China, you won’t find any fortune cookies. In fact, the fortune cookie is an American invention. A chief invented them in California in the early 1900s. However, there is a lot of dispute about who was the original founder of this delicacy.[13]TIME – Go Behind the Scenes as Fortune Cookie History Gets Made
#2: The Great Wall is Visible from Space
A common misconception is that the Great Wall of China can actually be seen from space. However, the Chinese astronaut, Yang Liwei, tested this myth and said that he could not see it when in space. In reality, it is not possible to see the Great Wall of China from space or even low earth orbit. The only possibility of seeing it might be a few small parts of the Great Wall in Mongolia.[14]NASA – China’s Wall Less Great in View from Space[15]Universe Today – CAN YOU SEE THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA FROM SPACE?
#1: How Ancient China Really Is
One of the common misconceptions about Chinese culture is how old it really is. Many westerners learn about the famous ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. However, they do not even realize that the Chinese culture is as old if not older than them. Historians do not know exactly when Chinese civilization was born. However, they generally agree that early written Chinese records and ancient artifacts from the Shang Dynasty date the culture to at least 1600 BC. This means that China has more 3,600 years of continuous history.[16]BBC -China profile – Timeline
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