Millions of expatriates come to study, work, and live in China every year, often
encountering "culture shock" in everyday situations. For instance, amid the breathtaking
sea of clouds on Mount Huangshan, they wonder why everyone is so keen to capture
the landscape with uniform camera shots, neatly lining up to take the exact same
picture. Or at a business banquet, as a table full of sumptuous dishes is laid out before
them, they may find themselves grappling with a dilemma when urged to help
themselves: should they readily accept or politely decline? These are scenarios deeply
embedded in China ’ s social situations. While seemingly commonplace, they actually
serve as a "codebook" carrying millennia of cultural DNA and contemporary social logic.
Now, a MOOC specifically designed to decode this "culture shock" has arrived! Titled
"Decoding China: Intercultural Insights into Chinese Contexts," the course was
meticulously developed by Professor Li Liwen from Beijing Foreign Studies University.
With a professional lens, it cuts through surface phenomena, delving into the cultural
core, and building a "bridge of understanding" for cross-cultural exchanges between
China and the rest of the world.
Identify the key cultural values embedded in typical Chinese digital, social, and
business practices, such as mobile payments, group check-ins, and indirect refusals.
LO2 :
Explain how specific Chinese cultural concepts manifest in and influence
behaviors across various scenarios, including business banquets, workplace
communication, and family gatherings.
LO3 :
Compare and contrast Chinese cultural practices presented in the cases with
those from one's own cultural background to highlight differing underlying values.
LO4 :
Analyze a given cross-cultural scenario involving a Chinese context by applying
the intercultural theories and frameworks introduced in the course units.
LO5 :
Apply the decoded cultural principles to formulate appropriate and effective
strategies for common intercultural situations, such as participating in a business
meeting, interpreting a refusal, or selecting a gift.
Specify your course target learners
1. Foreign learners and professionals in China: international students, employees in
multinational corporations, expatriates, tour guides serving foreign tourists, etc.
2. Promoters of cross-cultural exchange: professionals in international trade,
international education practitioners, those engaged in diplomatic affairs, etc.
3. Global enthusiasts of Chinese culture