Last week, we talked about the importance of being culturally sensitive when traveling or doing business abroad. In today’s article, the last of our two-part series on cross cultural blunders, we will continue to highlight stories related to culture shock as experienced by our CSOFT family. We hope by reading about their cultural mishaps, you will be able to learn from their mistakes and enrich your cultural knowledge.
Christina Holze
German Language Manager
Nationality: German
Country of residence: Germany
Lived in China from 2009-2013
“A major cultural difference I have encountered during my years in China was the straightforwardness of Chinese people. One day, in a supermarket, the owner engaged me in a conversation asking what I was doing in China and how much money I make. I felt uncomfortable because salary is a taboo topic in Germany unless if you discuss the matter with family members. I also remember going to a little bicycle repair shop to fix my tire. I went there twice within a few days and the shop owner looked at me saying only Westerners would come so often because “You guys are too fat.” In Europe, calling someone “fat” is offensive, but for Chinese people, it’s just an impartial fact. Nevertheless, I bought a treadmill the next day.”
Marisa Bowers
Senior Director of Global Account Management
Nationality: USA
Country of residence: India
Lived in China for 9 years & South Korea for 4 years
“Having spent over 11 years in Northeast Asia, I have become accustomed to the gift-giving culture. I now live in India and I find it very different in ways that I could never have imagined. One day, I was invited to a colleague’s dinner party and I was the only one who brought a gift. Both in America and Northeast Asia, we would always bring something to thank the host for their hospitality. After the party, I learned that in India, the host wants to give the feeling of an open door to his guests and to lose the pretense of gifts. The same level of warmth and openness is expanded even among friends and colleagues; it’s certainly a kind intention to want every guest in one’s home to feel fully welcome.”
Philippe Cao
Director of Global Business Development, Asia Pacific
Nationality: French
Cao has been living in China for 5 years
“As a French born Chinese living in China, I am constantly frowned upon by the locals for not being able to speak ‘proper’ Chinese. This was especially true when I was living in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The locals expected me to be able to speak native Chinese and, most of the time, they didn’t have the patience to help me. Worst of all, I felt that everyone—taxi drivers, shop owners, elderly people—was yelling at me all the time. Later, I learned that speaking loudly is normal in China, and I shouldn’t take it personally. Now, living in Shenzhen, I am grateful for my Wuhan experience; it gave me a deeper understanding of the local culture and certainly improved my Chinese language skills.”
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If you’re interested in learning more about CSOFT’s globalization and localization solutions (and how we help companies avoid cross cultural blunders) don’t forget to visit csoftintl.com!
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