Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

Fountainhead · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Hi!

I'm going to China next month to teach for a year.

I've read quite a bit on Chinese culture. However, I would like to know more about the concept of "loosong the face".

Could anyone explain this to me in simple terms?

Also, are there certain things one should not do when socialising with Chinese? Things a westerner might do.

Well, I'm just curious about Chinese culture and their relationships with others.

Etienne

shambhala · Joined: 26 Dec 2005 Posts: 2 Location: xxxx

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I am tibetan and that the reply of the "Loosong "could help you!~ Maybe "loosong" is a tibetan word but I can't sure that!~~

Loosong is a Buddhist festival celebrated in the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar. Loosong is celebrated mostly by the Bhutias and Tibetans and marks the end of the harvest season and the Tibetan year. Loosong is a state holiday in the state of Sikkim, India and Bhutan. It is marked by archery competitions, festivals and religious dances such as the Gompa dance in monasteries of Rumtek, Phodong and Palace.

The dances symbolise the exorcising of evil spirits of the old year and the welcoming of friendly spirits of the New Year. The participants of the dance are brightly dressed and covered in masks. The dance movements are slow and meaningful and are accentuated by the blowing of the bhompu, a wind instrument, and the hammering of the gong. Thousands of Buddhists and non-Buddhist tourists visit monasteries to watch these colourful and exotic dances
Good luck !~
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xxxxx

David Schwimmer · Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 10 Location: china

hi friend!welcome to china,i am chinese ,may i help you?
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belief yourself! tomorrow will be better!so working hard today

admiral · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 546

I guess you mean "loosing face", in this case, I think you should know it, because it's also a western use. Like if I say something which is not propable to the recent situation, then you loose your face.
Example: If I tell to everybody that somebody is very weak, and then I hit this somebody deliberately to prove it, and then I loose, then I have lost my face.

What you should not do in socialising with Chinese is to tell them that you are very good in doing something, even if they ask you and even if you are good. You should say: Oh no I'm not that good, noo. But if they force you to do it, you show them how good you are.
With this you can earn sympathy from the Chinese.
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If I say "I love you" to someone, then I also have to say "I love inside you everyone else. I love the whole world because of you. I also love myself inside you"

RedRose · Joined: 21 May 2004 Posts: 2735 Location: GuangZhou, China

Fountainhead · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Yes, I did mean "loosing face". Sorry for the typo. Although the bit about Loosong was interesting, thank you for that.

I knew the expression from back home, but from what I read it took a completely different meaning in China. As if your reputation had even more importance in China then in other countries. You know what I mean?

LucentShade · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 542 Location: Nebraska, USA

Fountainhead · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Why thank you. That sure is appreciated.

Etienne
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Lucas Scott · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 50 Location: Suzhou, China

Fountainhead · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Why of course.

Thanks for all the information!

My e-mail is:

[email protected]

Feel free to drop me a line sometimes.

Small update:

I've finally decided to go for China. I'm starting the 6th!

YAY!

Etienne
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Lucas Scott · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 50 Location: Suzhou, China

alex_007 · Joined: 27 Aug 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Swansea

Just don't kiss when greets!
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admiral · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 546

hello Etienne, my name is Chen

The 3rd world condition depends on where you live. There is a great difference of living standart in China. So, while someone can only live on streets, some others have very luxurious houses.
The 3rd world condition is not a very generalizing opinion. However, I don't know what your demand of living standard is, but surely it's worse than here in Germany. But another thing is that the associated employer outlay is very low there, and the food etc. cost are very very cheap, (about tenth the cheap than in Europe) wich will let you feel something as if you are important in China. Just don't feel arrogant and hit people, in China many guys can do martial arts. Besides I have also seen a European who wanted to punch with me and my friends in the martial club, and he ended in having a broken nose etc.

The communist thinking only means the old people. Young people like businessmen or students don't have this communist thinking. So don't be afraid. As long as you act very kindly and you are not arrogant, you don't have to fear about your relationship. Only thing is that chinese people don't like "cold" guys.

Just be kind, I will be very grateful to you for it.
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If I say "I love you" to someone, then I also have to say "I love inside you everyone else. I love the whole world because of you. I also love myself inside you"

KHF · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 100 Location: ON, Canada

The usual manners aside, what you should really watch for is your opinions on controversies. Make sure you know what can't be said there before you go. For example, do not debate about sensitive issues like Fa Lun Gong or Tienanmen, especially in public space. Trust me, you don't want to get into trouble with the authority.

Also be careful about what you send across the Internet. By now it should be widely known already that the Internet there is monitored to the extreme. Although as a foreign visitor you are protected by the embassy of your native country, it's not news that the Chinese government often resists the pressure from foreign embassies strongly if not ignoring it entirely.

Finally, watch for pickpockets on buses or streets. As a non-oriental you stand out in the crowd, which also makes you look like a tourist. Thiefs just love tourists if you know what I mean.

admiral · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 546

KHF, is that with falungong really that important? Well, I'm in China every holiday, and I talk about falungong a lot, nothing happened to me because nobody in the crowed cares. And I don't think that internet it so serious, but however the thing concerning thiefs is right. You have to take care.
_________________
If I say "I love you" to someone, then I also have to say "I love inside you everyone else. I love the whole world because of you. I also love myself inside you"