Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Japan and China are similar in a sense because they share some traditions, beliefs and cultures; yet they are dissimilar for the same reasons. The writer notes that if one looks at the present day celebration of the New Year in China and Japan, one may think that it is overly commercialized like the western traditions of Christmas and Easter. The writer maintains that if one examines it deeply, one sees that the religious facade is still there and most Japanese and Chinese will relate to a lot of religious traditions embedded in these festivities. The writer concludes that after all, most celebrations celebrated worldwide whether Christmas, Easter or the New Year would not have been in existence today without any real religious roots or traditions that signify their deep and true meanings.
From the Paper "The New Year's festivities for one are one of the most important celebrations of the country embedded in deep traditions and rich culture. China follows both the Western New Year and the Lunar New Year but the latter is more important. Japan considers the Western New Year more important and holds big celebrations. Although religion is not a big part of the two countries New Year celebrations, some of the activities and beliefs have its roots on religious flavors."
"The earliest known history about the Chinese New Year had something to do with the legendary Nia."
Abstract The paper discusses the Chinese market which is rapidly changing in light of the increasingly global market place. The paper states that the economic boom in China's urban areas is creating a new consumer culture where the consumer has more disposable income, which has affected consumer preferences within the Chinese marketplace. The paper states that the result is that a sophisticated Chinese consumer is emerging and foreign companies need to market to their sophisticated needs, while at the same time marketing to the general population's needs. The paper states that the most effective way for a company to build a strong brand name in the rapidly emerging Chinese market is to adapt itself to the rapidly changing Chinese culture. The paper concludes that despite the numerous challenges that the Chinese market presents, a company can be successful if it spends the time and resources necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the local culture and the Chinese consumer's attitudes and thus becomes prepared to cope with the many unexpected intricacies of the Chinese marketplace.
Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Cultural Issues
Collective Society
Brand Perception
Language
Aesthetic Sense
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Chinese people carry with them a strong aesthetic sense, based on their perceptions of nature. To the Chinese consumer, in general, images of the natural form are highly attractive. For example, mountains and animals are often used in association with brand names in order to create attractive brand imagery and visual displays. On the other hand, abstract symbols are not favored as they are inconsistent with the Chinese cultural preference for natural aesthetics. Further more, the marketer needs to understand that the Chinese people enjoy complicated forms and shapes and certain colors. For example, the color red is seen as being the most cheerful color and thus can be successfully used to attract people's attention. Another example is the Chinese preference for peaceful imagery, largely a result of the influence of such religions as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. When a company is designing a strategy for marketing their brand in the Chinese marketplace, all of these aesthetic considerations must be made. Therefore, it is important to use specific colors and imagery in order to strengthen the brand's market presence and thus increase overall company profits."
Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Chinese religious, philosophical and political ideas as they have impacted Chinese music. It discusses Buddhist, Daoist and Communist thinking as it affected the composition and performance of Chinese Music. The paper addresses archaeological finds, the influence of yin and yang and Chinese ideas of harmony and pitch.
Abstract Summary: This paper is on Chinese acupuncture. Chinese medicine in general and acupuncture in particular are based on assumptions not found in western medicine. In the West, medicine considers cause and effect, as with a virus leading to disease. Chinese acupuncture is based on forces of yin and yang.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses what it means for the child of a Chinese family to be a first generation Chinese American. For this study, the writer uses information presented in Jade Snow Wong's book, 'Fifth Chinese Daughter'. Further, the writer examines how the assimilation process may change family values.
From the Paper "In Jade Snow Wong's memoir 'Fifth Chinese Daughter' the author tells the story of one Chinese family's adjustment to life in the United States. Told from the point of view of the family's fifth daughter, Jade Snow, the book examines not only the way in which two different cultures clash, but how two generations of the same family might be at odds over what path in life is most appropriate. Indeed, 'Fifth Chinese Daughter' is an exploration of how family values and culture are affected when the ... "
Abstract The paper discusses how recent Chinese blockbusters such as "Crouching Tiger," "Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" are examples of the popular resurgence of classical Chinese culture and mythology in post-Cultural Revolution China. The paper explains that after decades of effort by the communist authorities to wipe out all traces of traditional culture, national and international fascination with the beauty and romance of Chinese history and myth is stronger than ever. The paper relates that during the Cultural Revolution, not only were artists persecuted for creating 'reactionary' or 'traditional' art, anything of beauty was thought of as decadent and even flower gardens were destroyed."
This paper looks at the actual use of Chinese address terms in various interpersonal relations, the grammatical status of the terms of address, and the condition(s) for their occurrence in Chinese.
Abstract This paper lexamines Chinese address terms, their grammatical nature, usage, history of their use, similarities to other languages, and the social dynamics involved in their use. Through the examination of exact terms, the author demonstrates to the reader, the different ways that these terms can be used, depending upon the audience being addressed.
From the Paper "The extension of kinship terms to non-kin persons like categories 6 and 7 has the goal in Chinese communities of socializing the young into respect for their elders and care for their young. Wu says, ?extending the family relationships to outsiders thus fulfills the goal of "one family under the sky" (tianxia yijia)? (1989).Used by the speaker of these terms implies that the rules of behavior are extended to the addressee; or they might even by said to be imposed upon the addressee. If the addressee feels uncomfortable, he can decline the term of address applied to him in this particular relationship. This can happen when the addressee is genuinely modest or when he senses some degree of insincerity in the act. Usually the socializer who confers the address-form is a parent or a caretaker of the child (Hong 1991). But the same discomfort can occur when the term is inconsistent with the addressee's sense of camaraderie."
Abstract McDonald's is the largest food service retailer in the world with more than 30,000 restaurants in 121 countries. This paper explores the economic impact of McDonald's entering the Chinese market. The two main economic impacts discussed are employment and the encouraging of greater foreign trade and investment. It also briefly describes the economic collaboration between America and China, the restaurant industry in China, and the goals that McDonald's has for the Chinese Market.
From the Paper "Every new McDonald's Restaurant creates at least 100 new job opportunities depending on the size of the store. So by 2013 McDonalds would have created at least 100,000 more jobs for China's economy. In addition, McDonald's provides its employees with an opportunity to advance in the organization, McDonald's Restaurants offers comprehensive training programs to all staff levels and is committed to promoting from within. (http://www.sjross.com/mcdonalds.html) This commitment provides workers with increased pay and training. "
Abstract This is a textual exegesis of classical text in Chinese philosophy. This text is taken from the classic of Chinese philosophy known as "The Book of Changes". The paper reveals some of the reasons for the popularity of the "Way of Changes" when it first originated.
This paper discusses problems of assimilation and acculturation, which Chinese immigrant encounter when conforming to the American mainstream requirements.
Abstract This paper argues that it is wrong for Chinese immigrants to assimilate so fully that they lose pride in their own ethnicity. The author presents the background of Chinese immigration to the United States and the effects of assimilation.
From the Paper "The thesis of this paper is that it is wrong, perhaps even immoral, for Chinese immigrants to assimilate into American society to such an extent that they lose pride in their own ethnicity."
Abstract This paper researches the Chinese Constitution of 1982 and looks at whether its provisions can be enforced in the courts, or if it is merely a statement of the goals of the Communist Chinese leadership.
From the Paper "The Chinese Constitution appears on the surface to be enforceable in the courts. In theory, it requires the Chinese Communist Party to abide by the Constitution and the law. (Gittings and Whitfort) It defines ownership of land in China and allows Special Administrative Regions to be established which provides the legal authority for one country, two systems in Hong Kong and the enactment of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region."
Abstract This is an essay analyzing the influence of Buddhism from India on Chinese art. The writer discusses that this profound influence was primarily due to the cultural interchange resulting from the 'silk road' trade route, as well as other routes. The writer points out that Buddhism came to China via these trade roads, and was eventually adapted by Chinese artists. Further, the writer notes that Greek influences are also important in this artistic tradition.
From the Paper "To a certain degree, the art produced by any given culture is a product of the synthesis of all that culture has experienced and been in contact with, though a flavor or 'look' that is distinct to the given culture invariably remains. It should not come as a surprise that China was not immune to influences from other cultures, one of the most significant being Buddhism, which originated in India and spread throughout much of east Asia, including China, Japan and Korea. Buddhist iconography thus became a part of east Asian art, including Chinese art, particularly during the T'ang Dynasty."
Abstract The paper relates that John Searle developed his Chinese room argument in response to some of those who argue that strong artificial intelligence is possible. As will be shown, the Chinese room argument was a thought experiment that appeared to constitute a good argument against the possibility of strong artificial intelligence. The paper shows how it was a sufficiently good argument that many people have been provoked to present counter-arguments in an attempt to rebut Searle's argument. In the paper, the Systems Reply will be considered, as it is proposed that this is the strongest reply to date.
Abstract This paper is a detailed comparison of the Roman Empire and the Chinese Empire. The author shows how the imperial dynasties of Han and Qin along with the classical empire of Rome offered their people a combination of protection against external enemies and an infrastructure that was far more functional than individual cities or regions would have been able to provide for themselves. This paper describes the reign of all three of these dynasties and their effect on their people as well as world history.
From the Paper "While it is difficult to make any general statement that can cover the political and cultural complexities of the Roman Empire along with the Han and Qin dynasties in China because they were sufficiently different from each other as well as being possessed of substantial internal diversity. And yet, even given the range of institutions and ideals that the three cultures exemplified, there are some commonalties that strike the observer from the vantage point of the 21st century. The primary one of these is that neither the Chinese empire nor the Roman one could have extended its reach as far as it did in geographic terms, had as great a control over its subjects' personal lives as it did, nor ruled for such a long period of time had not the ruling house combined a high degree of bureaucratic efficiency with a depiction of the imperial family that was at least semi-divine."
Abstract On October 2, 1952 the Chinese press - as evidenced in translated documents contained in the "Survey of the China Mainland Press" - was preoccupied by the opening of the Asian-Pacific Peace Conference in Peking (Beijing) almost to the exclusion of all other issues. However, even in the press excerpts from this conference, a number of subsidiary issues can be seen to manifest themselves.
