Short video about cultural differences in greetings between Asian and western countries

Friendships

Western people always call people they met as friends, so the definition of friends is more in a general sense. Such as working friends, playing friends, school friends and drinking friends. But in Asian countries, friends will not be classed into categories. Friendships in Western countries such as the US, have different levels of appreciation shown by people in relation to how much they enjoy spending time with that person. However a more Eastern friendship sometimes will be treated as a responsibility. They generally treat most people with the same level of respect but at the same time if finding they dislike someone, they will try not to meet them again. Furthermore the concept of borrowing money can be an awkward thing to talk about in Western countries. Borrowing money from friends is common in China while it is not as common or an easy topic to talk about in Western countries.

Reference: Sandbox 2015; Asia population, culture and economy. Available at; http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/asia-population-culture-economy.html

Change

Change is constantly occurring and is a very important part of life however some cultures are very willing to change and accepting of it, whereas other cultures encourage the preservation of tradition.  

Asian countries such as China, Japan and South Korea are all eager to change and thrive at any opportunity to create a better tomorrow. Whereas Western culture encourages people to respect the way things are done and have been done for many years. 

Hence Asian cultures are more future and goal oriented, resulti ng in more change, whereas Western cultures live in the now which results in less change.

Reference: Sandbox 2015; Asia population, culture and economy. Available at; http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/asia-population-culture-economy.html

Marriage

Wherever in the world you reside, marriage is always one of the most special and precious parts of an individuals life. It represents a promise, that is supported by a collection of memories and built up on a foundation made of trust and love. In Western countries such as the US and Australia, the process can sometimes be a little different too that of Asian countries. In some Asian countries such as China, traditionally many married couples will not have met each other until their wedding day. Of course too many Western societies this particular idea may seem very alien, as usually in countries like the US getting too the level of marriage takes a few more steps. In saying this, many Asian families wish to take a more Western approach too marriage by choosing their partners. At the end of the day, no matter the cultural differences, we should strive to respect and allow people to do what makes them happy.

Reference: Kerrie Main 2013; Chinese family values. Available at : http://family.lovetoknow.com/chinese-family-values

Gender Roles

Many Asian countries such as China have adopted a myriad of Western influences in relation to gender roles and how the concept of respect operates in a family environment. In saying this Asian countries continue too instil certain aspects of traditional gender roles. In modern times in Western society, the idea that the male should go out too work whilst the female takes care of the home and family is slowly fading away due to the pressures of growing view for equality between genders. Although this is the way that some Western countries see the issue, in some Asian cultures it is quite an acceptable thing and it isn't seen as a problem.

Reference: Kerrie Main 2013; Chinese family values. Available at : http://family.lovetoknow.com/chinese-family-values

Desires and impulses  

Individuals are often faced with decisions whether to do something they desire, or to oppress the urge and make the “right choice.” Due to cultural influences some countries are more likely to indulge in their desire whereas others are more likely to exercise restraint.

 An example of an indulgent country is the United States of America and due to popular culture, they are well known for drug addiction and lavish lifestyles.  Similarly, Canadians also place a great emphasis on leisure time highlighting their impulsive behaviours.

Contrastingly, eastern cultures such as the in China, people feel more controlled by societies expectations, hinting at the presence of pessimism and cynicism. 

Reference: Arthur Hu; Introduction to basic Asian values. Available at; http://www.asianweek.com/2012/04/28/introduction-to-basic-asian-values/

Competitiveness 

Refers to societies competitiveness and the importance they place on achievement and success. On the other hand, less competitive countries would place greater importance on improving their quality of life. Most western countries share a similar level of competiveness where Asian countries fluctuate between highly competitive and not so much. 

Japan, for example, has an extraordinarily competitive culture where competition between groups or societies is encouraged. Countries such as China and India also have competitive cultures that place great emphasis on earning wealth and other materialistic values. This may be due the large populations that dwell in these countries, encouraging individuals to stand out. Similarly, countries such as America and Canada also strive to achieve exceptional results in areas such as work and sports. On the other hand, less competitive Eastern countries such as Thailand are not as worried about being the best, but are more focused on achieving a healthy balance between work and leisure. 


Reference; Arthur Hu; Introduction to basic Asian values. Available at: http://www.asianweek.com/2012/04/28/introduction-to-basic-asian-values/