The Chinese or Simitic language originated from the indigenous languages spoken by the Han Chinese in China. It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages along with Burmese and the tribal languages of South and South- East Asia.
There are more than 70,000 Chinese characters yet it is only necessary to know around 3,000 to read a newspaper and around just 5,000 are taught at secondary school. As a voluminous language it has developed over the centuries and has influenced the vocabulary of Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Unlike English and other Western languages it relies less on inflection and more upon pitch. Similar sounding words are differentiated through different pitches of high and low with rises or falls. The development of the language has also resulted in spoken Chinese having many dialects. The two main languages are Mandarin and Cantonese which have analogous differences similar to the European Romance languages. However there is just one standard written language which uses the Chinese characters. Current Chinese writing employs two main methods of writing symbols. The Wenyan Method is based on classical Chinese symbols and the Baihua method includes vernacular Chinese symbols. The two combine to bridge the gap between ancient Chinese culture and modern day vocabulary and contribute somewhat largely to the volume of characters used in the Chinese Language.
More people speak the Chinese language than any other language in the world (including English). It is spoken by almost 1 billion people in China alone. It is also spoken in Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and other countries. It is estimated that the number of speakers worldwide is around 1120 million.
Visiting a Chinese speaking Country
It is useful to know a few phrases when visiting a country where Chinese is the dominant language. To exchange a few pleasantries one could say 'ni hao' (hello), 'ni hao ma?' (how are you) and to reply to someone who has said this to you, 'hen hao xie xie ni ne?' (fine thanks and you?). You could also ask someone their name, 'ni siao shen ma ming?' At the end of the exchange you can say 'zai jian' (goodbye).
Other key phrases to learn before visiting may include 'ni hui shuo ying you ma?' (Do you speak English?). If someone is speaking to you and you don't understand you could also explain, 'wo-tingbudang.' Another phrase useful in any language is 'Cesuo zei nor?' (where is the bathroom?).
Some tourists have reported that other useful polite phrases in Chinese include 'Gan Bei' (Cheers) and 'Xidex' (thank you). When bartering in the markets you might also get a better deal by saying 'tai gui le' (too expensive) or simply 'Bu yao' (don't want this).
Chinese Culture
China is a site of historical beauty and has architecture over 2,000 years old which is marvellous to behold. It is different to Western architecture in its structure, for example the winding Great Wall of China or the wide halls of the Forbidden City are quite different to the emphasis on height in Western society.
There is an emphasis on the spiritual world and there are great deities belonging to this world such as Guan Yin, Jade Emperor and Budai. This is balanced by the presence of evil and Taoist fighting against the Mogwai and Jiang Shi with a peach wood sword is a practised tradition. Balance is also shown through the universally known Yin and Yan. Balance is introduced into all aspects of life even in interior design in the form of Feng Shui and medicine such as acupuncture.
China also has a wealth of literature and art. There are many great paintings in different styles established in a given historical period, for example the Ming Dynasty. There is also a collection of great literary works. The considered most influential books are read by everyone. These influential texts change over time but 'Journey to the West', 'Dream of a Red Chamber', 'Water Mersin' and 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' are known throughout China. Chinese literature has come to influence Western culture more recently with novels such as 'Wild Swans.'
Business Culture
Misunderstandings in international business are common. An example of this is where an American invited some Chinese business associates to his hotel. The associates were more than two hours late which the American gentleman found quite unacceptable and was infuriated. The Chinese gentlemen, on the other hand, had experienced some difficulty in finding the hotel. They had been too polite to enquire further when the American had simply given the name of his hotel and very little other details. The name of the hotel was common and the Chinese had been searching all day trying to find the hotel of that particular American gentleman which was the reason they were so late.
Some basic understanding of how business is done in China can be crucial when engaging with international business. Chinese business contacts are usually done through referrals but cold calling is far more common now via the internet or telephone calls and appointments might be sought in this way now. When actually meeting with associates or clients it is important to recognise seniority. When addressing someone use their correct title such as Chairman, Manager or Director. 'Giving Face' (giving respect) appropriately according to seniority or rank is the way to conduct oneself at meetings. When giving out a contact card ensure that it is given to the most senior person there and the most junior last. It should also be given using both hands and if cards are given use both hands. If gifts are given to Chinese businessmen and women (which is a much appreciated gesture) to contacts ensure the quality of gift corresponds to the level of seniority. Senior management should receive the most expensive gifts. If gifts are given it is impolite to refuse, particularly for an inexpensive gift.
Long term Chinese business relationships inevitably become social relationships as much business is done in a social environment. Business is often conducted over long dinners where much drinking and socialising is done. The host of the dinner will usually pay.
Learning Chinese is useful as so many people in the world speak it; it is an exciting place of culture to visit and can do much to enhance long term business relationships
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