Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Chinese?
This is very difficult to answer as everyone’s ability and ambition differs greatly. But in general, (studying full time, in China), maybe it would be fair to say that most people can reach a basic level after approximately 1.5 years and an intermediate level after 2.5-3 years. To reach an advanced level takes longer; a rough estimate might be 4-5 years – or longer. You can study Chinese your whole life and still not learn enough!
What is the hardest thing with studying Chinese?
In my opinion number one is that it is so vastly different from any Roman language. There’s absolutely no similarity at all, which not only makes the sounds hard to imitate but also the words very hard to remember. You need to learn a lot of characters which takes time, and I also don’t agree with the common saying that the Chinese grammar is simple. That’s only at a very basic level. As soon as you get to a slightly higher level the grammar gets very complicated. This is obvious, particularly in written Chinese. Last but not least the tones – very important but difficult to master.
What do you think is the most evident difference in most Western cultures and the Chinese culture?
If I can choose only one thing I would say the lack of space. In many Western countries we are used to space – both physically and mentally. Concepts like space and privacy are paramount to us but hardly exist in the Chinese society. People are used to always being together and sharing small spaces. You get very little room for yourself. This is the physical aspect of space, but there is also little room for mental space. Chinese will, with no bad intentions, ask questions that are accepted in China but in many Western cultures are considered private, improper and sometimes even rude. In China there is not really such a thing as privacy.
What do you like most in the Chinese culture?
The people! I find most Chinese very easy-going. They are friendly, spontaneous and fun. On top of that they often tend to be considerate and helpful.
Is there some aspect of the Chinese culture that you find particularly hard to adapt to?
Yes, the fact that Chinese people always wish to avoid conflict and/or direct confrontation. It has to do with the concept of “face saving”. In China if you get angry at someone, or if someone gets angry at you and you have an argument, you “lose face”. As a consequence it can sometimes be hard to solve problems. Westerners might like to ask very direct questions, or put pressure on someone – like requesting an explanation of why a situation didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. Confrontations like that seldom work in China. Instead of an active response, like the willingness to discuss or even argue about something, what you get is an embarrassed smile. It can be difficult to understand or find out why things didn’t go as planned.
Which things surprised you most when you started the process of discovering China?
Again, the people. I hadn’t expected them to be so friendly and easy to make contact with. Another thing is how “digital” the Chinese society is. Sometimes it seems extremely bureaucratic and slow, and things take for ever. Other times problems are solved at an amazing speed and the efficiency can be very high. A third aspect is the diversity of this country; the ethnic minorities, the many languages and the landscape – they all differ vastly. This is what makes it all so interesting.
How important is it to learn Chinese if you really wish to try to understand the people and the culture?
In my opinion quite important. There’s a lot of identity and historically evolved ways of thinking hidden in the language. Huge amounts of words and expressions are similar but still differ slightly, each and every one carrying their special touch and meaning. Chinese can be a very precise language and it’s closely connected to the culture. It’s easier to understand how people here think and reason if you understand Chinese. It is also, naturally, an important ice breaker. Even if you speak only a little it is greatly appreciated.
What do you think is a good ability to posses if you want to do well in China?
Patience.Name three virtues that you think most Chinese people would value.
1) Diligence 2) Humbleness 3) Patience
What do you like most about living in China?
It’s an extremely interesting country. Whether you wish to explore the language or the culture or just go travelling, you can learn something new every day. For me, as a Swede, it is very exotic and different. And then I like the nature of the Chinese people. I often find myself in unexpected humorous situations and I often get moved by their ability to make you feel special and welcome.
What do you like the least about living in China?
Pollution and littering is a clear number one. There is also evident noise pollution which can be tiresome if you like peace and quiet. Apart from these nature is being ruthlessly exploited. And also, like in most developing countries, animals often have no or little value. The last point would be connected to infrastructure; things like congested traffic and airplane delays can make life a bit frustrating from time to time.
How do you think one should best approach China?
With humbleness, respect and a flexible mindset.
Is there something that you think many Westerners often misjudge or are not aware of when it comes to China issues?
Yes, several things. One of the most evident is the impact of such a huge population. In China there is an enormous amount of people and to understand how that effects society takes a long time. It’s easy to be judgmental, to criticize political strategies or development plans, but in fact none of us has a clue what it really means to try to rule or govern such an immense nation, nor what it means to live in a society where competition is fierce and chances few.
Do you have any advice to people who wish to learn Chinese?
Yes, three: 1) Study hard 2) Study hard 3) Study hard
Today, there are many Western countries with an enormous interest in China. What do you wish to say to all of those who are hoping to join in on the gold rush of the new millennium?
China is the country where everything is possible but nothing is easy. You have to be prepared to work very hard and know that what works in your home country doesn’t always work here. Ability to adapt is a key characteristic, so is humbleness and respect. China has 5000 years of history, it’s both mysterious and complicated. You cannot expect to understand this nation quickly.
What do you think are some of the most complex aspects of working and doing business in China?
To begin with there are general problems like insufficient infrastructure, unclear laws, weak law enforcement, corruption and virtually no IPR protection (intellectual property rights). On top of that there is the “Chinese way” of communicating via hints and subtle expressions rather than just being straight forward. Some things you have to try and understand without anyone telling you. There’s a lot of etiquette and the concept of “face saving” is very evident in business. Chinese are master negotiators, they like to discuss things for a long time as opposed to many Westerners who prefer to close a deal quickly.
How do you think one can become good at doing business in China?
By having an open mind and aiming at gaining as much experience as possible. You should also be prepared to invest loads of time in building up relationships – that’s what it’s all about here. Likewise it’s good to be willing to try and see things from their point of view. Leave your Western thinking behind, at least partly.
Tell us about three really good moments that you had in China.
- When travelling to the Southern province of Guangxi – sitting on a ragged cliff, looking out over the magic landscape of sugar top mountains and emerald green rice fields.
- Once I went running in Beijing when it started to rain heavily. A lady on a bicycle stopped to offer me a ride. She had no idea I could speak Chinese, the weather was getting dark and it was pouring down. Still she stops to lend a hand to a complete stranger. That’s just how friendly and helpful the Chinese can be. I was very moved.
- Appearing on Beijing TV3’s talk show discussing cultural differences with the excellent TV-host, Ah Yi.
If you had to leave China and couldn’t come back, what would rest firmly in your mind?
The Chinese people, the golden roof tops of Tibetan monasteries and Beijing Duck.
Is there any particular category or group of people in China that made an extra strong impression on you?
Yes, the teachers. I had excellent teachers in China and I will never forget them. Also, some of the people I met or got to know who do simple jobs out in the street, like selling fruit, making keys or mending shoes, were unforgettable. They work so hard – seven days a week for little money – and yet they were friendly and didn’t complain.