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1、Different Cultures in Chinese Food and Western Food1. Introduction Culture is a historical phenomenon. It is the summation of civilization and a mental picture which can be created in the progress of a nations development. This thesis expounds the important function of food culture between different
2、 cultures by analyzing Chinese food and Western food. By examining these differences, we can improve our ability in cultural communication. The contact between different countries becomes much tighter through the incorpora- tion of a global economy. At the same time, the cultural communications beco
3、me more important in the big distance between these two cultures. The distinction between cultural communications become more and more evident and the study of Chinese and Western food culture is an important part of it. Food is a special phenomenon, people having knowledge of food from one side of
4、the study of different cultural backgrounds, customs and historical environment by study. We all know that different nations have different cultures. This thesis focuses on the different food cultures in Chinese and western countries. Chinese food culture in this thesis mainly refers to the one in t
5、he Han nationality. As we know, China is a nation with 56 ethnic groups, each of which has its own unique food and food habits. The Han nationality and its culture are the mainstream in China due to historical, political and economic reasons. Western food culture in this thesis is mainly concerned w
6、ith the British one due to the fact that its cultural pattern and influence have become dominant in the west, which is generally recognized by the world. 2. Different Values in Chinese and Western Food Culture2.1 Collectivism in Chinese food culture2.1.1 Collective orientationIn China, collective or
7、ientation with deep roots can be traced back to ancient time. Confucius points out, “If one wants to establish himself, he should help others to establish themselves at first.” in which collectivism is appreciated. “Even the dog swaggers when its master wins favor” shows the fact that everything in
8、China is branded with collectivism. In such collectivistic culture, a “we” consciousness prevails, and people are expected to be interdependent and show conformity to the groups norms and values. Group goals usually take precedent over individual goals, and the primary value is to seek harmony with
9、others. Actually, group harmony is so highly valued that obedience to, and compliance with, in groups pressures is routine. (Neuliep, 2000:33) 2.1.2 Collective orientation in Chinese food culture This collectivistic orientation also plays an important role in Chinese food culture. Normally, Chinese
10、people would like to take the style of “sharing” when they have a dinner together, whether at home with family members or outside with friends. As Vera Y. N. Hsu describes, “The typical Chinese dining table is round or square. The tsai dishes are laid in the center, and each participant in the meal
11、is equipped with a bowl of “fan”, a pair of chopsticks, a saucer, and a spoon. All at a table take from the tsai dishes as they proceed with the meal. Good eating manners require each participant take equally from the different tsai dishes, so that all will have an equal chance at all the dishes.” (
12、Chang, 1977:304) When the dinner starts, the host usually shows a menu to guests asking them to order the dish they like before making the final decision. When a dinner comes to an end, participants always strive to pay the bill unless someone has claimed it in advance. The “truth of sharing” reflec
13、ts almost everywhere from the dinner start to the end. 2.2 Individualism in western food culture2.2.1 Individualistic orientation It is well known that Great Britain tends toward individualism. Individualism refers to the doctrine, spelled out in detail by the seventeenth-century English philosopher
14、 John Locke, that each individual is unique, special, completely different from all other individuals, and “the basic unit of nature”. (Samovar 2000:62) Therefore, in individualistic culture, an “I” consciousness prevails, and emphasis is placed on an individual goal over group goals. This value ori
15、entation stresses individual initiative and achievement, and individual decision-making is highly appreciated.2.2.2 Individualistic orientation in western food cultureWestern food culture is characterized by the “separated style because of the great influence of the individualistic orientation. It i
16、s contrary to the “sharing” style in Chinese food culture in many ways. For example, westerners do not take the tsai dishes from the public plate, but have separate individual plates. The way of “going Dutch” is widely taken when the bill is to be paid, which means everyone pays his own share. The role of individualism in Western food culture is obvious and its influence is self-evident.3. Different Features in Chinese and Western Food Cu
