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Introduction
Both verbal and non-verbal communication are tools employed by individuals to share and express their emotions, beliefs, desires, and other elements. However, it is essential to establish the distinctions in information exchange based on certain aspects of one’s etiquette. Chinese culture, in particular, has shaped how people interact in professional and non-professional environments. Namely, it can be observed that the characteristics correlating with Western etiquette differ from those illustrated in a Chinese setting. The contrasts can be attributed to a different cultural background that has impacted the formation of values and beliefs that are intrinsically opposite. In the current paper, Chinese etiquette will be discussed from the perspective of affection, emotion suppression, and interpersonal illustration of respect. The aforementioned elements will be highlighted from a historical perspective, namely, the presence of a rigid social class distinction, national beliefs such as the importance of modesty and respect for the elderly, and the value of emotional control.
Emotional Control
A characteristic that can be observed in verbal and non-verbal communication based on Chinese etiquette is seemingly emotionless responses and expressions. On the one hand, the phenomenon is wrongly portrayed as a lack of interest or non-engagement in the setting. However, the lack of emotional responses is a cultural characteristic that has its roots in history. According to researchers, westerners are less likely to avoid emotional expression as the idea that it is unhealthy was introduced by Sigmund Freud a long time ago (Schouten et al., 2020). As a result, certain cultures have become more prone to being open in how they express their feelings and beliefs. The Asian context, on the other hand, is different. Namely, Chinese individuals are more likely to appear closed off due to a lack of emotional involvement, which is often interpreted as disinterest. However, the roots of the element are associated with stoicism which has been a national belief and value for centuries. In this case, showing emotions is considered a sign of weakness and is not regarded as healthy similar to a Western context. The characteristic is one of the differences that are linked to Western and Eastern business etiquette (Santoro & Shanklin, 2021). For example, an American business meeting may contain more expressive conversations in case a better deal can be achieved. On the other hand, a similar case in a Chinese setting would contain less verbal communication and more formal expressions of politeness and respect.
As a result of emotional control, Chinese individuals are wrongly labeled through terms that do not apply contextually. For example, researchers mention that Asian students are often regarded as timid and quiet (Wan, 2021). In reality, verbal communication is minimized as most families have historically been prone to adopting stoic principles. This implies an emphasis on emotional control, a lack of unnecessary expressions, and a sense of modesty as well as resilience, which is expressed through fortitude. Thus, emotional control, while often being perceived as uninterest in a conversation, is a national value and belief that has been historically implemented as the circularity of modesty and privacy. The Eastern context is different from the Western one in this regard to openness in feelings, and their expressions have been labeled as positive in other environments. In an Asian setting, the approach would contradict the Chinese professional and informal etiquette and be perceived as disrespectful and immature.
In order for the element to be understood, examples can be provided to highlight emotional differences. For example, an American entrepreneur who just found an important investor is more likely to show excitement through facial expressions and body language. The emotions, since they are not hidden, are portrayed in a rather open manner. A similar situation in a Chinese context would have a different emotional setting. Namely, rather than being externally happy, Chinese entrepreneurs would emphasize thankfulness through words and focus on respect towards the investor rather than excitement. The example highlights how emotional control does not imply an emotional emptiness. Instead, it is a sign of respect and facilitates a stronger bond between the external environment and the person experiencing the emotions in privacy. Both examples are not disrespectful perse, yet they are perceived differently based on the context.
Affection and Expression of Satisfaction
It has been previously highlighted that Chinese professional and informal etiquette implies emotional control and stoicism. One of the elements associated with the aforementioned phenomenon is the expression of affection or lack thereof. Affection, especially public displays of romantic feelings, has been regarded as impolite and indecent in China (Wu et al., 2019). Historically, the phenomenon can be interpreted through the lens of stricter policies in regard to sexuality, namely, its open expression. The values and national beliefs correlate with the importance of adhering to norms of ethics, and decency is also the reason for affection being considered negative when openly engaged.
Needless to say, certain aspects of greetings that correlate with physical touch are accepted. For example, handshakes are forms of non-verbal communication that are, indeed, accepted in Chinese business etiquette (Exploring China). Nonetheless, close contact in other forms is to be avoided. This implies that hugging a business partner would be considered impolite and inappropriate despite it being a rather common non-verbal communication technique often implemented during professional meetings in various areas of the world. The characteristic may be attributed to the strict classism, namely, the historically employed social classification that divided groups of people into various demographics. Said demographics contrasted in how they communicate, and rigid differences were present in terms of how different classes interact. As a result, the lack of close physical contact may be associated with the aforementioned historical context. On the other hand, the national values and beliefs based on resilience, modesty, and stoicism can be the root of public affection being disregarded as negative and indecent.
Based on the previously highlighted information, it is certain that physical touch as non-verbal communication, namely, displays of affection, are minimized. Expressed satisfaction, such as positive emotions in a business setting after signing a profitable deal, is likewise not freely expressed. Similarly to the previously suggested point, physical affection and emotional expressiveness go hand in hand in Chinese culture. Specifically, both aspects are less pronounced compared to the same element in Western societies due to class stratification that has been historically employed as well as the stoic national beliefs and values.
For example, a team has recently signed a profitable business deal that elevates the organization to another level. In a Western context, the circumstances would lead to expressive physical gestures, such as high fives, hugs, and other externalizations of excitement. On the other hand, a Chinese context would have a different connotation. The team member would thank each other for their work and collaboration as it would be a respectful and ethical way to highlight satisfaction from the signed deal. Even in a family context, physical affection is less prominent. Needless to say, a business environment would not be an excellent example of affection being exemplified among colleagues and business partners. Such exemplifications can, however, take place between friends in a more informal context in which the gestures would not be perceived as impolite but rather loving.
Class and Social Classification
Etiquette, as mentioned previously, is formed through various historical processes as well as national beliefs and values that shape traditions and communication. As a result, Chinese etiquette is a portrayal of multiple aspects of the country’s socioeconomic life. Class and social classification, in particular, is an aspect that majorly impacts etiquette. Historically, Chinese society was divided into well-defined subgroups, including the noble, peasants, merchants, and artisans. Currently, the social stratification structure remains unique and preserved (Wen et al., 2022). For example, respect for the elderly is expressed both through verbal and non-verbal communication. The element of etiquette is well-defined in Asian culture and can be observed in communication among different age demographics in countries such as Japan and South Korea.
This is one of the aspects of Chinese etiquette described through differences in perceptions of various demographics. Current literature highlights that two of the most important aspects of business communication in Chinese companies are saving face and respecting the elderly (Global Affairs Canada, 2021). The Confucian beliefs imply that the younger generation is to learn for the older one, which is why seniors are being referred to with respect for their experience and wisdom. Thus, communication is based on respect both in a professional and interpersonal setting. This is another aspect that generates differences in Eastern and Western culture regarding communication, as Westerners are more likely to maintain a rather informal policy despite potential age differences among conversationalists. Based on etiquette in communication, differences persist when interacting with different demographics, including class and age-related. Thus, the choice of words, body language, and other elements differ based on the nature of the conversation as well as its participants. As mentioned previously, the aspect has historical connotations in Confucianism as well as the national value of respect towards elders.
For example, business partners attend a meeting. In a Western context, age, job position, and similar traits would not immensely change interactions. On the other hand, in a Chinese context, the aforementioned elements are essential and often shape how one expresses their emotions and feelings. For example, a person holding an executive function who is older than other employees attending the meeting is more likely to be approached with the most respect. Namely, the other attendees will bow lower and will be less likely to engage in physical contact such as hugging, high-fiving, and fist bumping. Handshakes have become more popular, which is why they can take place in a business context.
Similar effects can be observed when a person does not hold the highest position within the office yet is a senior since age is a major trait that imposes respect and admiration. On the other hand, the influence of the West does, indeed, generate closer physical relationships within a professional context. Handshakes are examples of touch that, while not traditionally Chinese and somewhat inappropriate from a cultural perspective, have become common greeting measures. A similar effect can be associated with actions such as patting someone on the back, as long as the people engaging in the act are of similar positions and ages. Touching someone’s arm to get their attention, on the other hand, can be interpreted as rude and impolite as the gestures are a direct minimization of one’s personal space. Respecting one’s comfort is extremely important in Asian etiquette. Thus, every instance in which physical touch can be implemented is to be based on respect and consideration of one’s status, age, and similar elements.
Conclusion
Chinese etiquette, similarly to etiquette formed in other areas of the world, is a product of cultural, social, and economic elements that have shaped national traditions into forms of interactions and communication. The current paper has exemplified verbal and non-verbal communication manifested through emotional control, affection, and the classification of social classes to highlight etiquette characteristics. Moreover, the historical background, such as the rigid structural caste system, Confucianism, and values and beliefs, such as stoicism, respect for the elderly, and modesty, were discussed. From the aforementioned perspective, the current strategies applied in human interaction are the product of centuries of societal dynamics as well as the well-defined national values that are also employed in perspectives and communication. Furthermore, the historical overview relates to how current values, such as differences in approaches toward the elderly or people of higher classes, have been formed based on the political and social systems implemented years ago. As a result, it can be stated that communication etiquette in China is a combination of modern and traditional approaches correlating with the country’s characteristics.
References
Exploring China. (n.d.). Verbal and Non-Verbal Language. Exploring China. Web.
Global Affairs Canada. (2021). Business etiquette in China. GAC. Web.
Santoro, M. A., & Shanklin, R. (2021). A China business primer: Ethics, culture, and relationships. Routledge.
Schouten, A., Boiger, M., Kirchner-Häusler, A., Uchida, Y., & Mesquita, B. (2020). Cultural differences in emotion suppression in Belgian and Japanese couples: A social functional model. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. Web.
Wan, Y. (2021). Why are they so quiet? Exploring reticent and passive East Asian ESL students in the U.S. classrooms. Open Journal of Modern Linguistics, 11(06), 942–954. Web.
Wen, P., Zhang, J., & Zhou, S. (2022). Social group differences in influencing factors for Chinese urban residents’ subjective well-being: From the perspective of social stratification. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9409. Web.
Wu, M. S., Li, B., Zhu, L., & Zhou, C. (2019). Culture change and affectionate communication in China and the United States: Evidence from google digitized books 1960–2008. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. Web.
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