Cultural Expectations and Perceptions of Politeness: The “Rude Chinese”?

Abstract

As globalization steams ahead, China continues to open its borders and interact with the rest of the world. Along with the obvious industrial and economical exchange in ideas, the cultural impact of this phenomenon is also becoming apparent. Unfortunately, Chinese are often seen as impolite or even rude by individuals of other cultures. This paper studies cultural and linguistic expectations, along with how perceptions of politeness are formed, and attempts to find the source of these “cultural clashes”. Participants in this study are also asked to explain, from their own point of view, what they perceive as the root of the problem. Lastly, a remedy to this problem is suggested.