Comparison of the American and Chinese Cultures Essay -- Papers USA Ch

Comparison of the American and Chinese Cultures Cultural differences are apparent from one group of people to another. Culture is based on many things that are passed on from one generation to the next. Most of the time people take for granted their language, beliefs, and values. When it comes the cultural differences of people there is no right or wrong. People should be aware of others culture and respect the differences that are between them. The United States and China are two very large countries that have cultures that are well known through out the world. There are many differences between the United States and China, but there are many contributing factors that shape the cultures of these two countries. Language is universal, but there are different meanings and sounds, which vary from one culture to another. In China citizens speak many languages, but about 94% speak the Chinese language. The difference in dialects was overcome by the written word and eventually a version of Mandrin became the â€Å"official speech† (The Cambridge Illustrated History of China, 1996,p.304). In America there are many ethnic groups with many varieties of language. The U.S. was created through many people from different countries migrating to the new states. In the U.S. there is an â€Å"official speech† which is the English language. The language of both these countries are not only different in meaning and sound, but also reflect the way in which the people in these societies live, believe, and function. Religion usually plays a big part in the cultures of the world and is the basis for their beliefs and values. In many countries religion is very important, so important that some cultures use it in every aspect of their lives. China l... ... World Wide Web: http://english.peopledaily.com. Chinatown-online is a wonderful site with an abundance of information about China. (http://www.chinatown-online.com). Henslin, J. M., (1999). Sociology A Down-to-Earth Approach (4th ed.). Massachusetts: Allyn and Bacon. Education for Children: (1999). Retrieved March 21, 2001, from the World Wide Web: http://chineseculture.about.com/culture/chineseculture/l†¦/blskids4.htm?terms=chinese+educatio Thinkquest Team, (1998) . Destiny, the Culture of China: http://library.thinkquest.org/20443/culture.html ICL Document, (1988) . ICL- China Constitution: Retrieved March27, 2001 from the World Wide Web: http://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/law/ch00000_.html American academy of Pediatrics (AAP), (1999). US Vital Statistics show Death Rates down, Birth Rates up: http://www.aapaorg/advocacy/archives/decvital.htm