Misconceptions and Stereotypes

zhanglihua
 June 28, 2008, 05:32 PM posted in General Discussion

Yesterday, I gave my Intermediate English students the following task: Reflect on Western Culture - traditions and stereotypes.

I'd would like to read your opinions about an equivalent topic: Chinese culture.

So, I'm curious: What misconceptions did you have before you were proven wrong (either by e.g. natives or a visit to 中国)? Which stereotypes of China are common (in your country)? What is "typically Chinese" from a Western point of view?

If there is anything you'd rather not post publically, you can send me an email to jasminzhang(at)ymail(dian)com

I am looking forward to reading your ideas! ;-)

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zhanglihua
 June 28, 2008, 05:39 PM

On a related issue: Is "Emmanuel" a popular first name and "Goldfarb" a common  family name in Germany? One of the businessmen whom I teach Chinese is called this way and I don't want to ask him about the meaning lest he thinks I am ridiculing him. Butchering his name is bad enough, the pronuciation simply gives me the creeps. ;-)

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hanyuxuesheng
 June 28, 2008, 09:22 PM

Is "Emmanuel" a popular first name in Germany?

No. See Wikipedia for more explanations.

Is "Goldfarb" a common family name in Germany?

No. See this website for more explanations.

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hanyuxuesheng
 June 28, 2008, 09:34 PM

Some stereotypes are published by artist Yang Liu.

Source

Click on the small blue(west)-red(China) pictograms!