Upon my arrival in China, I was immediately struck by the unique and intriguing aspects of the culture. As a first-time visitor, I found myself oscillating between admiration and confusion while observing the customs and habits of the Chinese people. Much like any other newcomer, I encountered unexpected moments that made me realize the significant differences in our lifestyles – like witnessing a schoolgirl with a pig in her rucksack while waiting at a traffic signal.
Over time, it’s natural for some expats to decide that China isn’t for them due to the spitting, smog, staring, and toilets. However, I believe that persevering and taking the time to understand the quirks and idiosyncrasies of Chinese life can be a rewarding experience. With that in mind, I aim to address some commonly asked questions about the reasons behind certain Chinese behaviors.
Why Do Chinese People Spit?
Efforts to Control Spitting Habits in China
One of the first things visitors to China might notice is the frequency of spitting in public, particularly among older individuals or middle-aged men. This behavior can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as high pollution levels in some cities and high smoking rates among men.
Some theories suggest that the tendency to spit in public is related to traditional Chinese medicine, which encourages expelling excess fluids to balance the body. However, most individuals who engage in this behavior have a straightforward rationale: it’s better to expel unpleasant substances from their bodies than to keep them inside.
In response to this prevalent behavior, various Chinese cities have implemented measures to discourage public spitting, particularly in communal spaces like subway stations. A notable example occurred before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when the city encouraged locals to adopt more hygienic habits to present a more “civilized” appearance to the international community. Such efforts included posting signs promoting good behavior, imposing fines for repeated spitting offenses, and distributing special “spit bags” for public use.
In Kunming, located in southwest China, a repeating loudspeaker message at subway stations reminds passengers of four things they should avoid doing on the train: eating, drinking, littering, and spitting. The subway in Kunming is notably clean, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing the issue of spitting.
To summarize, spitting in public remains a common practice in China, rooted in both cultural beliefs and environmental factors. However, government and local authorities are actively working to discourage this behavior and promote more hygienic habits among their citizens.
Why do Chinese people use squat toilets?
I believe that hygiene is a significant reason why squat toilets are prevalent in China. When using a Western-style toilet, one’s buttocks come into direct contact with the same surface that others have touched. Additionally, hands can also come into contact with the seat. Squat toilets don’t have this issue, as there is no seat to touch. Hence, the risk of germ transmission is minimized.
Moreover, squat toilets have practical advantages. They are quicker and easier to clean, with fewer moving parts that could wear out or need replacing. Besides efficiency, they are also more cost-effective to purchase and install.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the belief that using a squat toilet can lead to a more thorough evacuation compared to a Western-style toilet. While discussing such a topic might involve delving into intestinal diagrams, one thing is certain: squat toilets encourage users to finish their business more quickly, as they are not designed for lingering or getting too comfortable. This aspect can help people carry on with their day more swiftly.
Additionally, it is essential to always have tissues handy when using squat toilets, especially when venturing outside your hotel, which will likely have a Western toilet for your convenience.
Why do Chinese people dislike the number four?
In Chinese culture, the number four carries a negative connotation due to its pronunciation, which closely resembles the word for “death.” While native speakers can clearly differentiate between the two words, the similarity is enough to make the number four unfavorable in various aspects of life.
For instance, it is advised not to offer gifts in sets of four, as this could be interpreted as a bad omen. Additionally, phone numbers and vehicle registration plates containing multiple fours are avoided, as people believe this could invite misfortune.
This aversion towards the number four, known as tetraphobia, is comparable to the dislike for the number 13 in Western cultures. In fact, some establishments catering to Chinese and Western clientele might not have a fourth, thirteenth, or fourteenth floor to accommodate both superstitions.
To better understand Chinese numerology, one must consider the positive and negative associations with various numbers. While avoiding the number four, the Chinese favor numbers such as eight and nine for their auspicious meanings. Knowing the cultural significance of these numbers can help foster a deeper appreciation for Chinese customs and beliefs.
Why Chinese Individuals Face Difficulty Grasping English Past Tense
As someone who has taught English in China, I encountered interesting observations related to how Chinese learners perceive verb tenses. Differentiating past, present, and future tenses poses a challenge for Mandarin speakers because their language doesn’t have explicit verb tenses like English does.
In the Chinese language, expressions for “the day after tomorrow” and “the day before yesterday” are represented by ‘hòutiān’ (后天) and ‘qiántiān’ (前天), which literally mean “the day behind” and “the day in front.” The concept of “next” and “previous” are also unlike English, as they correlate to “down” and “up” respectively in Chinese.
These linguistic complexities arise due to a fundamental disparity in the perception of time between English and Chinese. While English speakers visualize progress as moving forward and upward, Chinese speakers imagine it in the opposite direction. A fellow colleague of mine once provided an insight stating that since the future is unknown, it is perceived as being “behind” in Chinese, while the past can be recalled through memories and thus is seen as “in front” of the person. This mindset can be challenging for Chinese students while learning English past tense.
Why Chinese People Inspect Banknotes
When you first visit China, you may notice a peculiar habit of people examining banknotes whenever they receive them, especially the 100 yuan notes. This common practice stems from the fear of counterfeit money circulating in the country. While the exact number of fake notes is unknown, they can come in various denominations, not just high-value ones.
Upon receiving a 100 yuan note, shopkeepers or restaurant staff might scratch the edge, tilt the note under the light, or rub it against a white surface to ensure its authenticity. Bank employees and currency changers often have machines for this purpose as well.
As a foreigner in China, you should be cautious as counterfeit notes are more likely to be offloaded on unsuspecting tourists. It is not uncommon to hear stories of fellow travelers receiving fake money in change, and then struggling to spend it elsewhere.
There are different techniques for checking banknotes, such as feeling the embossed image of Mao Zedong’s shoulder on the note. Nevertheless, these methods often change as new editions of notes are released and counterfeiters adapt their techniques to keep up with security features.
It’s essential to understand that the Chinese aren’t implying you’re trying to pass off counterfeit money when they scrutinize the banknotes you hand them. It’s simply a force of habit due to the prevalence of counterfeits in the country. In fact, they’re just as apprehensive about receiving fake money as you are.
Given this issue, it’s no wonder that China is rapidly moving toward a cashless society. Mobile payment applications like WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming increasingly popular. Adopting these local payment apps can save both tourists and locals from the troubles associated with counterfeit banknotes.
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FAQ on Spitting in China and Other Unusual Things
Why is there frequent spitting in China?
It’s not that everyone spits all the time; however, many middle-aged and elderly Chinese, particularly in smaller cities, tend to do so more frequently.
What prompts spitting in public?
The act of spitting in public doesn’t carry any shame, as it is an age-old custom in China. However, societal norms are gradually shifting, and younger generations are less likely to spit. Anti-spitting signs can be seen in China, but some older individuals in smaller cities continue the practice, as old habits die hard.
Is spitting on the floor a common practice?
Spitting on public floors, including buses and train stations, as well as streets, does occur. However, it has become less common in larger cities and customs are evolving.
