Early in my time in China, I asked a coworker if she noticed anything Americans do that is strange. “You’re always fighting, even with your best friend.” she said. She had never seen me fight with my friend, so I was surprised, until I realized she was referring to a philosophical debate. Though passionate, my friend and I would hardly have considered it a fight. According to him, many Chinese wouldn’t tell their friend to “shut your mouth when you speak to me” or tell them, “your logic is so dumb — you don’t have object permanence”, which is opposed to social harmony.
Words are metaphors, serving to comprehend abstract ideas or beliefs. Each language possesses an inner logic, influencing how its speakers structure sentences and understand words. This uniqueness extends beyond mere vocabulary; it spreads to the system of expression, shaping thoughts and ideas. Regardless of how skilled one becomes at communicating, or how many dictionaries they’ve read, they can not guarantee that the listener understands them correctly.
Each language barrier exists within speakers of the same language. In 2013, I worked with a British man who had lived in China for a decade and spoke Chinese fluently. It took him about 10 years to fully understand the culture. Either I’m silly, or he was kidding me.
I can confidently say that after all this time, I’m even more confused than I was then...The concepts and ideas I learn about Chinese culture expand endlessly, and I suspect that will always be true. If I’m lucky, I’ll have another 30 years of life, less time than more intelligent men than I have spent studying culture.
Perhaps I’m not meant to understand China. There is acceptance and peace in that. With my foreign friends, I will joke and even tease them and with my Chinese friends, I will ask questions to avoid giving the impression I am fighting with them. I will embrace cross-cultural confusion and persist in understanding my Chinese friends, family, coworkers and neighbors, because that knowledge bears gifts of wisdom and joy. My life is better for it.
4. What impression does the author leave on his Chinese friend?
A.He specializes in debating. | B.He is kind of rude to friends. |
C.He argues with others much. | D.He is passionate about philosophy. |
5. What does the author stress about the language in Paragraph 2?
A.Its inner logic | B.Its significant complexity |
C.Its abstract origin | D.Its changing structure |
6. What makes the author more puzzled when living longer in China?
A.Profound Chinese culture | B.His British friend’s, experience |
C.Little time spent with family | D.Different understanding of humor |
7. Which is the author’s plan for future life?
A.He will take China as it is. | B.He will return to his motherland. |
C.He will be more serious in China. | D.He will persist in academic study. |