Chinese communication characteristics: A Yin Yang perspective

• Published in: International journal of intercultural relations Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 320 - 333
• Main Authors: Fang, Tony, Faure, Guy Olivier
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Brunswick Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2011; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Chinese communication; Chinese culture; Chinesecommunication; Communication; Cross-cultural; Cultural Values; Interpersonal Communication; Paradox; Peoples Republic of China; Philosophy; Studies; Yin Yang; China; Cross-cultural; Paradox; Chinese communication; Yin Yang
• ISSN: 0147-1767; 1873-7552; 1873-7552
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.06.005

Research on Chinese communication has so far focused on the understanding of the impact of traditional Confucian cultural values on Chinese communication characteristics. While this Confucian-oriented Chinese communication style remains meaningful and in many situations powerful in Chinese society and in communication between Chinese and western professionals, the paradox inherent in Chinese culture and communication has rarely been researched. Moreover, China's three decades of rapid economic progress and unprecedented interactions with the rest of the world have contributed to an emergent Chinese communication style, which differs from the traditional one. Based on the philosophical principle of Yin Yang, this paper provides a framework to capture the paradox and change of Chinese communication characteristics in today's changing Chinese society. Implications for how to communicate effectively with the Chinese from practitioners’ point of view are also discussed.