The Chinese community is one of the largest in the United States. (MPI tabulation of 2021 ACS data)
In Chinatowns across America and beyond, a strong cultural emphasis on family and community has enabled Chinese residents to remain cohesive and resilient despite hostile conditions. Many have established local benevolent associations.
Origins
The Chinese have been one of the world’s most powerful and influential civilisations for two millennia. They have an incredible work ethic and a low profile, with a strong business acumen.
The Opium Wars in the mid-nineteenth century drove a wave of unskilled Chinese labourers into Western countries and their colonies. As a result, the first Chinatowns started to form in cities like San Francisco and America.
Against the backdrop of legal restrictions and racial discrimination, Chinatowns became self-sufficient communities that were known to both Chinese and non-Chinese residents as their own distinct urban areas. They were also hubs for Chinese cultural activities and entertainment, including gunfights that mirrored those staged in local tongs.
Language
Chinese is an analytic language that relies on syntax (word order and sentence structure), rather than inflectional morphology, to indicate the function of a word. Unlike many other languages, it does not have grammatical numbers or articles; words that mean the same thing are invariable within their range of meaning.
Most people know at least one dialect of Chinese. Those who are able to speak another foreign language can often help with translation.
Those who are attempting to do business with Chinese should try to use an intermediary that they can trust, and be formally introduced by someone known to both parties. The concept of ‘guanxi’ is very important and can play an important role in relationships and business dealings.
Customs
Having a strong sense of community is a central element in Chinese culture. Major decisions, such as choosing a career path, are often made on a group basis. Family members and relatives also play a prominent role in business, making for a highly collaborative culture.
In terms of public demeanour, it is common for Chinese people to speak loudly and carry out conversations in earshot of others. They are also less protective of personal space and will crowd into spaces that would otherwise be private in the West.
The concept of ‘guanxi’ – the principle that one should offer a favour to friends, family and, at times, colleagues if they are in need – plays an important role in interactions and relations. Breaking this bond can result in a loss of face or honour.
Religion
Religion was very important in traditional Chinese culture. Confucianism, Taoism and folk religions were intertwined, with a strong sense of filial piety permeating the belief system.
The State protects freedom of religious belief, but prohibits activities that violate public order or public interest. The Constitution, the Criminal Law, Administrative Law and the Labor Law have explicit stipulations on this matter.
Most Chinese believe in both Buddha and a bodhisattva, as well as fengshui, and these beliefs are not mutually exclusive. Consequently, it is difficult to make an accurate count of religious followers in China.
Food
Rice is a staple food for Chinese people. They also eat vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. They eat pork, chicken and tofu for protein. In some parts of China, people eat duck’s tongue and snakes as part of their diet.
When Chinese people move to foreign countries, they often bring their own food to eat in their new homes. They also eat at worksite canteens and restaurants. Some also bring their own lunch boxes from home.
Research on the determinants of food choice in Chinese populations is limited. Qualitative studies use semi-structured interviews as the main data collection method.
Marriage
The majority of Chinese families live as extended households, with grandparents and children living close to one another. For some immigrant couples, divorce is not an option because it will impact their legal status to stay in the United States.
Marriage in China is a family affair and it has long been influenced by Confucian principles. Despite the wholesale assault on Confucianism in the twentieth century, traditional principles continue to shape marriage and family.
Although it is becoming more common for young people to cohabit before getting married, many Chinese parents are against it and still expect their children to marry at the sanctioned ages of 22 for men and 20 for women.