Chloe Knuth Chinese Club Fall 2015 - Spring 2017 Chinese Culture
Explain where you went, what you saw or what you experienced. When I started taking Mandarin Chinese at Notre Dame Academy, I also joined the Chinese Club. This club organizes activities which focus on cultural activities, a Chinese contest at Webster University each April, and time to increase one’s capability in speaking Chinese. I have been a member of this club for two years. Over these two years, I have celebrated the Chinese New Year, practiced calligraphy, eaten traditional chinese food, competed in ping pong tournaments, participated in tea ceremonies, and played traditional chinese games. I love being involved in this club and I have a ton of fun each time I participate in an activity.
What did you learn about the country/religion/culture you experienced? I learned that China’s culture is deeply rooted in tradition and that there’s varying aspects associated with Chinese culture. I’ve learned how to make traditional chinese food from scratch, how to write calligraphy, and the rules of traditional chinese games. I know how a chinese tea ceremony consists of and that chinese people love to play ping pong. I learned that many chinese people are super competitive and are very conservative.
How did this activity broaden or deepen your understanding of the world? Chinese club has enhanced my comprehension of China’s culture and in doing so, has widened my views on the world. The club have organized diverse activities in which I am learning more and more about this culture. It has been a great way to further my knowledge of China’s culture and I hope to join other culture clubs in the future.
How is this culture the same or different from your own? There are many differences between American and Chinese culture. American culture does not include traditional tea ceremonies nor does it involve calligraphy. Chinese food is very different than American food because it tends to consist of multiple spices rather than just one. American clothing and chinese clothing differ also. A common chinese dress would be cheongsams and Americans do not have traditional clothing. Both cultures have their own aspects and are acutely dissimilar from each other.