Joanne Lee-Young, Vancouver Sun

Published: Monday, March 17, 2008

For example, "China is a crowded place. Because of the population, the idea of personal space just does not exist, so this is a big lesson."

As a general rule of thumb, he has taught this audience: "When you speak face-to-face, the acceptable distance from someone is arm's length. When you stand in line-up at a bank or supermarket, it's elbow's length. And, if you are waiting for the bus or the SkyTrain, well, it's fist's length. You don't want to get closer than that."

Not many people have what it takes to see two societies from inside and out the way Dong does.

"That's why I find the translation work and doing the television show very rewarding," he said.

When the twain meet

Wintranslation.com CEO Huiping Iler has this advice for B.C. business people and travellers headed to China: "It is vastly different from the West. Not just in its language, but also in its people's way of thinking, behaving and communicating." Here are some examples of what befuddles people in China when they meet Westerners: Why do you mean, "I am not getting to the point?"

People in the West speak and write by stating the most important facts first. But in China, it is common to think the other way around: "My son is sick and cannot go to daycare today. I tried to find a babysitter, but everybody is booked. Even my in-laws but they are not feeling well. So, I have no choice, but to stay home. Is it all right if I have today off?"

Father knows best!

"Not without my permission" is an important concept in Western cultures, because it shows respect for individual choices. In China, decisions are often made for underlings without their input. For example, a Chinese automotive product supplier makes changes to a very established product in North America without asking his customer's permission. Later, he tells the client that he thought he would appreciate the change because it was clearly an improvement. However, the client is livid because he did not authorize the change.

Why can't I ask how much money you make?

People from Western cultures have a very strong sense of what is private versus what is not. For example, how much money one makes is considered highly private. However, these questions are very common in China! Don't be surprised if you are bluntly asked personal questions such as whether you are married or dating.

I don't do hugs -- don't touch me!

Westerners appear to have few cultural taboos about hugging or kissing in public. In contrast, Chinese adults do not hug or kiss each other often, especially in public.

Why do I have to thank you for every little thing?

In the West, it is polite and even expected for one to thank others for favours large or small. But in China, if the relationship is very close, such as between family members or close friends and colleagues, saying thank you for everything is viewed as a way to distance oneself from the group.

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