Need to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture to have fruitful ties with China.    

 

By Shikha Pandey/Beijing Language and Culture University         

Beijing, February 24 -In this increasingly integrated world, there is a need to know other cultures to have better a understanding of the “other”.

The influence of the Chinese (Mandarin) language has grown significantly in the 21^st century in the current geopolitical landscape, reflecting China’s rising global stature.

As China emerges as an economic powerhouse, its language is becoming increasingly important in international trade, diplomacy, and global communications. With initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) fostering deeper economic ties across Asia, Africa, and Europe, Mandarin is being promoted as a lingua franca in many regions.

In the West, China’s growing political and economic clout has led to more universities offering Chinese language programs, and multinational companies are placing higher demands on bilingual professionals.

However, this influence also faces challenges. In some Western nations, there are concerns over China’s use of culture as a means of exerting political influence or shaping global narratives. Still, more or less, China’s cultural expansion is helping it carve out a more prominent place in the world, facilitating stronger partnerships, business deals, and diplomatic ties.

China’s Culture Diplomacy

China’s cultural influence is playing a significant role in strengthening its global presence and helping to create a more favorable international environment for its growth. As China’s geopolitical influence grows, so does its cultural impact, driven in part by the widespread adoption of Mandarin.

By promoting its culture along with the language (Chinese Mandarin), China is not just exporting goods or services but is also shaping perceptions and fostering soft power, which in turn enhances its diplomatic and economic influence.

The Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classroom, established globally to promote Chinese language and culture, are playing a vital role in spreading knowledge of Chinese traditions, philosophy, and history.

At the same time, China’s “soft power” initiatives, such as the promotion of Chinese tea culture, cuisine, and even traditional medicine, are influencing lifestyles and consumption habits in many parts of the world.

Besides, China’s efforts to share its cultural heritage help counterbalance Western narratives and portray the country as an attractive global partner, especially in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

This approach can make Chinese policies and initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seem more palatable, as cultural familiarity fosters trust and goodwill.

The growing global appreciation for Chinese arts and philosophy also enhances China’s position as a global leader, not just in economic or military terms, but in shaping the cultural conversation.

The intertwining of language and culture, facilitated by China’s rise, reflects a growing global awareness of China’s rich cultural heritage, but also highlights the complexities of navigating power dynamics in an increasingly interconnected world, thereby raising the question about the cultural influence of other countries worldwide and people’s understanding and approach towards it.

Cultural Illiteracy

Globally, cultural illiteracy is also prevalent, often resulting in stereotypes, xenophobia, and cultural appropriation. Addressing cultural illiteracy is especially important in a globalized world where multiculturalism is increasingly the norm. In today’s interconnected world, people from different cultural backgrounds frequently interact, yet many still fail to fully understand or respect cultural differences.

The lack of cultural awareness can hinder international cooperation, foster prejudice, and limit opportunities for mutual learning. Therefore, there is a need for encouraging intercultural communication among global citizens which is essential for fostering understanding and cooperation in today’s interconnected world.

As China’s cultural and economic influence expands, individuals with strong intercultural communication skills can thrive in diverse environments, whether in international companies, diplomatic circles, or educational exchanges.

Additionally, it can lead to richer cultural exchanges, promoting a more globalized sense of community where people share ideas and experiences across borders. This mutual understanding can be vital in solving global challenges like climate change, security, and public health, where cooperation between nations and cultures is essential.

Intercultural Communication and it’s impact

Intercultural communication in simple definition can be expressed as the way people from different cultures share information, ideas, and understand each other. It involves recognizing and respecting the differences in how people communicate, whether it’s through language, body language, or customs. Intercultural communication can help people in a number of ways such as it encourages empathy and respect by helping individuals understand cultural values, traditions, and perspectives that may be different from their own.

This can reduce stereotypes and biases, facilitating smoother diplomatic exchanges and international partnerships. In practical terms, it also leads to better collaboration in global business, as understanding the cultural nuances of negotiations, leadership styles, and workplace dynamics can drive more successful outcomes.

Improving intercultural communication in day to day life can break down barriers, allowing people to engage more effectively in global conversations. In short, strengthening intercultural communication is a vital tool for creating a more peaceful, cooperative, and understanding world, helping people navigate the complexities of an increasingly globalized and multipolar geopolitical environment.

India and the Intercultural Communication

In a culturally diverse country like India, cultural illiteracy can manifest in several ways, such as regional biases, religious intolerance, and misconceptions between different communities.

Despite the country’s rich heritage of coexistence, ignorance of other linguistic, religious, and social groups often leads to misunderstandings and tensions. In some cases, urban-rural divides or between different ethnic groups further exacerbate this issue, making it harder for people to appreciate the complexities of India’s cultural fabric.

As India plays a major role in the geopolitical landscape, its citizens need to be prepared to engage with people from different cultures, both within its borders and internationally. Understanding cultural nuances, communication styles, and values is vital for fostering better international relationships and for India’s role in global forums.

India can significantly contribute to strengthening intercultural communication globally through its rich cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and strategic geopolitical position.

India could be a major serving ground to promote intercultural communication studies globally provided the rich cultural background it already has. It is crucial to implementing intercultural communication studies in schools and universities in India for several reasons.

First, India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity—home to numerous languages, religions, and traditions—makes it an ideal setting for fostering understanding of intercultural dynamics. By teaching students how to navigate and respect cultural differences, educational institutions can help reduce prejudice and build a more inclusive society.

Additionally, as India becomes an increasingly globalized player in the world economy, the need for future professionals who can communicate effectively across cultures is growing. Whether in business, diplomacy, or technology, intercultural communication skills are essential for collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, particularly in industries with strong global ties.

By prioritizing intercultural education in schools, universities, and workplaces, both India and the world can foster a more inclusive, respectful, and harmonious society. Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity not only enriches personal experiences but also contributes to solving global challenges, such as climate change, peacebuilding, and international trade.

Shikha Pandey is a Ph.D scholar at the Beijing Language and Culture University

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