Having lived in both China and Germany, Yang Liu has seen the best -- and worst -- of both worlds.
In a series of infographic illustrations that highlight the differences and seeming dichotomy between the two cultures, Yang Liu compares the outlook on various facets of life between the east and the west. For one, her infographic shows that those living in the east seem to live a dependent coexistence, while those in the west are more independent. Perhaps because of this, the "size of the individual's ego" in the west is larger than it is in the east.
While the "ideal of beauty" in both cultures is the same, other lifestyle cultures, such as our attitudes towards punctuality (right on time in the west; plus or minus 15 minutes in the east), how to interact at a party (in small groups as opposed to one large homogenous group) vary. A hilarious stereotype of how the Chinese and Germans perceive each other seem to reinforce heavy stereotypes of each -- the Germans viewing the Chinese as long-bearded tea drinkers, while the Chinese viewing the Germans as mustached sausage consuming beer drinkers.
Cultural Polarity Infographics
Yang Liu's Infographic Shows the Dichotomy Between East and West
Trend Themes
1. Cultural Dichotomies - Cultural dichotomy infographics, such as Yang Liu's, can provide businesses with insights into unexpected cultural differences.
2. Cultural Sensitivity - Building cultural sensitivity into business operations can help companies navigate the ever-expanding global market more effectively.
3. Cultural Intelligence - Developing cultural intelligence can help businesses create better relationships with international partners and clients.
Industry Implications
1. International Business - Understanding cultural dichotomies can inform business practices in international settings, such as adapting marketing campaigns or adjusting business etiquette.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - The tourism and hospitality industries can benefit from cultural sensitivity training and incorporating cultural nuances into menus, decor, and experiences to better meet the needs of diverse global clientele.
3. Language and Cross-cultural Training - Language and cross-cultural training can help businesses develop cultural intelligence and prepare for interactions with clients, employees, and partners from different cultures.