China has an interesting dichotomy when it comes to time. At times life is nonstop and moves at a dizzying pace, but occasionally life slows down and time no longer matters during moments of bliss. I have found the Chinese concept of time in their speech and everyday sayings. For example, “I’ll be there soon” “我马上来 (wo ma shang lai),” literally means “I am coming on my horse.” I like this saying because it has ancient influence and also transitions to the English saying, “Get on your horse!” as in “Hurry up!” In addition, the commonly asked question is “Do you have time” “你有时间吗(ni you shi jian ma)?” Time is truly of the essence in China and people’s days move so fast from their home to their long commutes to their jobs that having time is as valuable as gold. Free time (空儿 (kong er)) literally means empty space. This empty space is filled with three hour long dinners with friends and just relaxing, drinking tea, and smoking. The concept of family still prevails in China no matter what has been happening with government laws like the One Child Policy, relationships are still the most important thing in Chinese culture. It is important to note, however, that China, being so huge, has different cultures.
Diverse places in China have their own concepts of time. For example, when I traveled to Yunan there was a very Southern feel to their lives. What I mean is that in America’s south, in states such as the Carolinas, Georgia, and Mississippi, life seems to move at a slower pace than those bustling down Wall Street. Beijing is the center of urbanization and government in China so you can imagine the pace of life being quick for its inhabitants, but those in Yunan did not seem to have much care for schedules. The weather was nicer, the shops did not have open and closing times on the doors, and the people just enjoyed each others’ company. It was interesting traveling to such a place and walking into a gelatin where life moved much slower.
A personal story I have about time is the differences that my Chinese roommate and I have when it comes to managing our days. Like every midshipman, I am a fairly regimented creature. The day does not feel worthwhile if I am not completing tasks and following a schedule. My roommate, however, takes a much more relaxed approach to his days and just goes with the flow, if you will. When our differences clash is when we go to his house for dinner. The occasional dinners at my roommate’s house turn into 6 pm until 12 pm adventures of eating, drinking, more eating, and more drinking. I get annoyed because most of the time we eat at his house it is a weeknight and I have to do homework, but I am starting to see what is really important and that is having relationships. This is where the Chinese concept of time has influenced me the most. I used to be much more tightly wound, but now that I see the way the Chinese handle time when it comes to having fun with family and friends I have changed for the better.
The less pleasant side of the Chinese concept of time is when it moves at the speed of light. During rush hour and in transportation areas, Chinese culture makes a grim turn to a “me first” mentality. No longer do I see the courtesy and politeness at family tables, but instead I see people pushing ahead to get where they need to go. I cannot say that we do not do this in America as well, but it is such juxtaposition from the peace and harmony I enjoy during long dinners. Subways are crowded with people packing into cars like sardines, streets are busy with speeding cars disobeying traffic laws, and sidewalks are used for bikes and rickshaws as well so you better watch out!
Looking at time from an objective perspective I believe that the dichotomy I spoke of reflects two cultures: a new and developing one and reverence to an ancient one. The speed and importance of time is a reflection of Westernization and China’s modernization. It is almost a necessity that their lives move at this speedy pace because China herself is moving at an incredible pace (Towards what? I do not know). The total disregard for time, however, shows the essence of Confucian values for family that have existed for thousands of years. The balance provided by slowing things down keeps China sane, but it is hard to say if the dizzying pace at which China is moving will ever slow down.
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Jordan J. Foley傅力波
Diverse places in China have their own concepts of time. For example, when I traveled to Yunan there was a very Southern feel to their lives. What I mean is that in America’s south, in states such as the Carolinas, Georgia, and Mississippi, life seems to move at a slower pace than those bustling down Wall Street. Beijing is the center of urbanization and government in China so you can imagine the pace of life being quick for its inhabitants, but those in Yunan did not seem to have much care for schedules. The weather was nicer, the shops did not have open and closing times on the doors, and the people just enjoyed each others’ company. It was interesting traveling to such a place and walking into a gelatin where life moved much slower.
A personal story I have about time is the differences that my Chinese roommate and I have when it comes to managing our days. Like every midshipman, I am a fairly regimented creature. The day does not feel worthwhile if I am not completing tasks and following a schedule. My roommate, however, takes a much more relaxed approach to his days and just goes with the flow, if you will. When our differences clash is when we go to his house for dinner. The occasional dinners at my roommate’s house turn into 6 pm until 12 pm adventures of eating, drinking, more eating, and more drinking. I get annoyed because most of the time we eat at his house it is a weeknight and I have to do homework, but I am starting to see what is really important and that is having relationships. This is where the Chinese concept of time has influenced me the most. I used to be much more tightly wound, but now that I see the way the Chinese handle time when it comes to having fun with family and friends I have changed for the better.
The less pleasant side of the Chinese concept of time is when it moves at the speed of light. During rush hour and in transportation areas, Chinese culture makes a grim turn to a “me first” mentality. No longer do I see the courtesy and politeness at family tables, but instead I see people pushing ahead to get where they need to go. I cannot say that we do not do this in America as well, but it is such juxtaposition from the peace and harmony I enjoy during long dinners. Subways are crowded with people packing into cars like sardines, streets are busy with speeding cars disobeying traffic laws, and sidewalks are used for bikes and rickshaws as well so you better watch out!
Looking at time from an objective perspective I believe that the dichotomy I spoke of reflects two cultures: a new and developing one and reverence to an ancient one. The speed and importance of time is a reflection of Westernization and China’s modernization. It is almost a necessity that their lives move at this speedy pace because China herself is moving at an incredible pace (Towards what? I do not know). The total disregard for time, however, shows the essence of Confucian values for family that have existed for thousands of years. The balance provided by slowing things down keeps China sane, but it is hard to say if the dizzying pace at which China is moving will ever slow down.
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Jordan J. Foley傅力波
I'm glad to hear about this new lax attitude of yours. I'll remember the next time you're over for dinner :)
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