The Dance of Differences: Finding Harmony between China and Brazil | Li Xingxing | TEDxUFSM

Key Concepts

• Cultural Relativity: The idea that beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on their own cultural context, rather than being judged against the standards of another culture.
• Yin and Yang: A fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy representing opposing but complementary forces.
• Confucianism: A system of philosophical and ethical teachings emphasizing social harmony, respect for teachers, and traditional values.
• Cultural Bridge: The role of an individual in facilitating understanding and connection between different cultures.
• Hospitality & Family Values: Universal human values demonstrated differently across cultures.
• The Kaleidoscope Effect: The idea that the world is not about right or wrong, but a beautiful unity amidst differences.

The Journey from Student to Bridge: A Reflection on Cultural Exchange in Brazil

This presentation details Jessica’s personal journey as a Chinese teacher in Santa Maria, Brazil, and the profound cultural lessons she learned. It explores the initial motivations for her move, the surprising cultural differences encountered, and the ultimate realization of shared human values that transcend national boundaries.

I. The Seed of Curiosity & Initial Expectations

Jessica’s journey began with a simple act of courage as a university student in China. Hesitant to approach a British teacher for English practice, she overcame her fear by asking herself, “How do you know the answer is no if you never try?” This initial interaction sparked a desire to become a “window to the world” for others, mirroring the impact her teacher had on her.

Her understanding of Brazil prior to arrival was limited to “food, carnival,” a common perception in China. She anticipated teaching Chinese to a vibrant, athletic population, a stereotype fueled by Brazil’s global image. However, her students in Santa Maria proved to be just as culturally curious and, initially, just as confused by Portuguese as she was by the new environment.

II. The Culture of Daily Life: Unexpected Discoveries

The initial culture shock centered around seemingly simple aspects of daily life. Jessica’s search for hot water at São Paulo airport highlighted a significant cultural difference. In China, hot water (“re chá”) is not merely a beverage but a vital component of health and wellness, deeply rooted in Taoist and Buddhist philosophies of balancing yin and yang. It’s considered essential for digestion, circulation, and dispelling “coldness” from the body, and historically served as a purification method. The ubiquitous availability of hot water in China is a symbol of adulthood and a social norm.

The introduction to sparkling water (“gas”) was another surprise, representing the idea that even the smallest elements of daily life can hold unexpected cultural nuances.

III. Gestures, Time & Classroom Dynamics: Contrasting Approaches

Jessica observed significant differences in non-verbal communication. Brazilian greetings are characterized by warmth and physical touch (hugs, cheek kisses), a direct expression of emotion. In contrast, Chinese affection is often expressed through actions and providing care, such as preparing elaborate meals. She recounts her parents’ typical welcome – a focus on food and attentive listening – as a demonstration of love. (“Honey, try this meat dish before it gets cold.”)

The concept of time also differed significantly. While punctuality is highly valued in Chinese education, Santa Maria operates on a more relaxed schedule. A 7:30 class might begin at 7:40, and a 1:30 departure often means 2:00. This initially challenged Jessica’s structured sense of time, but she eventually learned to adapt and embrace the flexibility.

Classroom dynamics also presented a contrast. Brazilian classrooms prioritize student-led discussion and debate, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. This contrasts with the traditional Chinese model, rooted in Confucianism, where the teacher is viewed as a sage and authority figure, prioritizing collective harmony and respectful listening. Jessica emphasizes that neither approach is inherently superior, but rather represents different paths to learning.

IV. Beauty, Invitations & Shared Values: Bridging the Gap

Jessica noted a different definition of beauty in Brazil, characterized by confidence and self-acceptance regardless of body shape or size. This contrasted with the Chinese emphasis on slim figures and fair skin.

The concept of an invitation also held different weight. In China, inviting someone implies a significant responsibility for hosting and paying. In Brazil, an invitation is simply an opening for connection, with participants willing to share the responsibility. A friend’s response – “Come on, just invite. We’ll figure out the rest ourselves” – exemplified this difference.

Despite these differences, Jessica discovered powerful commonalities: the importance of family, hospitality, and a shared understanding despite language barriers. She recounts a student asking if Chinese children still live with their parents after 18, reflecting the strong value of filial piety (“while parents alive one must not travel far”) in Chinese culture. She found similar strong family bonds in Brazil, being welcomed into family gatherings.

Instances of kindness from strangers – a restaurant manager finding an English speaker, a supermarket employee offering assistance – demonstrated a universal language of generosity. A particularly poignant example involved a grammar point where her Brazilian students, despite being non-native English speakers, understood the concept while a native speaker was confused. This highlighted the power of a shared non-native perspective and the importance of intent over perfect grammar.

V. The Kaleidoscope & The Role of the Cultural Bridge

Jessica concludes by framing the world not as a checklist of right and wrong, but as a kaleidoscope – a beautiful unity amidst differences. She introduces the Chinese concept of hé (harmony), which doesn’t mean sameness, but rather finding balance and common ground while respecting distinctions.

She reflects on her transformation from a student looking out the window to becoming the window herself, fulfilling her earlier promise. She emphasizes that stepping outside one’s comfort zone allows for the recognition of shared human values that connect us all.

“I’m not just a Chinese teacher in Brazil. I have become a bridge.” – Jessica

Her ultimate goal is reciprocal cultural exchange: to share Chinese culture with the world while learning from other cultures in return, fostering a shared future for humanity.