| Passage 9 Another cultural difference has to do with the much greater emphasis that Chinese people have traditionally placed on {{U}}(1) {{/U}}, on form (as distant from content), and on being polite. Americans, in contrast, in their daily interaction, do not often talk or think about {{U}}(2) {{/U}} face, gaining face, or giving face. Americans are concerned about reputations and they do think about "looking good" and making others "looking good." {{U}}(3) {{/U}}, in daily interaction they tend to focus more on the substance (content) of the interaction and not on whether or not a particular action will result in someone losing or gaining face. Such issues as {{U}}(4) {{/U}} status, which are important in Chinese {{U}}(5) {{/U}} of face, are less important to American and less likely to enter their minds when thinking aboutsubstantive matters. Similarly, Americans are not so concerned about form. {{U}}(6) {{/U}} their great emphasis on diversity, Americans expect that people will interact in a great {{U}}(7) {{/U}} of ways; they want to be treated courteously, {{U}}(8) {{/U}} they have never had such firmly accepted codes or "rules" for "right behavior," (or standard or proper behavior) as has been customary in China. Americans appreciate people who are {{U}}(9) {{/U}}, but they also have different expectations {{U}}(10) {{/U}} politeness than have been typical in China. For Americans, especially in a medical or academic setting, politeness alone is not enough. Even on a first meeting, Americans seek substance. |