Question

Look at a minimum of two cultures that differ from yours. Discuss the similarities and differences. Remember the stories we discussed in class (in your books) or look up on-line hint, Adam and Eve (can not use this one) other than to compare with! There are so many cultures in the world this should be interesting, fun, easy! I am from Saudi Arabia

Answer

Name of Student

Name of Professor

Health Care Paper

22 February 2015.

Contents

Introduction. 1

Saudi Culture versus Chinese Culture. 1

Saudi Culture versus American Culture. 2

Conclusion. 3

Works Cited. 4

Introduction

            Culture is a primary factor that people use to outline similarities and differences among various communities. However, an analysis of various cultures may give an indication of some similarities among them as well. The aim of this paper is to outline the similarities and differences between the Saudi Arab culture and Chinese culture. The paper also provides a similar comparison with regard to the Saudi Arab culture versus the American culture.

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Saudi Culture versus Chinese Culture

The Saudi culture is different from the Chinese culture in numerous ways. The main differences between these two cultures manifest themselves in greetings, religious beliefs, control over one’s life, and common courtesy. Saudi Arabs’ greetings are mainly religious in nature while those of Chinese are not. In terms of religion, Saudi Arabs are mostly Sunni Arabs although there also some Shiite Arabs as well. The school system is predominated by official Sunni educational practices. Saudi Arabs practice life based on the teachings of Islam. In contrast, China is a land of variable religious beliefs, with the main ones being Confucianism, ancestor-worshipping, and Buddhism (Aijmer 94).

            In the Saudi culture, control of one’s life is said to be in the hands of God, who ultimately controls one’s fate. In the rural Chinese culture, most people believe that one’s actions are guided by one’s ancestors. In urban China, most people, especially the educated, believe that everybody controls his life through his actions. Among Saudi Arabs, the best way of showing common courtesy is by greeting those whom one knows, standing up for newcomers, and shaking hands with men only. In China, common courtesy is normally expressed by respecting elders, greeting those whom one knows, and expressing variations in the way respect is expressed based on age and authority.

            On the other hand, both the Chinese and Saudi Arab cultures are similar in the way impoliteness is expressed. For example, it is considered a sign of disrespect in both cultures for a younger personal to remain seated while an elderly person is standing. Similarly, it is considered impolite for an individual continues interrupting when a person occupying a higher position in terms of social or organizational hierarchy is talking.

Saudi Culture versus American Culture

            A major difference between these two cultures is that Saudi culture is based on Islam while the American culture is based on Christianity. Other differences relate to conceptions of time, relations with women, as well as individualism and collectivism. Americans are stricter about time and schedules than Saudi Arabs. Moreover, Americans interact freely with women in public to the point of even exchanging greetings, hugs, winks, and pecks while Saudi Arabs abhor such interactions. Additionally, the American society promotes individualism while the Saudi culture promotes collectivism. Saudis are generally more enthusiastic about their extended family relations than Americans. On the other hand, these two cultures are similar in terms of common courtesy, ambition, self-control, patience, and compromise.

Conclusion

            The Saudi culture has its own unique elements that make it different from Chinese and American cultures. These differences manifest themselves through religious practices as well as social norms. For instance, the Saudi culture is founded on Islam while the Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by Confucianism, ancestor-worshipping, and Buddhism. As for the American culture, the main source of cultural influence is Christianity.

Works Cited

Aijmer, Göran. “Structural approach to Chinese ancestor worship.”Anthropologica, 10.4 (1968): 91-98.