tim orientalism
frequently asked questions
THEY'RE CALLED HIGH-CONTEXT CULTURES FOR A REASON.
The meaning is not explicit, but implicit. Let me explain.
The subject of a conversation isn’t confined to the sentece, but moves to the context. And the context is ambiguous. It’s double trouble.
Far from it! But because both Chinese and Japanese cultures are so opaque, I believe a 60% culture, 40% language approach is more effective than the other way around.
Instead of trying to answer that until we all reach old age, let me tell you the one thing they have in common: the Chinese characters, with no genealogical relations whatsoever.
It’s up to you, really. I even know someone who studied both (yes, that’s me). However, I strongly recommend you take them in order – and even if you go for just one – you set the right approach and expectations from the onset.
Good question. It’s Mandarin Chinese. I refer to this in more detail in the Chinese 101 workshop.
In addition to my education, which I described in the About TIM ORIENTALISM section, I am constantly reading and researching in English, Chinese and Japanese. I am not a know-it-all, but I’m definitely a full-time information junkie on topics that matter to me.
Yes, you can.
