On the Differences Between Chinese and Western Cultures From the Perspective of Cultural Dimension Theory

Abstract

With the advancement of technology and the societies, cross-cultural communication among diverse cultures has become increasingly frequent, which promotes the mutual learning of different cultures. Meanwhile, the cross-cultural misunderstandings and conflicts caused by cultural differences will continue to increase, resulting in cultural barriers. Hence, there is a growing sense of urgency that we need to enhance our understandings of people among different cultures and ethnic backgrounds which is conducive to eliminating cultural misconceptions. This study focuses upon the cultural differences in social hierarchy, interpersonal relationship, human-nature relationship as well as sense of time between China and the West from the perspective of Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory, whose aim is to trace back to the roots of cultural differences, thus eliminating cultural misunderstandings to a certain extent and facilitating cultural exchanges between China and the West.