听力参考原文-What-is-china.doc

What is china?The peoples Republic of china, commonly known as china ,is located in east Asia and borders 14 nations, more than any other county in the world. Its the most populated state in the world with a 1.3billion citizens while the worlds population is 6.8billion, that means out of every 5people in the world, one is Chinese.Chinas made of 56 distinct ethnic groups with HAN Chinese making the 92% of its whole population. China is a single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China, whose power is enshrined in Chinese constitution. Though China is officially an atheist(无神论) country, its religious roots lie within Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, and from these most social moral values are derived. There are also a significant number of Chinese Muslims who arrived through the silk trade road and still retained their distinct culture.HISTORYChina is one of the world oldest civilizations dating back more than 5million years and was ruled by successive dynasties until 1912, during these time, many great discoveries in fields of science and technology were made including inventions of printing, paper, gun powder and compass. This period also saw the construction of many landmarks such as the great wall which stretches over 4000 miles, equals to 30 return travels from London to Paris. After a period of foreign occupation and civil war (在抗战和内战结束后)the Communist Party of China led by Mao gained the control of mainland China in 1949 and established Peoples Republic of China. The modern China of today is as much shaped by its past as it rapidly end many old ways and look into the future while many of its big cities are comparable to any of the west, the underlying culture is still vastly different, traveling outside the large urban areas also highlights the growing disparity between rich and poor.LANGUAGEChinese is the most widely spoken language in the world as well as one of the most unintelligible(最难懂的) for foreigners. There are many regional dialects of Chinese although the most widely spoken is Mandarin and Cantonese. Chinese characters evolved over time from earlier forms of hieroglyphs(象形文字). Chinese contains over 40000characters, but well educated can recognize around 6000 characters, some 3000 are required to read newspaper.CHINESE CALENDARChinese zodiac scheme relates each year to an animal. This is the year of the rabbit. Chinese New Year is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Windows and doors will be decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of happiness, wealth and longevity. On the Eve of Chinese New Year supper is a feast to families. The family will end the night with firecrackers(鞭炮). In the next morning , children will meet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy New Year and receive money in red paper envelopes(红包).Chinese people love red color which symbolizes prosperity and good luck. The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration. And between 150 and 200 million migrant workers in China, bring home their earnings and go to have union dinner with their families on Chinese New Years Eve.YOUTHMost married couples in china are subjected to one child policy which is introduced in 1979 the curb massive population growth. It is believed have prevented more than 300million births since then. Another consequence of the policy has been the emergence of so called” little emperors” a generation of self-centered consumers has developed. While Chinese education system has rapidly developed there remains a heavy emphasis on passing exams, the option of this is that exam-dictated curriculum(课程学习都是以考试为中心). While Chinese students can master and memorize incredible amounts of knowledge and information, they often lack the ability to critically think, develop their own opinions, and engage in creative activities. Due to the preference of sons over daughters, China is facing a large population imbalance with currently around 120 boys for every 100 girls. By 2020 there will be 30moliion more men than women.ECONOMYSince the economic opening-up and reform policy began in 1978, Chinese economy has grown 90 times bigger and is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Chinas annual average GDP growth is predicted to be 9.5 percent for the period of 2011to 2015.It is the worlds largest exporter and the second largest importer of goods. It is also known as the worlds second biggest consumer of luxury goods. It now has the worlds largest GDP at about 6 trillion US dollars, 40 percent of the United States. Although its per capita income of 4300 US dollar is still low and post China behind roughly a hundred countries(排名一百位开外).Chinas growth is a bit uneven comparing different geographic regions and rural and urban areas. Development is also made mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal regions while the remainders of this country are left behind. In the past decade, Chinas cities expanded at an average rate of 10 percent annually-a scale unprecedented in human history. China is a country crazy for skyscrapers to show its economic booming. More than 200 skyscrapers are being built now. In next 3years,there will be one skyscrapers completed every five days in China which will make the total 800 in 5 years time, 4 times as many in the States. China is the worlds factory, one out of every three household appliance, three toys, two pairs of shoes, two shirts are made in China. It has now become the worlds largest energy consumer but relies on coal to supply about 70 percent of energy needs. Leading Chinese environmental campaigners have warned that water pollution is one the most serious threats facing China now. Yet with 34.6billion US dollars invested in clean technology in 2009, China is the world leading investor in renewable energy technologies. China produces more wind turbos and solar panels each year than any other country in the world .FOODIn such a large and ethnically diverse country, each region has its own local specialties which the Chinese are often keen to try and introduce to others. Generally you will find hot and spicy in the western and central china and cooler food in the south and north. A Chinese dining table is usually round allowing everyone to engage equally in conversation. It will be set with empty bowls, plates, and chopsticks for each person, food dishes are placed into the centre of the table to be shared between everyone. Dont be put off if you see people spitting bones and seeds onto the plate, this is perfectly normal, contrary to what you might find in your local China town. Chinese food is generally healthy and often beautifully presented; texture flavor color and aroma are key considerations for all Chinese cooks even above nutritious contents. Chinese dining is about showing respect and hospitality for the guests and is often used as an extension of the boardroom. Heavy drinking is often a part of doing business and it is expected that you will keep up with others, if you do not want to drink alcohol, make it clear before you start.Core conceptsFACE 面子The concept of face can be loosely described as someone social status or reputation in the eyes of others, throughout a Chinese persons life it must be maintained and enhanced through giving to and receiving from others in both words and actions(中国的人一生都必须用语言和行动相互维护和提升面子)，it may be something as small as who can get in the lift first to the awarding of multi-million dollar contracts(可以小到谁先乘电梯，也可以达到百万美元合同的授予). But without it you will have very little power or influence, to make someone lose face or even unknowingly (即使无意中让别人没面子)，is a huge dishonor and could mean the end of a relationship.CONNECTIONS 关系GAUNXI literally means “connections” or “relationship” that essentially boils down to exchange of favors: you scratch my back I will scratch yours”(关系本质上就是个人利益的联系，你给我挠痒痒，我也帮你挠痒痒)。It can loosely be compared to the idea of network in the west(跟西方社会的人际关系网络类似)。But it usually goes much further in terms of developing and nurturing the relationship through social exchanges and favors which must be repaid at greater value at a time. Relationship between families, friends and business associates are often closely interwoven(关系紧密交织)。In such an environment, issues of corruption are not uncommon when GUANXI application takes precedence over normal rules or laws.DOCTRINE OF THE MEAN中庸Known as the DOCTRINE OF THE MEAN or golden mean this concept involves balanced position among the group to maintain conformity and a sense of harmony(中庸之道是指某人保持跟群体一致与和谐). To do this while still achieving ones personal objectives is considered by the Chinese people the ideal way of living. This can be applied to the workplace where one should behave in a way which seems to be neither ambitious nor lazy at the same time. Chinese people never openly criticize, ignore or make fun of a person in front of others even joke them. When discussing individual performances, they always emphasize good points before bad ones.DIFFERENCES差异Chinese may ask you personal questions or make observation about your age ,income ,religion or appearance, dont take it personally; likewise Chinese rarely say please or thank you ,as this is seen as unnecessary formality between friends or family. In a Chinese meeting, often the m