CultureShock! Hong Kong

Betty Wei

Description

Despite the modern high-rise buildings, international brand names and many Caucasian faces, Hong Kong still retains much of its Asian character. Learn how fung shui influences the way of life and the importance of the concept of 'face', which affects interpersonal relationships and business transactions. Packed with practical tips and a comprehensive resource section, CultureShock! Hong Kong is all you will need to survive and succeed in this highly competitive society.

Sujets

• Hong Kong

Informations

• Publié par: MarshallCavendishM
• Date de parution: 01 août 2008
• Nombre de lectures: 3
• EAN13: 9789814435703
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

This edition published in 2008, reprinted 2011, by:
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
99 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591-9001
www.marshallcavendish.us
1995 Times Editions Pte Ltd
2001 Times Media Private Limited
2005, 2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Request for permission should be addressed to the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196. Tel: [phone], fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]
The publisher makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this book, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
Other Marshall Cavendish Offices:
Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited. 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196 Marshall Cavendish International. PO Box 65829, London EC1P 1NY, UK Marshall Cavendish International (Thailand) Co Ltd. 253 Asoke, 12th Flr, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Marshall Cavendish (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Times Subang, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Marshall Cavendish is a trademark of Times Publishing Limited
eISBN 13: 978 981 4435 70 3
Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalog number
Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd
Photo Credits:
All black and white photos by and from Betty Wei Liu except pages 11 , 25 (Builders Federal (HK) Limited; page 38 (Hong Kong Government); pages vii , 12 , 54 , 64 , 68 , 123 , 152 , 153 , 161 , 163 , 166 , 187 (Hong Kong Tourism Association, Singapore); pages 7 , 58 - 59 , 114 (AFP); pages 99 , 107 , 125 , 127 , 136 , 145 (both), 151 (both), 165 , 171 (Corel Stock Photo Library); pages 109 , 202 - 203 (Lonely Planet Images). Colour photos from Getty Images pages b, c, f-g, j-k; Photolibrary pages a, d-e, h, i, l-m, n-o, p Cover photo: Photolibrary
All illustrations by TRIGG
ABOUT THE SERIES
Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from one s comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.
Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.
Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the people-where they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.
Then on with the practical aspects-how to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But that s not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.
To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.
CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Map of Hong Kong
Chapter 1
First Impressions
The Need to Rush
A Place of DiversitY, which is not China
Beautiful Mountains and Water
A Place of Extremes
Architects and Architecture
Crowds
Moving Opulence
Smell
Noise
Conclusion
Chapter 2
Overview of Land and History
Early History of Hong Kong
The Canton System and the Opium War
The Choice of Hong Kong
Hong Kong in the 19th Century
20th Century Hong Kong
Return of Hong Kong to Chinese Rule
Chapter 3
People
The Hong Kong Identity
The Non-Chinese Population of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Chinese
The Main Religions of Hong Kong
Other Religions
The Importance of Education
Traditions and Superstitions
Fungshui
Lucky Symbols and Numbers
Getting Ready for Life in Hong Kong
Three Phases of Change
Five Stages of Adjustment
Hong Kong Values and Beliefs
Hierarchical Nature of Personal Relationships
Willingness to Take Risks
A Masculine and Competitive Society
Conclusion
Chapter 4
Fitting Into Society
How do the Chinese See Themselves
The Northern Cousins with Degrees from North America and Europe
Expatriates
The Expat Spouse
The Individual Without A Label
The Working Wife and the Filipina Maid
The Masses of Hong Kong
The Middle Class
Socialising
Invitations from the Locals
Hong Kong Weddings
Hong Kong Funerals
Alternative Lifestyles
Conslusion
Chapter 5
Settling In
FInding a Place to Live
The Hong Kong Schools
Telecommunications
Publishing and Printing
Radio and Television
Cinema and Video/DVD/VCD
Copyright Laws and Piracy
Transport
Finances
Conclusion
Chapter 6
Food Entertaining
Eating Out
Haute Cuisine to Fast Food, Western Style
Chinese Restaurants
Eating with Chopsticks
The Etiquette of Restaurant Dining, Family Style
The Etiquette of Being Entertained in a Private Room
The Feast Menu
The Teahouse: a Hong Kong Tradition
The Great Chefs of Hong Kong
Conclusion
Chapter 7
Leisure Activities
Shopping in Hong Kong
Cash, Credit Cards and Discounts
Public Holidays in Hong Kong
Chinese Festivals
Christmas in Hong Kong
Keeping busy in Hong Kong
The Performing Arts in Hong Kong
Gambling
Learning Chinese
Other Hobbies to Pick Up in Hong Kong
Easy Travel to Neighbouring Countries
Macau
Shenzhen
China and other Asian Countries
Disney
Conclusion
Chapter 8
Learning the Language
Languages and Signs
Speaking Cantonese in Hong Kong
Getting Around
Conclusion
Chapter 9
Working in the Country
The Office Hierarchy
The Executive Secretary
The Etiquette of the Name Card
Chapter 10
Fast Facts
Hong Kong at a Glance
Milestones
Hospitals and Healthcare
Acronyms
Famous People

Culture Quiz
Do s and Don ts
Glossary
Resource Guide
Further Reading
About the Authors
Index
FOREWORD
A decade after the British departure, Hong Kong has remained full of surprises, paradoxes and contradictions. Some are so obvious, so much a matter of routine or usually so well hidden that no one notices them.
THE BELLS OF NINE QUEEN S ROAD, CENTRAL
Twelve one-metre high figures of civilians and warriors in classical Chinese dress, each carrying a traditional Chinese Zodiac animal, ride on a carousel in a Western-style clock tower at Nine Queen s Road, above the bustling business district in Central. These figures, rotating on individual axles, come out of their nest several times a day to parade in formation forwards, backwards and outwards. They move their arms, nod their heads, and bow to the pedestrian and vehicular traffice, in time to the computer-operated music of 25 bells.
Whereas the appearance of the figurines is undoubtedly Chinese, the clock tower is derived from the western tradition, as is the carillon of bronze bells with its span of two octaves. They were cast in the Netherlands, at the Royal Bellfoundry Petit en Fritsen, which has been producing bells since the middle of the 17th century. This quaint performance, so unexpected in 21st century Hong Kong, is all but drowned by city noises and is totally ignored by most passers-by. Nevertheless, it is appreciated by discerning individuals who stop to look and listen. At least one pedestrian is tempted to risk her reputation for sanity, by returning the salute whenever she happens to be near when the bells chime.
The figurines and carillon in the clock tower illustrate how whimsically Hong Kong has adopted the traditions of China and the West. Not all aspects of this multicultural mix in Hong Kong blend so smoothly, however; nor is the blend always so palatable.
Do not expect Hong Kong to be totally changed since 1997 just because it is no longer under British rule. Now that a decade has passed, the Hong Kong people have returned to the business of making money. Nor should you worry about the future of Hong Kong lest it be swallowed by the giant monolith of which it has become one. With the eyes of the world on Hong Kong, China will not be able to compromise its pledge on Hong Kong: one country, two systems-until the year 2047, at least, but it does not mean that Beijing does not choose to flex its muscles from time to time.

EVER-CHANGING HONG KONG
Do not let street and shop signs in Roman letters delude you into believing that everything is just like home . However well-prepared you are on arrival, cultural misunderstandings lie in wait for you. As a newcomer to the community, it is you who will have to adjust to the native culture, and the culture in Hong Kong is complex indeed. Be