文化适应访谈笔记

Study Notes

Student Interview Notes - Cultural Adaptation

Cultural Background:
- Interviewee (Wf) is from Shandong, China, specifically Taishan.
- Interviewee (Yn) is from Shandong, China.
Time in Malaysia:
- Wf has been in Malaysia for approximately one and a half to two years.
- Yn has been in Malaysia for about one year.
- Wf initially found it difficult to adjust because of isolation, but later improved with social interactions.
- Yn found the lifestyle fairly adaptable.
Cost of Living:
- Wf believes the cost of living in Malaysia and China is comparable.
- Yn finds the cost of living in China higher.
Favorite Foods:
- Wf's favorites are Chinese food and stir-fries, and spicy soup.
- Yn enjoys homemade meals in addition to fast food, such as school noodles.
Unique Chinese Dietary Habits:
- Wf enjoys hot pot.
- Wf mentions eating steamed buns, as well as a type of pounded, milled rice.
- Yn mentions Shandong noodles and pancakes.
Preferred Aspects of China:
- Food, specifically hot pot.
- Wf mentions convenience in terms of transportation (subways, delivery services) as a positive aspect of China, whereas Yn finds Malaysian services in these areas less convenient.
Preferred Aspects of Malaysia:
- Wf prefers the more relaxed rules and freedom.
- Wf also mentions less pressure in terms of work/life balance in Malaysia.
- Yn prefers the less-stressed pace.
Cultural Differences:
- Wf found food to be different which has different effect on the stomach. The spicy food in China is different from Malaysia.
- Wf mentions respecting elders in China regarding social etiquette. The concept of doing things in a particular order exists, and elders are treated with more respect, e.g. when dining.
- Wf also mentions the concept of being overly regulated (in their eyes) in China, which is contrary to Malaysia.
- Yn feels that Malaysian culture is more accepting.
Cultural Adjustment:
- Wf feels that public transport is less convenient in Malaysia versus China.
- Wf mentions that road crossings in Malaysia are complicated.
- Yn finds some cultural attributes (e.g., staring from men from other countries) challenging.
- Yn mentions that they felt unsafe because of the gaze of certain people at work.
Education:
- Wf notes that Chinese education focuses on teacher-centered learning.
- Yn feels that there is less focus on efficiency in Chinese teaching.
- In Malaysian education, teachers emphasize student learning more actively, focusing on their abilities.
Language Learning:
- Wf learned some Malay phrases.
- Yn also learned Malay but feels that English and Mandarin skills have declined.
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Wf notes that some aspects of Chinese culture may be misunderstood abroad.
- Yn notes that Muslim-majority country culture is different.
Work Preference:
- Wf prefers a position in Malaysia due to a lesser pressure.
- Yn prefers remaining in China, which feels more familiar.
Overall:
- Interviewees provided personal accounts of cultural insights.
- The interviews revealed both positive and negative insights concerning different cultural norms.