文化适应访谈笔记

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.