Thesis on differences in food culture between China and Russia

Essay on Differences in Food Culture between China and Russia

With the development of history and the progress of mankind, each nation has formed its own unique language and culture. There are differences between different ethnic groups in many aspects. Let’s discuss the differences in food culture between China and Russia. Welcome to read!

Paper on Differences in Food Culture between China and Russia Part 1

Abstract Chinese people often say: "Food is the first priority for the people", which shows how important food is in people's hearts. Food culture is an important part of national culture. With the continuous strengthening of exchanges between China and Russia in the fields of politics, economy, culture and other fields, food has naturally become an important part of exchanges. Understanding and respecting each other's food culture can reduce friction and obstacles in the communication process and make communication proceed more smoothly.

Keywords Food, Chinese and Russian Culture

China’s food culture has a long history, is extensive and profound. Chinese people pay attention to the exquisiteness and richness of dishes, pay attention to the color, aroma, shape and taste of dishes, and pursue sensory enjoyment and aesthetic value. In China, a dish can interpret a cultural concept and connotation. China's four major cuisines of Shandong, Sichuan, Guangdong and Huai are famous for their superb cooking arts and regional characteristics. Russia pays more attention to rational concepts in terms of food concepts. Compared with China, they do not pay attention to the color, aroma, shape, and taste of dishes, but focus on health and the rationality of the combination. The seemingly rugged Russian food is an excellent interpretation of the Russians' simple lifestyle and bold national character.

1. Comparison of the “drinking culture” of China and Russia

1. Comparison of the wine culture of China and Russia

Our country’s wine culture has a long history. Many things that cannot be expressed through words, such as family affection, friendship, love, etc., can be replaced by wine. Liquor occupies an important position in my country's wine culture and is unique in the world. We Chinese like to persuade people when drinking, such as "If you have deep feelings, take a sip and it will be boring" or "If you have shallow feelings, give it a lick." Proper drinking is regarded as a polite behavior towards guests and a way to show our hospitality. The Russian word vodka originated from water, so people gave vodka the term "water of life". Most areas of Russia are located at high latitudes, with cold climate and harsh environment. Russians use wine to stay warm and resist the cold. Vodka is no longer just an alcoholic drink in Russia but a symbol of Russian national character. Russians drink boldly and generously. They respect each other's ideas when drinking and never persuade others to drink. Vodka, like the Russians, has the appearance of water and the heart of fire.

2. Comparison of tea culture between China and Russia

China is the hometown of tea culture, and Chinese people have had the habit of drinking tea since ancient times. In the eyes of the Chinese, tea not only has the effects of keeping fit and curing diseases, but also is full of appreciation and can cultivate sentiment. Tasting tea and entertaining guests are elegant entertainment and social activities for the Chinese. Chinese tea art enjoys a high reputation in the world. The history and development of Chinese tea culture is not only a simple food culture, but also reflects the spiritual characteristics of a nation with a history of five thousand years. The history of tea culture in Russia is not long. It was not until the 18th century that tea spread among ordinary people. Before that, only the royal nobles had the honor to drink this drink. Russians love drinking tea and have gradually created their own unique tea culture. Russians like black tea with a relatively strong taste when drinking tea, which is mixed with sugar, sugar cubes, chocolate, milk, etc. and used in samovars. Sugar and tea are inseparable in the eyes of Russians, and the samovars used for drinking tea are also unique. Tools, exquisite.

2. Comparison of "food culture" between China and Russia

1. Similarities and differences in tableware

In terms of tableware for food, Russian thesis, China and Russia There are many similarities and differences between the two countries. As we all know, the Chinese use chopsticks to pick up vegetables, use spoons to drink soup, and use bowls to serve rice. The bottom of the chopsticks is round, and the top is square. This contains the Chinese concept of a round sky and a square place, which shows the extremely high wisdom of the Chinese people. However, Russians use plates to serve food, and use special knives and forks to eat steaks and soups. spoon.

They use knives and forks, and the correct placement is for the fork on the left side of the plate, the knife and spoon on the right, and the wine glass in front of the plate. When eating, you should use your fork with your left hand and your knife with your right hand. In addition to knives and forks, there are also plates, plates, cups, etc., but they are much simpler than ours. Chopsticks and knives and forks, as the two most distinctive tablewares between China and Russia, reflect the different values, aesthetic tastes and national psychology of China and Russia.

2. Similarities and Differences of Dishes

Some people summarize Russian cuisine as "Five Leaders, Four Vajras, and Three Musketeers". The five leaders are: bread, milk, cheese, potatoes, and sausages. The Four Diamonds are: cabbage, carrots, beets, and onions. The Three Musketeers are: caviar, vodka, and brown bread. These include almost all the main ingredients in Russian cooking culture. Although they are single, the great thing is that the Russian people create countless delicious dishes from these only ordinary single ingredients. There are many kinds of soups in Russia, including fish soup, chicken soup, mixed meat soup, red cabbage soup, mushroom soup, milk soup, fruit soup and so on. Among them, Russians love red cabbage soup very much, which is also called borscht. Russian bread had been introduced to China even before liberation. The Chinese called it "Da Lieba" and had a special liking for the wheat-rich Da Lieba. Russians also like food with strong flavours. They mainly focus on pasta, and caviar, yogurt, coffee, etc. are indispensable on the Russian table. This simple yet varied diet reflects the simple and bold true temperament of the Russian people.

Chinese food has always been famous for its wide range of ingredients and exquisite cooking techniques. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Emperor Wu of Liang's chef could produce ten styles of melons and dozens of flavors in one dish. His cooking skills were astonishing. The four major cuisines of Shandong, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Guangdong were formed earlier. Later, local cuisines such as Zhejiang, Fujian, Hunan, and Anhui gradually became famous, forming the eight major cuisines of our country. Diet in China is not only to quench thirst and satisfy hunger, but also contains the Chinese philosophy of understanding the world. For example, eating dumplings, fish, rice cakes, etc. during the Chinese New Year is actually "a drunkard's intention is not to drink". Food culture has long transcended the food itself. The Chinese use this form of eating to express a rich inner connotation and profound social significance. .

3. Similarities and Differences in Table Etiquette

In the history of the development of China’s extensive food culture, there are also countless rules and etiquette. China is a country of etiquette, with clear classes and distinct hierarchies. Even food etiquette is the most cumbersome country in the world, from seating arrangements to the famous Chinese wine culture, which are all vividly reflected in China's table manners. Chinese people like to eat together. The liveliness of the Chinese dining table is in sharp contrast to the quietness of the Western dining table. This is also a reflection of the Chinese people's emphasis on blood relations and family values ??in their eating styles. Chinese people frequently serve dishes to their guests at the dinner table, which is also a form of Chinese hospitality. Russians are not allowed to joke or make unpleasant noises while eating. They must maintain their gentlemanly demeanor and not lose their etiquette. Russia advocates freedom and respects oneself very much. Therefore, people will not do things that are difficult for others. When eating, you can choose the dishes you like. They will not forcefully put food in your bowl. If you are full, Now, you can just signal and they won't persuade you to eat again.

For any country or nation, food culture is an indispensable part of its culture. The similarities and differences between Chinese and Russian food cultures are not just differences in diet, but also complex or single eating habits arising from various aspects such as history, culture, personality, geographical location and even climatic conditions. As cross-cultural exchanges between the two countries continue to strengthen, the food cultures of the two countries are also constantly complementary and compatible. Understanding each other's catering culture is necessary to promote exchanges and friendship between the two countries.

Paper 2 on Differences in Food Culture between China and Russia

Abstract: With the development of the times, cultural exchanges between countries around the world are becoming more and more frequent. It is important to understand and master the cultures of different regions and different ethnic groups, and to correctly grasp the relationships with various ethnic groups. The scale of interpersonal communication, overcoming the obstacles caused by cultural differences and etiquette differences, being familiar with and mastering table manners in different cultural backgrounds, you can treat people just right and communicate with them more deeply, otherwise you will feel at a loss in communication. Even being rude to others and making a joke. This article will compare Russian and Chinese table manners in terms of diet, use of tableware, dining atmosphere and table discourse, so as to communicate appropriately and gracefully in cross-cultural communication.

Keywords: China; Russia; food; national traditions; Russian and Han nationalities

Russian eating habits are formed through people’s long-term labor and social life accumulation. On the basis of retaining its own national traditions, the Russian nation attracts the essence of foreign food cultures, constantly improves its own food structure through integration and reference, and carries forward its own advantages. Russia has a "bright" memory of the past, and at the same time pays attention to learning from the West. Perhaps it is this attitude of sublation that allows Russia's ancient cuisine to survive to this day.

Chinese food culture, represented by the Han nationality, has a long history of more than thousands of years and has distinctive national characteristics. Different countries and different ethnic groups have different table manners and customs due to regional differences. Understanding and respecting different ethnic cultures and mastering the table manners of people from different cultural backgrounds are of great help to us in cultural communication.

1. Similarities in Chinese and Russian food cultures

(1) Tea culture

Russians and Chinese alike like to drink tea. Russian tea drinking , dating back to the mid-17th century, it has witnessed the long history of cultural exchanges between China and Russia. China is the hometown of tea and the birthplace of tea culture. Russian tea was introduced from China. [Black tea (чёрныйчай) from countries such as India and Georgia, and expensive green tea (зелёныйчай) from China. Russians prefer to drink scented tea (цветочныйчай) such as jasmine tea (жасминныйчай). According to Russian eating habits, tea must be accompanied by some food, especially sweets, such as jam (варенье), honey (мёд), biscuits (печенье), candies (конфеты) or cakes (торт). China is the hometown of tea and the birthplace of tea culture. Russian tea was introduced from China.

(2) Wine culture

There is a saying in China that "no party is complete without wine", and the same is true in Russia. Russians are notoriously fond of alcohol. Russians drink vodka much more boldly, and even a full glass will be "suffocating". When drinking and talking with Russians, you must be honest with them. You cannot talk about the third party behind their back, let alone say that they are stingy. Russians can accompany the entire meal with vodka (водка), and sometimes drink champagne after the meal. Vodka and kvass (квас) occupy a special place in Russian dietary customs. It can be considered that they are synonymous with Russia’s “national drink” wine and beverage respectively. Drinking vodka is probably one of the greatest pleasures in life for Russians. Vodka is indispensable for weddings and funerals, birthday celebrations, family reunions, and gatherings with friends. The more respectable way for an average Russian family to entertain guests is to first pour a glass of vodka, then serve a small plate of caviar, cucumbers and tomatoes, then a dish of smoked fish and canned peas, and then serve a piece of self-baked cake. Vodka as accompaniment. In addition to drinking, Russians also particularly like to drink a refreshing drink called "kvas". Kvass is the oldest fermented beverage among Russian folk. It is mostly made from malt, bread crumbs or juice. Russian-style kvass is generally divided into two categories: bread kvass (хлебныйквас) and juice kvass (квасизфруктовогосока).

2. Differences in Chinese and Russian food cultures

(1) Tea drinking habits

From the perspective of tea drinking habits, Chinese people like to drink green tea, while Russians like to drink green tea. Love black tea. [

The Russians drink tea very differently from the Chinese. The Chinese like to drink tea slowly, while the Russians like to drink it all in one gulp.

(2) Differences in diet

The ancestors of the Russians were nomadic people. They ate meat and drank milk, and there was no distinction between staple and non-staple food. Bread is the favorite staple food of Russians, especially garlic bread. Bread is divided into white bread and brown bread. Russians prefer brown bread (oat bread). Bread and salt are the most noble gifts that Russians give to guests. Usually the host holds the plate with both hands, with a beautiful embroidered towel spread on it, and a large round bread placed in the middle. On the bread is a salt shaker (солонка). This symbolizes the hospitality of the host. The ancestors of the Chinese are a farming people. From early on, grain and its products have been the indispensable main food for three meals a day, and vegetables, meat, and fish are supplementary foods. The staple food of the Chinese people is divided into wheat, rice and Miscellaneous grains, rice includes glutinous rice, and rice products and rice products made from it, wheat includes wheat, barley, oats and their products such as steamed buns, noodles and sesame seeds, and miscellaneous grains includes corn, sorghum, beans and their These staple foods are the main sources of calories necessary for Chinese people’s physical activity. Russian dinners have three courses, namely soup (суп) and cold dishes (холодныеблюда), hot dishes (горячиеблюда) and sweets. The types of soups include vegetable soup (щи), red vegetable soup (борщ), fish soup (уха), Clear soup (бульон), etc.

Chinese non-staple food has the functions of adjusting taste, inducing appetite and supplementing nutrients. Chinese people have an abundance of non-staple food. In addition to the common meat dishes such as chicken, duck, fish, and other meat dishes, a variety of fresh vegetables, soy products, kimchi, and pickles are also common dishes on the dining table, and they can be paired in a variety of ways.

3. Cultural differences reflected in the dietary characteristics of China and Russia

Russians share their food from the beginning, which leads to the Russians’ emphasis on independence. When children grow up, they will have the ideas and habits to enter the world independently. The shared meal system brought by chopsticks highlights the family unit of old and young sitting together. As a result, Chinese people have a relatively strong sense of family. This difference also reflects the behaviorist philosophy of the Chinese and Russians, highlighting national thinking habits and ways of perceiving the world.

The "noisy" at the Chinese dinner table can to some extent reflect the "harmony" of Chinese families, harmonious neighbors, and unity among the Chinese people. This probably stems from the collectivist idea that "eating is the reason for harmony", and the emphasis is on the word "合".

We can see from the dinner table discourse of the Russian and Han nationalities that the Chinese follow the principle of "devaluing oneself and respecting others", while the Russians emphasize the values ??of efficiency and pragmatism. Russians never talk about disgusting things at banquets, but they will try their best to use subtle, elegant words and words of praise to express their gratitude and praise to the director, especially the hostess. Due to cultural differences, the ways in which Russian and Chinese people express hospitality are completely different. In situations like this, if we can understand each other's differences, the awkwardness at the dinner table will be eliminated, and the hospitality of both parties will naturally flow out.

Conclusion:

Food culture occupies a very important position in people’s life order. Different regions and different countries breed different table cultures. Their table manners and customs also vary widely. "Ask about the taboos when entering the country, ask about the customs when entering the country, and ask about the taboos when entering the country" is a principle in today's international exchanges. In cross-cultural communication, we must not only follow international etiquette, but also understand and respect the etiquette and customs of the countries concerned, and be courteous according to people, so that we can learn and communicate better. ;