Reflective Journal: Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Kiwi Culture

This reflective journal explores the author's learning experience and insights into Chinese culture. The journal discusses the influence of media on cultural beliefs, the core philosophies of individualism, collectivism, and nationalism, and the significance of agricultural practices in China. It further analyzes the trade and cultural relations between China and New Zealand (Kiwis), highlighting similarities and differences in values, technological advancements, and financial practices. The author reflects on how the acquired knowledge will enhance their cultural competence, confidence, and career prospects, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances in a globalized world. The journal also touches upon the use of smart energy and financial services in both countries.

Reflective
Journal

In my perspective, the lecture proved to be extremely beneficial as it increased my
knowledge about China, their culture and beliefs. Although, the present day Chinese culture is a
perfect blend of old Chinese traditions and Westernized culture but it still has its unique essence.
I learned that Chinese people participate in different cultural program and festivities and the
media has played a very important role in shaping the cultural beliefs and values on the people. I
also got to understand about the Chinese philosophy that mainly focused on individualism,
collectivism and nationalism.
The individualism theory focuses on the individual strengths and weaknesses and it also helps in
analysing self-worth as it helps a person in becoming much stronger, faster and powerful.
The collectivism theory states that it is important to focus on group rather than just focusing
oneself and a person must work in group to achieve common goals and objectives effectively and
efficiently.
Nationalism theory: The nationalism theory promotes the concept of nation first and it is
important for every individual to give top most priority to their nation and work hard for its
overall growth and development,
I also read about Agricultural civilization in China and it was very surprising for me as I
observed that there are more than 300 million farmers in the country and it ranks first in
producing rice, wheat, potatoes, tomato, cotton and soybeans. The Chinese have a strong history
when it comes to agriculture and the country has significantly improved its services over the
period of years.
The New Zealand and China's trade in 2007 was $8.6 billion and in 2017 it increased up to $26.1
billion which clearly shows the growth in trade and international relations between both the
countries.
The Chinese and Kiwis have a lot in common but at the same time have some differences too
like the people of New Zealand are progressive whereas the people of China are conservative,
Kiwis are culturally tolerant which means that they respect and withstand with all the different
cultures and traditions whereas Chinese are culturally inclusive which means that they only
follow their own culture and set f traditions.
The similarities include that both Chinese and Kiwis are that both are family centred which
means that their main priority is family and works comes after family.

In terms of technology both Chinese and Kiwis are pretty similar as both of the countries are
technologically advance and use digital services in their everyday lives. Both the countries
heavily rely on smart energy which means that use of solar power to raise electricity. The dairy
products comprised of the majority share in trade, followed by wood and travel & tourism.
The difference arises because the Chinese use smart finance to provide loans whereas the Kiwis
use credit facility. Both of these facilities have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The lectures have enhanced my knowledge and skills and it has made me curious as I wish to
learn more about this culture.
Improving culture, competence and confidence
This article will help me in knowing about the Chinese and culture of Kiwis. By this I will be
able to understand what digital services they will use in their everyday lives. By understanding it
properly it will help me in outshining my career aspect. It will also help me in gaining
confidence and achieving my career objectives.