China is a fascinating country which has a rich history that spans over 5000 years. With China's increasingly important role in the world today, and with Beijing's hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, more and more people are eager to travel to China or to learn about Chinese culture through different venues.

Knowing the culture plays an important role in understanding a sentence meaning for a given context and deciding what to say in order to show courtesy or respect. For example, Chinese like to say “nalinali" (meaning "not really”) or “ni tai keqi" (meaning "You are too polite”) when other people compliment them, because Chinese culture values modesty and believes that taking a compliment by saying “xiexie" (meaning "thank you”), as Americans do, indicates complacence.

If you would like to learn more about Chinese culture and its many facets, order a copy of Judy Zhu's newly published book Chinese Cultural Encounters Volume I Studying and Traveling in China, or attend her cultural seminars or social gatherings, through which you will emerge with a deeper understanding of Chinese values, behaviors and attitudes, and their impact on your work with the Chinese. Consequently, you will have a greater ability to interact successfully with the Chinese, both socially and in business.