Asia Expats Forum

USA guy · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 7 Location:

I just need to vent a little bit here.
Why do the Chinese refuse to wait in line? It doesn't matter where you are..... bank, hospital, post office, whatever. The last person in the door is always nudging their way to the front of the line. My (Chinese) wife gets mad at me when I say something about it, but it really drives me nuts. I keep reminding myself that I'm just a visitor here, so I should go with the flow (when in Rome.....). But why the hell can't the Chinese learn to wait in line?
Hey, that venting must have worked, I feel better already. Unfortunately, I have to go to the bank this afternoon.
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CoffeeBreak · Novice Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 30 Location:

lol well here's my advice Razz

When in China - do as the Chinese do Wink

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

I hate that also--its no so bad in Thailand but they still do it.

part of it could be the chinese rush to fortune

they dont want to waste a second

i have some chinese ask me for help at work sometimes-they ask via a chat program-if i say I have no answer--they dont even say bye-just gone as soon as they see no relief
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Simon-Hrb · Cohort Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 247 Location:

1. Just shove your way through the line (not like you can understand their expletives and protests any way) You'll enjoy a 50% success rate with this one.

2. An elbow to the ribs often causes offence, followed by the sharp intake of breath. ( it won't get you any closer to the front of the queue, infact you'll be farther back, but you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made the sucker pay for this outrageous behaviour).

3. Learn some choice (Local Dialect) curse words. (works a treat every time, some jaws will drop to the floor on hearing a 'Lao wai' speaking the local dialect, others will be shocked and your intended victim quite ashamed and humiliated by your outburst. Some will insist that you go ahead of them in the queue).
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hoodedmann · Novice Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 20 Location:

Maybe a Chinese person needs to answer your question, because i have no clue either why they can never wait in line. Ive been in China for like almost three years now, but i still don t get it... And though i love the Chinese, i do refer to mainland China as the Wild West of the East.
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almet · Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1 Location:

Without looking at your name I knew you were from the US (so am I). But, you are what is wrong with us when we go overseas. Why do people from the US think that their culture is the only way to act? This is China, Chinese do not wait patiently in lines, that is part of a culture much older than the US culture. You don't see them getting perturbed, do you? Of course not.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

jackh · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 11 Location:

It is not an American thing that makes us foreigners upset about the Chinese behavior to push through a line. It is simply rude in all countries (except China) and should not be an excuse to say it is ok to do so.
Essentially Chinese people are generally very self centered and never consider another persons feelings in public. A people's conduct and interactions with each other is the benchmark to identifying a country's culture and education. To say China has done this for thousands of years does not exempt it from the fact that it is not a civilized way of acting or should be tolerated. You know it is required now that Chinese people who travel outside China must take lessons on general etiquette. Even in Thailand you can find many hotels that will not allow Chinese guests because of their behavior. Spitting, talking loudly, pushing are offensive and disgusting behaviors and the Chinese need to take the time to educate their children and stop these habits. If China wants to be a part of the real world now, then step up to the plate and make basic public manners part of your culture as well.

Wocca · Scribe Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 970 Location:

DirtyHarry · Novice Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 39 Location:

Alan Stepney · Centurion Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 853 Location:

Standing in line is unusual in the Philippines, as it is in some of the southern European countries.

Even in the UK, it is a recent phenomona, dating back to compulsory queues during WW2, when the Govt made queue-jumping illegal.

The best advice is to accept what a country is like, and live with it, rather than worrying about trivial issues.
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The Middle Eastern states aren't nations; they're quarrels with borders.- P. J. O'Rourke

jackh · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Posts: 11 Location:

I would be interested to hear a Chinese explain the habit/custom of spitting. I've tried to figure this one out and I can come to only one conclusion. If you observe their "technique" for this function, it involves two parts. First there is the loud guttural throat clearing, fluid gathering sound they make in preparation for the the actual launching of spit. From young women to grown men, this sound is surprisingly loud and disgusting in itself. Is it a warning to others around them that an eruption is immanent? Then there is the spit itself. It must be shot out with "passion" upon the street or person who is caught in it's path. Does this part function like a dog marking it's territory?
Even while eating in a restaurant it is not uncommon to see this! I tried an experiment to compare the level of social significance Chinese place on this ritual. After I sat in the restaurant and watched the spit custom, I let rip quite a loud fan pe. I would liken the reaction of the patrons around me the same as westerners reacting to the spitting. Interesting reaction to me really. I only left gas behind, not a slimy puddle of goo to step on or have to look at while I eat. I guess this is also ok since it has been practiced for thousands of years a s well. Anybody have thoughts on this one? banghead

Alan Stepney · Centurion Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 853 Location: