CHINESE
Grieving traditions in the Chinese culture. (Adapted from the presentation of Virginia Tong)
History and culture. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Chinese make up 20 percent of the U.S. Asian population and are the largest Asian group in the United States. Discussing Chinese culture is a complex task because of the diversity among Chinese people. Chinese immigrants to the United States also come from very different urban and rural cultures. Dialects and traditions vary from one village to another in this vast country. The various regions of China differ in history and politics as well. Some immigrants are from Mainland China, others from Taiwan or Hong Kong. Mainland China is under Communist rule, and its people speak more than 60 major dialects. Taiwan, an independent island with its own government, is free of Communist control. Hong Kong was a British colony until 1997, when it returned to Chinese rule. Because of the British influence, this city is very cosmo- politan—they get fashions from Europe even before Americans get them.
Some Chinese immigrants to the United States have come from other countries. For example, the initial “boat people” from Vietnam were mostly ethnic Chinese who had been thrown out by the Vietcong at the end of the war. They were typically business people and upper class citizens. Those who came later were usually Vietnamese. Chinese from other parts of Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America also have made their way to the United States. Some have entire families who were brought up in Panama, Peru, or Chile. Some of whom are bilingual in Spanish and Chinese. Service providers working with these families can use a Spanish translator if a Chinese translator cannot be found.
The differences among Chinese people also affect service planning and delivery. For example, if a family needs a translator the service provider will need to know which dialect is spoken. When talking about the Chinese American community, remember this is a very large, diverse population made up of many groups with different back- grounds, cultures, beliefs, and languages. There is also much diversity within each dif- ferent culture group.
The Chinese American community is a very large, diverse population made up of many groups with different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and languages.
Belief systems. Despite the diversity, some generalizations can be made about the values and belief systems that are taught in traditional Chinese families. Most do not have the typical church-based belief systems. Taoism is a Chinese philosophy, based on the doctrines of Lao-tse, that advocates simplicity and selflessness. Confucianism is founded in the ethical teachings of Confucius and emphasizes devotion to parents, family, and friends and the maintenance of peace and justice. Neither “religion” involves church attendance. Buddhism is a religion and philosophic system that originated in India in the 6th century B.C. Buddhists go to a temple, but not necessarily every day. Many Buddhists go a few times a year, similar to Christians who go to church only at Christmas and Easter. Most Chinese practice ancestor worship. Pictures of ancestors
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY: CROSS CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS OF GRIEF AT THE LOSS OF AN INFANT 33
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