When two distant civilisations meet through respect, family, and the way we speak
From the first “hello” to a deep appreciation for elders, Chinese and Greeks – despite their differences – share a common, almost unspoken language: the language of politeness. At Bertamini, we believe that language is a bridge between cultures, and we see this firsthand in our lessons every day.
A Greeting Says a Lot
In China, respect is often conveyed with a gentle tone and a formal demeanour, frequently accompanied by a slight bow of the head.
In Greece, a “yassas” (hello) or “kalimera sas” (good morning) is typically accompanied by a smile and direct eye contact.
In both instances, the manner in which something is said matters as much as the words themselves – and this is something all our students feel from their very first day.
Family as a Constant Value
Traditional Chinese society places great emphasis on hierarchy within the family.
Similarly, in Greece, grandparents remain pivotal figures in daily life.
The concept of family is deeply rooted in both cultures – and this fosters a climate of understanding between the two peoples. These similarities in Greek & Chinese culture are fundamental to social harmony.
Respect for Elders
In China, even the use of different forms of address reveals the degree of respect being shown.
In Greek, our students learn the difference between “esý” (you, singular informal) and “eseís” (you, plural/formal), not merely as a grammatical point, but as a cultural stance.
The Thank You, The Sorry, and All the “Little Big Things”
How often do we say “thank you” in our daily interactions?
In China, politeness is a structural element of communication, and the same holds true – albeit in a more spontaneous way – in Greece.
Our students are often struck by how many similarities in Greek & Chinese culture they find in the “little things” of everyday life.
Final Message:
Language isn’t just about words – it’s a way of thinking and a stance towards others.
And the longer you live in a country, the more you recognise the common threads that unite peoples who initially seem “distant”.
Ready to discover the world of Chinese language and culture? Embark on your own journey with us!
