Why Cultural Understanding Is So Difficult—And So Necessary为什么跨文化理解如此困难——却又如此必要
- Jingyi Sun
- May 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 1
By JingyiMaMa – Bridging Cultures with Language, Grace, and Creativity
来自 JingyiMaMa – 以语言、优雅与创造力连接多元文化
In a world more connected than ever, the paradox is this: true understanding across cultures remains rare.
在这个前所未有互联的世界里，矛盾的是：真正的跨文化理解依然稀缺。
We have instant translations, global travel, and 24/7 access to each other’s stories—yet, miscommunication, bias, and cultural friction persist.
我们拥有即时翻译、全球旅行和全天候的信息获取——但误解、偏见和文化冲突依然存在。
Why Does This Happen?
为什么会这样？
Because culture isn’t just knowledge. It’s identity. It’s emotion. It’s the invisible code behind every word, gesture, and silence.
因为文化不仅是知识，它是身份，是情感，是隐藏在每个词语、动作与沉默背后的无形密码。
1. Culture Lives Beneath the Surface
1. 文化存在于表象之下
What we see—food, fashion, festivals—is just the tip of the iceberg.
我们所见的——食物、时尚、节日——只是冰山一角。
Below are layers of values, beliefs, fears, and historical memories that shape how people interpret the world.
在水面之下，是价值观、信仰、恐惧和历史记忆，这些深层因素影响人们如何理解世界。
Understanding this helps us communicate better. Without knowing this, even good intentions can land wrong.
理解这一点有助于我们更好地沟通。不了解这些背景，即使善意也可能被误解。
2. Language Can Translate Words, But Not Always Meaning
2. 语言能翻译文字，但未必传达含义
You can convert a sentence, but can you carry its spirit?
一句话可以翻译，但它的灵魂能否随之传递？
Humor, humility, grief, and respect—they don’t always travel cleanly across languages.
幽默、谦逊、悲伤、尊重——这些情感并不总能准确地跨语言表达。
That’s where cultural intelligence matters more than fluency alone.
这正是为什么文化智慧比语言流利更为重要。
3. Culture Is Woven Into Self-Worth
3. 文化与自我价值紧密相连
To understand someone’s culture is to honor their story.
理解一个人的文化，就是尊重他们的故事。
When we misrepresent or erase it, it’s more than a mistake—it’s a wound.
当文化被误解或抹去，不只是错误，更是一种伤害。
True connection begins with curiosity, not assumptions.
真正的连接源于好奇，而非假设。
4. History Isn’t in the Past—It’s in the Conversation
4. 历史从未远去——它在我们每一次交流中延续
Wars, migration, colonialism, and trauma—they echo in tone, behavior, and trust.
战争、迁徙、殖民、创伤——这些历史在语调、行为与信任中回响。
What seems “too indirect” or “too proud” is often rooted in generations of survival.
看似“太含蓄”或“太自负”的行为，往往源自代代相传的生存经验。
We need historical humility to interpret cross-cultural signals with care.
我们需要历史的谦卑，才能小心地解读跨文化的信号。
5. Globalization Blends But Doesn’t Always Bridge
5. 全球化带来融合，但不一定带来理解
Loving anime doesn’t mean you understand Japanese family values.
喜欢动漫并不等于理解日本的家庭价值观。
Enjoying a dumpling doesn’t explain the 5,000 years behind it.
爱吃饺子不代表你理解它背后的五千年文化。
Cultural appreciation begins where stereotypes end—and stories begin.
真正的文化欣赏始于打破刻板印象，倾听真实的故事。
At JingyiMaMa, we don’t just want to make language easier.
在 JingyiMaMa，我们不仅仅是想让语言更简单。
We want to make understanding deeper.
我们希望让理解更深入。
We blend language, art, technology, and education to create bridges that are not just useful—but beautiful, soulful, and human.
我们融合语言、艺术、科技与教育，打造的不仅是实用的桥梁，更是充满美感、灵魂与人性的连接。
The Path to Transformation
通往蜕变的道路
Because when we truly see each other across cultures, we don’t just grow—we transform.
因为当我们真正跨越文化彼此看见时，我们不仅成长——我们蜕变。
Let’s Start a Conversation
让我们开始对话
Let’s stop skimming the surface.
让我们停止浮于表面。
Let’s start listening between the lines.
让我们开始聆听字里行间的真意。
This journey of understanding cultures is just beginning. Embrace curiosity and respect for the vast tapestry of human experience. Only then can we foster genuine connections.
Explore the rich stories behind cultural practices. There’s much to learn, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
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