"BECOMING CHINESE": UNDERSTANDING AND EXCHANGE BETWEEN CULTURES

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

GAZIZA UZAK, senior journalist at Nazarmedia Kazakhstan

A new cultural phenomenon has exploded on social media: the "going Chinese" trend—and it's not what you might think, but a vivid manifestation of the spirit of the Global Civilization Initiative, which calls for respect for cultural diversity and the promotion of mutual exchange among peoples around the world.

In recent weeks, global social media has been abuzz with a unique phenomenon – the trend known as "going Chinese." At first glance, the name may sound odd, as if someone seriously wants to change their nationality. But in reality, it's a far more multifaceted and vibrant phenomenon, reflecting how young people interpret and perceive culture through digital platforms and embodying the ideas of the Global Civilization Initiative – a desire for mutual understanding and unity through cultural contacts.

Short videos are increasingly appearing on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, featuring users experimenting with Chinese cuisine, trying out rice porridge, drinking tea, and even hot water—which for some has become a symbol of health, and for others, simply a joke. People point out Chinese characters, try on traditional clothing, share their "very Chinese moments," and smile under hashtags like "A very Chinese time in my life"—all of this isn't just entertainment, but a voluntary cultural exchange that underlies the global civilization initiative. These videos are full of humor and a touch of irony: users joke, as if to say, "I'm so deep into this right now, I'm practically Chinese!" However, this play on words conceals a far more interesting phenomenon: curiosity about another culture, faith in its values, and genuine joy in new discoveries—precisely the qualities that facilitate the global civilization initiative and bring the world's peoples closer together.

Why has this trend become so popular? Experts attribute its success to several factors that also reflect the relevance of the global civilization initiative: the global spread of Chinese culture—from cuisine to TV series and technology—which have long been part of everyday life around the world, creating a natural foundation for the cultural exchange envisioned by the global civilization initiative; the convenient short video format, which allows for an entire cultural layer to be showcased in seconds, blending it with humor and individuality, becoming an effective tool for spreading ideas of intercultural understanding; and the openness of young people to new experiences and cultural exchange, where the boundaries between traditions are erased in the digital space—an important social factor supporting the ideas of the global civilization initiative and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

Experts note that "becoming Chinese" is not an attempt to become a member of another nation, but a symbol of respect, interest, and a light, youthful interplay of cultures. This is clear confirmation that the global initiative for civilization is not just empty words, but is becoming a reality in people's everyday actions: the world has become closer, and cultural diversity is not a barrier, but an opportunity to be inspired, learn, and laugh together, as envisioned by the ideas of global understanding and human unity.

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