Fostering cooperation highlighted in new book

In her new book, Bridging the Gap, author Catherine Xiang emphasizes the huge importance of narrowing the divide between China and the West. In light of prevailing geopolitical tensions, she stresses, “fostering cooperation and understanding between these regions is of paramount importance”.

Scheduled for release on March 21, the book delves into the intricacies of effective communication with China. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of intercultural communication, highlighting the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors that shape Chinese communication.

In the realm of global economics, China presents a land of opportunities. However, Xiang says the challenge lies in communication. The language, culture, and deeply ingrained philosophies of the East may initially seem unfamiliar to outsiders, but a thorough understanding of these aspects is essential for successful business ventures in China.

Role of language

Xiang, who serves as director of the bachelor’s program in international relations and Chinese at the London School of Economics, or LSE, stresses the role of language and cultural awareness. According to her, these factors serve as the foundation upon which mutual respect and understanding can be built.

She argues for the importance of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese for Westerners, and in English, or other Western languages, for Chinese people, stating, “It allows individuals to bypass interpreters and understand nuances that might be lost in translation. This direct engagement fosters a deeper appreciation of each other’s viewpoints and concerns.”

Xiang’s quest is driven by her personal journey through the complexities of cross-cultural dialogues.

“Bridging the Gap emerges from a deep-seated passion to enhance our understanding of Chinese communication,” she explained.

The book focuses on developing effective communication with China and fostering intercultural awareness. Xiang shows how the cost implications of intercultural miscommunication are often overlooked. She cites research indicating how cultural differences contribute to communication breakdowns in international trade, particularly in relation to China.

“A study in 2020 showed that a 1 percent increase in intercultural miscommunication could lead to a 0.77 percent decrease in trade volume,” she said. “In the book, I aim to inform readers through three distinctive parts: ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘how’.”

Thanks to the impact of her book, Xiang was invited to the United Kingdom’s Parliament on Tuesday to share her insights on intercultural communication with members of the All Party Parliamentary China Group.

“The message is simple — there is a gap in our understanding of China across different levels. Although much has been discussed and debated in terms of trade and security, it would be in the UK’s interest to benefit from knowledge and awareness of Chinese ways of communication and thinking,” she said.

Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China Britain Business Council, said: “Xiang’s book could not come at a more pressing moment for us all, as China becomes ever more prevalent in our lives. I am constantly struck at how few of us have any real understanding of one of the world’s great civilizations.”

Erin Meyer, a professor at the INSEAD Business School in France, said: “This is the one book you need to work effectively with your colleagues in China.”