In this innovative book Jerusha McCormack and John G. Blair introduce China on its own terms. By explaining ten key concepts that frame the way most Chinese people think about the world, they compare these terms which dont translate readily into English with the ways most of us, as Westerners, think. The book then poses four questions that Westerners routinely ask about China. But rather than answer with Western assumptions, the authors respond using these ten Chinese key words. Not surprisingly, the answers differ in startling ways from standard Western responses.

This intensive bridging work allows those without deep knowledge of China to understand the very different perspectives to be gained by looking at the world through Chinese eyes. As each of the ten words maps out new territory, the premises of a very dissimilar but equally coherent world view gradually emerge. Creating a cultural cartography through both text and image, the authors provide readers with a vivid sense of what is uniquely Chinese about China.

This innovative book introduces China on its own terms by explaining ten key concepts that frame the way most Chinese people think about the world. Posing four questions that Westerners routinely ask about China, the authors respond using these ten Chinese key words. Not surprisingly, the answers differ in startling ways from standard Western responses. Creating a cultural cartography through both text and image, the authors provide readers with a vivid sense of what is uniquely Chinese about China.

Introduction: Entering a Chinese World
To the Reader

Part I: What Makes China Chinese? Ten Key Words
Chapter 1: Binding Families:Xiào
Chapter 2: Selves Located Through Others:Miànzi
Chapter 3: The People Network:Gunxi
Chapter 4: Wheres My Mind?Xn
Chapter 5: The Energy Unifying the World:Qi
Chapter 6: Chameleon Reality:Yì
Chapter 7: Realizing a Way:Dào
Chapter 8: Thinking in Harmony:Hé
Chapter 9: The Lurking Threat of Chaos:Luàn
Chapter 10: Strategizing Life:Cèlüè

Part II: Western Questions, Chinese Responses
Chapter 11: Question One: Christianity?
Chapter 12: Question Two: Human Rights?
Chapter 13: Question Three: Democracy?
Chapter 14: Question Four: China Ruling the World?

Part III: Rethinking the West

Appendix: Glossing the Ten Chinese Characters
Acknowledgments
List of Works Cited
Index
About the Authors