Of Said and Unsaid Language, Part 1

Here we are again to tell you more about our beloved friends, Sana and Yusuf. ;)

Shai, Afia, Sana and Yusuf ;)

Greeting Others

China is a well-known part of East Asia. Some East Asian cultures i.e. South Korea and Japan have a bowing (and sometimes, prostrating) culture when they meet people to signify respect. The lower the bow, the higher the respect for the other party.

Really, really, really formal Korean bowing

(video source)

So, do Chinese people bow? Not really. Instead, non-verbally, they shake hands and smile, compared to Malay Malaysians who tend to perform the shake-and-kiss-hand ritual 'bersalaman' with those of higher status and of the same gender. Therefore, it is safe to say, please do not bow when you meet Chinese people. Awkwardness may ensue.

'Bersalaman' in Malay Malaysian culture

(source)

Additionally, Yusuf and Sana (great representatives of Chinese Muslims from China) like to be the first ones to greet fellow Muslim brothers and sisters with 'Assalam Alaykum' (peace be upon you). 

We realize that they, the Muslim minority in their country, appreciate this peace-spreading wish more than us. Therefore, let's not take it for granted, yeah? It's a special culture among Muslims globally, and should remain so. 

Why? Sure, we can form solidarity for various reasons. Common interests, usually. Nonetheless, this one shared identity - being a Muslim, believing in the One True God that created everything, should be the most special one in our hearts, as it highly entangles with our purpose of life. Isn't constantly reminding each other towards the lighted path rewarding? :')

(source)

Alternatively, the phrase 'Lei ho a!' (loosely translated as a friendly hi) in the Guangzhou community is bursting with cheerful and welcoming feelings! To Afia, its intonation reminds her of "Yo, duuuude!" 

Bits and bots about Yusuf and Sana! ^_^

These are our and your new friends! They are both from Xinjiang, China.

His name is Ma Yong Qiang aka Yusuf, aged 20, still single but not available, oops! Sorry for the overrated description, haha! Moreover, he is extremely tall, and super friendly and endearing. He likes to joke around and to make fun of his friends but that is how he gets close to his friends so well. Furthermore, Yusuf is a very close friend to Sana. His tag line is "We are friends!" to justify whatever shockingly pleasant thing he does. It is simple, right? Yet, such music to the ears! *chuckles* :D He is a Celpad student studying English language and will be majoring in ICT course in the future. Let us pray, support and hope for the best for him :) Aamiin.

Ma Yong Qiang aka Yusuf ;)

Our second lovely friend named Ji Xiao Yuan aka Sana, aged 19, still single and available haha. Grab the chance guys! Hurry up! Okay enough with this haha. A very humble, easygoing and cute friend. Seriously, she is so friendly that you can be overly attached to her. Trust me! You will be delighted to be friends with her. She's even willing to teach us Mandarin language for free and loves to chit chat with us anytime we are free. She is very active on Wechat and Facebook so, do add her up to your contact. She is also a Celpad student studying English language and will be majoring in Economics course. Let us encourage and pray that Allah will ease her journey along the way. Aamiin :)

Ji Xiao Yuan aka Sana ;)

Gender Stereotypes Feat. Yusuf and Sana!

According to our Chinese friends, the Chinese view men as having a higher status than women. The proof is, only men are allowed to go to the mosque/masjid (unfortunately). This is quite unheard of in Malaysia. We understand that the mosque is open to everyone, rich and poor, male and female, Muslim and non-Muslim... So, we asked them...

Us: Why (can't women enter mosques)?
Yusuf & Sana: We don't know!

Haha. It is even puzzling to them!

Additionally, man is the sole provider for the girlfriend/wife, the breadwinner, the pillar. The women do not have to worry financially at all. So, Yusuf jokes, he is "very rich because he does not have a girlfriend" to spend on. Haha!

Hofstede's 5 Dimensions Model: Masculinity in Focus

(source)

The Masculinity is relatively higher in China than in Malaysia, which explains the socially-influenced roles for men (breadwinner) and women (being motherly). We further compared the situation in Malaysia. Before marriage, it is up to the couple to spend lavishly on each other or not. Some equally divide the costs. Yusuf and Sana perceive this as 'equality' and they are somewhat intrigue by the idea.

Since women are not allowed in mosques in China, we were wondering where Muslim couples get married (nikkah). Yes, in Malaysia, some do it at home, but it is also customary to do so at the mosque. It turns out that in China, the imam will come to the bride and bridegroom's home to perform the ritual -- not much difference there with Malaysia.

As you have understood, men is in charge of the finance of the household. But the one who knows how to take care of things in the household tend to be the mother/wife, who is highly demanded by the children. Sana added that in most cases, the children will not ask help from the father in the mother's absence, unless when asking the whereabouts of the mother. Hahaha!

Personally, we think that belief is universal.