ChineseCULTURE PROFILE

Published 2006 by: DiversicarePO Box 5199West End, Queensland, 4101Phone: (07) 3846 1099

Chinese Culture Profile

Thanks is given to the following people:Margaret Hess, Director, DiversicareElizabeth Zajac, Project Officer, PICACStephanie Lee, Program Manager, CathayCommunity Association

… and to all those persons who have providedcomment about this directory.

Editor: Jennifer Leigh (J Leigh & Associates)

DisclaimersThis directory is a synthesis of information from arange of sources believed to be reliable. Diversicaregives no warranty that the said base sources arecorrect, and accepts no responsibility for anyresultant errors contained herein or for decisionand actions taken as a result and any damage.

Please note there may be costs associated withsome of the resources and services listed in thisprofile.

INTRODUCTION 4

BACKGROUND 5Migration experience 5Australian statistics 6Customs in everyday life 6Cultural stereotypes 8

FAMILY 9Family structure 9Attitudes to residential care 10

PERSONAL HYGIENE 10Bathing 10Dress 10Grooming 10

PENSIONS 11

LEISURE AND RECREATION 12Daily Routine 12Social groups 12Television 13Movies 13Radio 13Newspapers 14Books 15Music 15

RELIGION 14Profile 14Important days 15

FOOD AND DIET 18Meals 18Food sources 20

HEALTH 21Trauma situations 21Attitudes to illness and pain 21Perception of health professionals 21

DEATH AND DYING 22Palliative care 22Death & dying 22

LANGUAGE 23

PHRASE CARDS 24

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 39

CORRECTION / ADDITION FORM 41

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This profile of the China culturalcommunity is one of the many projectsundertaken by the Queensland Partners inCulturally Appropriate Care (PICAC).

The Queensland PICAC Project aims tofacilitate the development of partnershipsbetween ethnic community groups andresidential aged care service providers toimplement “best practice” strategies ofcare for older people from diversebackgrounds. The project is about ensuringthe needs of older people from a Chinesecultural background are met.

Funded by Commonwealth Department ofHealth & Ageing, the project in Queenslandis managed by Diversicare under theauspice of the Ethnic Communities Councilof Qld.

Population trends within Australia areincreasingly characterised by a diversity ofpeople, languages and culture. Coupledwith this trend is an ageing population,also with a rich diversity of languages andcultures.

It’s not surprising then, that residentialaged care service providers are faced withincreasing demands for culturallyresponsive facilities and care.

This profile aims to assist by enhancing:• Staff knowledge of the cultural and

linguistically diverse needs of personsfrom a Chinese background. It also seeksto facilitate the professional competenceand development of staff in theprovision of culturally inclusive care; and

• The organisation’s compliance with theResidential Care Standards and NationalAged Care Standards as they pertain tothe issue of cultural and linguistic needs.

The profile provides useful informationabout a range of topics, resourcesincluding books, articles, audio-video aids,services, and so on.

This symbol is used to indicate a “tip”,which YOU, as the caregiver of aperson who was born in China, mayfind useful in your day-to-day supportof that person.

This guide is not intended to replace onestereotype of this culture with another;instead it is intended to provide someinsights into the culture. Nor does itdiminish the importance of youestablishing the individual cultural needsof each person as part of the careplanning process.

In an effort to maintain the accuracy ofthis profile and improve its contents, forall stakeholders, we encourage readers tocomplete the feedback form on the lastpage to inform us of any inaccuracies orother resources available. It is consideredthat this feedback will assist us maintain auser relevant and quality resource.

Yours Sincerely

Margaret Hess Elizabeth ZajacDirector PICAC Project Officer

INTRODUCTION

China (official name – People’s Republic ofChina) covers one-fifteenth of the world’sland mass and is the third largest countryin the world. Its border stretches over 22 000 kilometres on land and thecoastline extends well over 18 000kilometres, washed by the waters of theBohai, the Huanghai, the East China andthe South China seas. The Bohai Sea is theinland sea of China.

Migration experienceThe first Chinese migration wave can betraced to 1827, when large numbers ofChinese labourers were recruited to workin the pastoral industry. Many others whoarrived in the 1870s to join the gold rushfollowed these first migrants.

The 1861 Colonial Census, the China-borncomprised 3.4 percent of Australia’s

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BACKGROUND

population, and was the second largestimmigrant group after those from theBritish Isles. Following changes toAustralian government policies theimmigration of Asians declined in 1947.

In 1976, the ‘Australian-Chinese FamilyReunion Agreement’s’ legislation had adirect effect on the increased numbers ofolder migrants who arrived to join theirchildren in Australia. Most of the Chinesespeaking immigrants, however, cameprimarily from other countries such asCambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

Australian statisticsThe China-born population is one of themajor communities in Australia and itspopulation is concentrated in large cities,such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.The 2001 Census recorded 142,720 China-born persons settled in all AustralianStates, with Queensland being the thirdlargest State behind NSW and Victoria. Ofthe total Chinese speaking population inAustralia (2001 Census):• 14.9% were 65 and over• 33.7% had higher qualification (compared

with 46.2% for all Australian)• 55.2% were employed in a skilled

occupation, 24.6% in semi-skilled and20.3% in unskilled jobs; and

• male comprised 46.6% and females 53.4%;and

• their ancestry includes Chinese 92.5%,Russian 2.9%, English 0.4% and other4.2% (source: Chinese Community Information Summary, DIMIA 2003)

Queensland has 6.2% or (8860 persons) ofthis total population and they have settledacross Queensland.

The above data means the person youare caring for is most likely to havebeen educated, have worked in askilled job outside the home and beenpart of established social andrecreational links to other Chinesepersons.

Cantonese and Mandarin speaking peoplecan be born in different countries:• Cambodia-born 940 people 41%• Hong Kong born 6710 people 10%• Malaysia born 7980 people 10.1%• Taiwan born 8440 people 37.6%• Vietnam born 11570 people 7.5%

Country of origin may influence socio-economic status, knowledge of English andexposure to Western cultures.

In this publication the term: “Chinesepeople” is used. Be aware that thisterm is problematic because itrepresents a heterogenous group ofpeople who can have widely differentlife experiences, cultural tradition,dialects, educational opportunities,and economic position. As mentionedpreviously they have experienceddifferent patterns of migration: somehave settled in Western countries viaother countries such as Singapore orHong Kong, and some have moveddirectly from mainland China.

Customs in everyday lifeFormal manners are important.

Greetings. The correct way of greeting aperson is very important in Chineseculture: an inappropriate greeting isconsidered undesirable. Handshaking is the

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accepted greeting. A handshake not onlyexpresses a sign of welcome, but gratitude,congratulation and encouragement as well.

In China, the most useful form of greetingis a nod or slight bow. Upon meetingsomeone, the Chinese lower their eyesslightly as a sign of respect. Staring intothe eyes of a Chinese person might makethem uncomfortable. The phrase ‘Have youeaten?’ is used as a more familiar greetingand testifies to the centrality of food inChinese culture.

Referring to others. When addressing anelder or person with high status it isconsidered highly inappropriate and rudeto address the person by their given name.They should be addressed according totheir designation, for example: Mr Tang,Doctor Liu, and Chairman Lee etc. Eachperson has a family or generational nameand a first name (example of reading thenames: Zhang Tai Man – Family Name -Zhang; Generation Name - Tai; Given Name- Man). Avoid using someone’s given nameunless you have known the person for along period of time.

A married Chinese woman usually retainsher maiden name, she will use herhusband’s last name on occasions forformal addressing only. It is common socialpractice to introduce the junior to thesenior, or the familiar to the unfamiliar.When you start a talk with a stranger, thetopics such as weather, food or hobbiesmay be good choices to break the ice. Giftgiving is unsuitable in public except forsome souvenirs

Gestures. Chinese used to cup one handin the other before the chest as a salute(this tradition has a history of more than2000 years).

Avoid making exaggerated gestures orusing dramatic facial expressions. Usinggestures while speaking to more reservedcultural groups can make communicationmore difficult. Avoid touching until arelationship is established. Avoid touchingthe child’s head since ‘careless touching’ –it is believed to reduce the child’sdevelopment.

Use an open hand rather than one fingerto point. To beckon or call someone towardyou, turn palm down and wave fingerstowards your body. Pointing to one’s noseis the indication for ‘I’ or ‘me’ similar to theAustralian gesture of pointing to one’schest to indicate self.

Hands have a lot to do with face. Bothhands should take objects that are offeredto you as a sign of respect. Furthermore, itis recommended to hand any object ofimportance e.g. forms or brochures, byboth hands directly to the person and notjust putting it down on the table.

Entering the room. A Chinese host, inapproaching the door with a guest, wouldusually gesture for the guest to proceedfirst. “When your guest departs, youshould see them to the front door of thebuilding, or to the elevator at the veryleast” – certainly this is true for formalvisits, or the first time somebody visits athome. The further one sees somebody off,

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the more respectful it is. The guest, inturn, should try to decline the courtesy bysaying – “No need to see me off”.

Common farewells to a guest are“Goodbye”, “Go carefully” or “Come again”.

Attire. There are no specific rules inChinese custom governing dress. Someconventions are considered with regards toage: the elderly are not encouraged to‘dress young’, for example t-shirts andjeans.

Taboos. Similar to Western customs, youshould be cautious to ask women privatequestions.

Odd numbers are thought to beunfortunate – so wedding and birthdaygifts for the aged are always sent in pairs.Though ‘four’ is an even number, it readslike death in Chinese thus is avoided (fouris pronounced similar as death). Instead ofsaying ‘4’, you can say ‘2 more than 2’.

During the 10 days of the Chinese NewYears celebration you should not usenegative words and phrases – this is timeof happiness and looking forward toprosperity. Also during this time of year donot throw anything away – throwing awaythings away during this time is akin tothrowing away the good luck.

Try to avoid White and black colours, bothof them symbolise death in Chinese culture.The colours red and gold are lucky.

Do not give taboo gifts, which includeclocks (escorting someone to the grave),green hats (means infidelity), pears(sounds like separation) or handkerchiefs(used in funerals).

It is not appropriate to ask the personabout his/her financial matters (forexample asking: “how much do you earn”).

The Chinese, who left their country oforigin and settled in other lands, haveheld strongly on to their traditionsfor fear of losing their identity. As aresult, they continue to practice orobserve traditions that have beenlong discarded in their motherland.The above customs may not beevident in the younger generations. Itis important YOU check on whetheradherence to these, or other customsunique to their region of origin.

Cultural stereotypesThe Chinese tend not to greet those closeto them with greetings that may bear anegative slant such as ‘you’re looking sad’or ‘you are looking tired’ – this is deemedimproper. The concept of ‘face’, whichinvolves avoiding making someoneembarrassed, is very common among theChinese in considering their choice ofaction.

Punctuality issues – lateness or cancel-lation can be a serious affront. Thispertains to business and social occasions.

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The older generation expect that theyounger generation will be polite, caringand paying respect to older people. Do notjoke with older people – they can feeloffended.

It should be remembered this is justone view and does not apply to everyChinese person. This reality meansYOU should establish each person’spreferences.

Having established this person’s prefer-ences be careful not to replace one culturalstereotype with another related to whatshould be considered stereo-typically‘Chinese’.

For more information“The Chinese community”, CommunityInformation Summary, Department ofImmigration and Multicultural andIndigenous Affairs (DIMIA), 2003. Availableas a PDF document from the following webaddress:http://www.immi.gov.au/statistics/stat_info/comm_summ/summary.htm

Family structureChina largely operated as a male-centredsociety, in which the family name is passeddown through the male line. Family plays afundamental role within Chinese cultureand there are strong conceptions of whatmarriage and family should be.

The Chinese man continues to occupy adominant position in the family in terms ofdecision-making. Chinese women areacquiring greater equity with men as theycontribute their income or labour often ina family business.

The stereotyped view of the Chinese familyis that of a large extended family, withseveral generations and immediate familiesall living under one roof, being a selfsufficient and self-help institution for itsmembers, providing child care and the carefor of the elderly.

This is no longer true for the modernChinese family. The family structure ismainly a nuclear one with husband andwife living with their children andsometimes their parents. Therefore, theChinese family no longer performs thefunction of providing mutual help withchild care and care for elderly outside theirimmediate relations.

However, the Chinese continue toemphasise the values of family and tomaintain close family links. There is astrong bond between parents, children andother family members. It is still customarythat Chinese parents expect all theirchildren to return home for the Chinese

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FAMILY

New Year Eve’s dinner and other festivalcelebrations.

Whilst egalitarian roles are more widelyaccepted in families of Chinese profes-sionals, many Chinese families still feel thatwomen’s roles are primarily the raising ofchildren and running the home.

Most Chinese elderly prefer to stay withtheir families, so separation should be thelast resort, which is usually achievable,provided the older person accepts outsidehelp and support.

Attitudes to residential careSome Chinese people may feel they have‘lost face’ in their community if they acceptoutside help with caring for their ageingparents, or permit their parents to move toan alternative accommodation. They can beregarded as lacking filial respect, as beingself-centred and cold-hearted.

Older people who move away from livingwith their families might feel shame for‘being abandoned’ by their children, orguilt for being considered as ‘bad parents’and deserving this treatment. As the resultof changing circumstances of Australianfamilies and financial issues – many olderChinese people are moving to residentialfacilities.

If you need help to provide culturallyappropriate care, the assistance of thePICAC Project Officer is available freeof charge to your agency or theresident. This service is restricted tothe greater metropolitan Brisbane andTownsville. For more information onPICAC contact Diversicare on (07) 3846 1099.

The routines and preferences surroundingthe following personal hygiene activitiesgreatly impact on the person’s sense ofself, pride, dignity and confidence.

BathingThe older Chinese person for the morningwash will prefer to use a basin with a bathat night being their preference. Sometimes,when feeling not well Chinese people maylike to add some herbs to the bath water. Itis important that female residents supportwith bathing be provided by a woman.

DressThere are no specific rules in Chinesecustom governing dress. Traditionalcostumes are rarely worn and clothing isusually chosen for comfort or according tothe fashion of the day.

Bright colours are preferred for clothing inChinese culture. Some convention applieswith regard to age: the elderly areencouraged to wear dresses with highneck, collar closed, and with short, mediumor full length – depending on season andtaste.

GroomingWomen will prefer to comb or groom theirhair; no hair should be on their faces.Women do not wear makeup, nail polish orperfume; they wear only ear rings(connected with the family or marriageceremonies). Men do not usecologne/aftershave, but they will trim theirnails.

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PERSONAL HYGIENE

It is important each person’s prefer-ences in their dress, bathing,grooming etc are established as partof their care plan. People who lived in China and worked for

government organisations/institutions areoften eligible for a partial pension paymentfrom their country. Australia doesn’t havereciprocal arrangements in place(regarding the payment of pensions) withmany of the countries of origin from whichChinese people may emigrated.

Problems with Centrelink can arise for theperson if he/she fails to notify Centrelinkof any increase in the foreign pensionamount. In this situation the Australiansupplement is reduced according to theincreased amount. Failure to notifyCentrelink can result in a debt and finebeing imposed by Centrelink.

To check if eligible for any paymentcontact the Chinese Consulate:Level 9, 79 Adelaide StreetBrisbane Qld 4000

PO Box 12126, George StreetBrisbane Qld 4003

Ph (07) 3210 6509Fax (07) 3012 8096

Website:http://brisbane.chineseconsulate.org

For more informationCheck your local telephone directory foryour local Centrelink office.

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PENSIONS

Family plays an important role in leisurewith no definite preferences from indooror outdoor activities. Outdoor activitieswould include walking, doing easyexercises, Tai-Chi, gardening (vegies,flowers or herbs). Indoor activities couldinclude listening to Cantonese Operamusic, or pop music (usually from 40’s &50’s), watching movies, playing chess orMahjong (which is a game involving 4people) - download how to play instruc-tions fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahjong

Some older Chinese women may beinterested in painting or crafts.

The Chinese enjoy eating and celebratingfor any occasion and it is usually time forfamily coming together.

The above information can assist indeveloping diversional therapyactivities eg tending potted flowersthat are kept in the person’s roomand/or a small box of vegetables keptin a communal area and/or cookingcakes or pastries, craft work and/orcard, chess or board games. However,YOU need to check with eachindividual his or her preferences inregard to the above.

Daily RoutineChinese people like a routine (eg time formeals, bath and activities) and generallyhave a structured pattern to the day andlike sticking to these times.

You need to establish with eachindividual his/her preferences relatedto his/her daily routine and timings.

Social groupsA diverse range of Chinese social groupsmeet in various parts of Queensland andprovide community functions, arts, music,information and education.

Contact details are:

Cathay Community Association161 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QPh (07) 3252 9066

Mainland Chinese Society Qld Inc7 Kentucky St, Sunnybank Hills QPh (07) 3344 6868

Gold Coast Chinese ClubPO Box 218 Surfers Paradise Q 4217Ph (07) 5572 0525

Townsville Chinese Club66 Boundary St, South Townsville Q Ph (07) 4723 5155

Rockhampton Chinese AssociationPO Box 6485 Central Qld MC 4702Ph (07) 4928 5468

Happy Senior Club of BrisbanePO Box 886 Sunnybank Q 4109Ph (07) 3279 2662 (meets every Saturday at McGregorState School)

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LEISURE AND RECREATION

TelevisionThe SBS television network is available inmajor cities in Queensland. SBS providesCantonese and Mandarin-speaking movies,serials and news.

SBS television programming can bedownloaded from their website by going tothe following address:www.sbs.com.au/whatson/index.then choose what you are interested infrom the listed menu.

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, Briz31also have programs about China. Briz31programming can be downloaded fromtheir website by going to the followingaddress: http://briz31.tv/news.asp

Check your TV program guide or thewebsite for local viewing time as theymay change in rural areas or acrosstime zones.

MoviesChinese (Mandarin and Cantoneselanguage) DVDs are available for purchaseat larger Department stores (eg. Big W). Itis important you check on the back of theDVD for the list of languages in which it isavailable.

In most Video libraries you can find moviesin Mandarin or Cantonese. Video MovieHire & Sales:• Academy Movie Library

247 Sandgate Road, Albion, Ph 3262 7322

• Auchenflower Video 409 Milton Rd, AuchenflowerPh 3870 1955

• Bayside Videos119 Glenora, Wynnum, Ph 3396 2660

• Brisbane CamHireBelmont, Ph 3348 9880

• Birkdale Video120 Birkdale Rd, Birkdale, Ph 3822 2433

• Civic Video Pty Ltd 196B Sandgate Rd, BoondallPh 3865 3667

It is also possible to purchaseMandarin/Cantonese-language movies viathe internet by doing a search, eg:http://multilingualbooks.com/foreignvids.htm/then go to show Google cache than go toQuick Link and press Cantonese orMandarin.

You can also search the Brisbane CityCouncil library catalogue via its languagecollection by going to the followingwebsite and choosing the preferredlanguage which will then take you to ascreen where you choose your category ofinterest (eg movies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi

RadioBroadcasting in Mandarin and Cantoneselanguages occurs on SBS – radio 1107AMfrom Sydney.

Mandarin:11.00am – 12.00 Monday10.00am – 11.00 Tuesday08.00pm – 9.00 Wednesday08.00pm – 9.00 Thursday10.00am – 11.00 Friday10.00am – 11.00 Saturday08.00am – 9.00 Sunday

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Cantonese:11.00am – 12.00 Monday8.00pm – 9.00pm Tuesday10.00am - 11.00am Wednesday10.00am – 11.00am Thursday2.00pm – 3.00pm & 8.00pm – 9.00pm Friday8.00pm – 9.00pm Saturday10.00am – 11.00am Sunday

In greater metropolitan Brisbane, it is alsopossible to tune into 4EB (FM98.1) andtheir program guide can be downloadedfrom their website at the followingaddress:http://www.4eb.org.au/progguide.htm

Broadcasting in Mandarin and Cantoneselanguage occurs on 4EB FM98.1:Mandarin:11.00pm Monday11.00pm Thursday 10.45pm Friday 8.00pm Saturday 3.15pm Sunday & 10.00pm Sunday Cantonese/Mandarin

Cantonese:9.15pm – 9.45pm Monday10.30pm Saturday10.15am Sunday & 10.00pm Sunday Cantonese/Mandarin

For more specific information you cancontact Radio 4EBFM – Cantonese andMandarin sections: Ph (07) 3240 8600Fax (07) 3240 8633

Check your radio program guide orthe website for local listening timesas they may change in rural areas oracross time zones.

NewspapersThere are number of ways to access someCantonese and Mandarin languagenewspapers:

1) Every Friday, you can pick up free localChinese Newspapers outside restaurantsand grocery stores in Fortitude Valley andSunnybank. Examples of these localnewspapers are Qld Asian Business Weekly,World News Weekly, Queensland ChineseNews, Bridge Magazine etc.

Sing Tao Daily is a daily Chinesenewspaper published in Sydney, can bepurchased from newsagency and Chinesegrocery stores in Fortitude Valley andSunnybank.

2) Go to the following web address http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer and access a copy of the followingnewspapers:• China Daily• Shanghai Daily

3) You also can search on the web usingthe name of the publication

4) For more information contact belowmentioned Newspapers & Publication:• Asian Community News

Ph 3324 1609, news@acnews.com.au

• Bridge MagazinePh 3257 1500, www.ebridge.com.au

• Queensland Chinese NewsPh 3252 8183, Email: sales@qcn.net.au

• World NewsPh 3841 5688, www.world-news.com.au

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If the person can’t use a computer,don’t forget you can access theinternet and load these newspapersand print all or some pages whichcan then be given to the person toread at their leisure.

BooksBrisbane City Council libraries have avariety of books in Simplified Chinese andTraditional Chinese. Regardless of yourlocation in Queensland it is possible toarrange to have these books sent to yourlocal library for a small fee.

You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its language collectionby going to the following website andchoosing the preferred language which willthen take you to a screen where youchoose category of interest (eg movies,books, music, DVDs):http://elibcat.library.brisbane.qld.gov.au

To buy Chinese books contact: Shop 1, 31 Duncan Street Fortitude Valley Q 4006Ph 3252 5557Email: egb168@yahoo.com.au

Shop 10, Market Square341 Mains Road, Sunnybank Q 4109Ph 3345 5111

Every council library in Queenslandborrows from the Qld State Library.The State Library itself has Chineseresources (books, videos, CDs etc),which your local library can arrangeto borrow for a small fee.

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You can do a search of the State Libraryresources (which will list the resource,type of resource and call number) by goingto the following web address:http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/find/cat

Only for those persons who are visuallyimpaired and a member of the Qld BlindFoundation, it is possible to borrow fromits talking book library, which has someMandarin and Cantonese language tapedbooks. You will need to complete anapplication form, and if approved,borrowing rights then apply. ContactTelephone: 1300 654 656 to obtain areferral form.

MusicMusic is very important for Chinesepersons regardless of gender. It is strongcultural expression of who that person isand the religion he/she lived in. Olderpeople with Chinese background would liketo listen Cantonese Opera music or popmusic from 40s and 50s.

You can contact Cathay CommunityAssociation to get information on how toborrow music tapes or DVDs from them.

You can search the Brisbane City Councillibrary catalogue via its languagecollection by going to the followingwebsite and choosing the preferredlanguage which will then take you to ascreen where you choose your category ofinterest (eg movies, books, music, DVDs):www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/uhtbin/cgisirsi/7U2zA3lL2U/44230061/1/1246/XPlease note, a fee may apply for organisinginter-library loans.

Again establish each individual’spreferences and check whether familymembers can assist in findingCantonese or Mandarin languagebooks, videos, DVD, music etc.

For more informationRefer to Diversicare’s MulticulturalResource Directory (2004) for more detailedinformation about sources and otheroptions.

Cathay Community Association Ph (07) 3252 9066

Chinese Business Directory (available fromChinese Consulate) or Chinese BusinessDirectory:www.chinesebusinessdirectory.com.au

ProfileWhile China is officially an atheist state,religion still plays a significant role formany Chinese. Confucianism is the basisaround which the cultural aspects ofChinese life is organised. Confucianism ispracticed more as a philosophy, than areligion.

Although Chinese people might not all bereligious, going to the temple or churchcan have spiritual value and can providethem with social interaction. The 2001Census shows the major religions amongstChina-born persons were Buddhism andWestern Catholicism.

The 2001 Census related to the religionbeliefs for other countries withMandarin/Cantonese speaking peopleshows that Buddhists, Taoism, Muslim andChristians are the religions of theseregions.

The religion observed by each Chineseperson impacts on everyday observances,e.g. Muslims do not eat pork, someBuddhists are vegetarian etc.

Remember there can be a differencebetween nominating a particular religionto practicing that religion in ones’everyday life (or whether all or only somerituals/practices within that religion areobserved).

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RELIGION

YOU need to establish each person’sreligious preferences and link him/herinto a local minister of that religion.

Important daysThere are a variety of special events withmany of them varying from year to yearbecause the Chinese use the Chinese LunarCalendar.

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Festivity

New Year’ Day

Qing Ming

Buddha’sBirthday

Dragon BoatFestival

Chung YeungFestival orChongyangFestival

Mid-AutumnFestival

Family DayComing ofWinter Day

Month / Date

1 January to15 January ChineseLunar Calendar

Refer to ChineseLunar Calendar

7 May

5 May Chinese LunarCalendar

9 SeptemberChinese LunarCalendar

15 August ChineseLunar Calendar

Always around Xmas3 – 4 days beforeChristmas

Customary practices

Parties everywhere: in parks, dancing halls anduniversities.

Originally it was a celebration of spring. People usedto customarily go out on an excursion to “treadgrass”. Later it became day dedicated to the deardeparted. Tidying up ancestors’ tombs is the majorbig event.

Will be celebrated by Buddhists only.

Eating of bamboo-leafs and rice dumplings.

This day is celebrated as a Double Yang Festival. Itis marked by a family outing, particularly going upto the top of a hill. Viewing and admiring juhua(chrysanthemum flowers), decorating houses withzhuyu (cornus official plants), eating double-yangcakes, and drinking chrysanthemum wine are partof the festival. In 1989, the Chinese governmentmade the festival the Elders’ Day to encourage youngpeople to respect their parents.

The moon on this day is the fullest and largest tothe eye. Viewing it with the whole family whilefeasting on good wine, fruits and moon-cakes occurs.

Families celebrate the end of the work in the farmor field. Good food preparation, dancing, singingand consuming wine.

Mother’s DayThis day promotes filial respect for parentswith a carnation often given as thepresent.

ChristmasThe Chinese, particularly the younggeneration, embrace Christmas withoutpaying attention to its religiousbackground. They decorate their homeswith Christmas trees and lights, givingtheir children gifts, and go to parties toenjoy a carnival-like night.

The above listing is not intended to beexhaustive; rather it lists the majorshared ‘special days’. You shouldcheck with the person or his/herfamily if there are other special days,which is important to that person.

Food is a very important part of Chineseculture. The Chinese not only enjoy eatingbut believe eating good food can bringharmony and closeness to the family andrelationships with the types of foodsconsidered auspicious varying fromprovince to province.

Shopping daily for fresh food is essentialfor all Chinese cooking. Chinese people ingeneral are not as concerned aboutnutrition as Western culture. They aremore concerned with the food’s texture,flavour, colour and aroma.

Chinese daily meals consist of four foodgroups: grains, vegetables, fruits and meat.Because big numbers of people are lactoseintolerant, they try to not consume largeamounts of dairy products. Instead,Chinese substitute these with soymilk andtofu, which contain large amounts ofprotein and calcium.

MealsBreakfast Can consist of an opensandwich with jam, peanuts butter or soup(very popular Congee – rice soup – ricewith more water as usual).

Lunch Can consist of hot cooked pork orchicken, piece of fish or dumplings withrice or noodles (older people do not like toeat beef and lamb). A soup for lunch is alsodesirable.

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FOOD AND DIET

Afternoon Tea Piece of cake, or cookiesand herbal tea.

Dinner Dinner is the main meal and hasto be rice, meat dishes and vegetables,cannot be a sandwich.

Western desserts such as cookies, cakes,pies, and ice cream are eaten only onspecial occasions such as birthdays andweddings.

Chinese culture believes there is positive(‘Yang’) and negative (‘Yin’) energy in theuniverse. Both these energies have to beequally balanced to create a harmoniousand healthy state, otherwise, conflict anddisease will be created.

Foods belonging to the ‘yin’ (also know as‘cold’ food) are: bitter melon, winter melon,Chinese green, Napa cabbage, bean sprout,soybean, mung bean, water chestnut,oranges, watermelon, bananas, coconut,cucumber, beer, pop, ice cream, grass jelly,clams and oysters. These foods cannot beeaten excessively and are thought to causestomach-aches, diarrhoea, dizziness andweakness.

Foods that belong to the ‘yang’ (also knowas ‘hot’ food) are: chilli, pepper, garlic,onion, curry, cabbage, eggplant, toro,pineapple, mango, cherry, peanuts, beef,turkey, shrimp, crab, french fries, friedchicken, and pizza. Excessive intake ofthese foods are thought to cause skinrashes, hives, pimples, nose bleeds, gas,indigestion, constipation, redness in theeyes, and sore throat.

Older Chinese people usually avoid eatingyellow cheese, scrambled eggs (becausethey contain fat and milk) or beef. Checkwith the residents their preferences assome do not eat lamb either.

If not feeling well a plate of ‘Congee’ ricesoup is appreciated as there is a culturallybelief that soup is good for the digestivesystem and healing.

Also check with the person his/herpreference regarding the use thechopsticks or other utensils.

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Bread

bun(whitecolour)

Soup / Rice

red bean soup,steampapaya soup,vegetable orchicken soup

Rice:grain, jasmine,brown,steamed, fried.

Rice soup,Pot rice

Vegetables

napa cabbage,bean sprout,soybean,cucumber,garlic,eggplant, etc.

Meat / Fish

chicken orpork

Fruit

All seasonalfruits(oranges,bananas,watermelonetc).

Drinks

herbal tea

soy milk

fruit juice

It is important to establish eachperson’s food preferences, cookingstyle (eg fried versus poached),quantity and timing of meals andrecorded as part of their care plan.

Food sourcesMore and more of the larger food stores(eg Woolworths, Coles) stock Chinesefoods. Below is a list of known suppliers ofChinese foods in Brisbane area.

For those persons outside of Brisbane, youcould phone and see if they can organise adelivery to your local area. There wouldobviously be additional costs.

Daily BBQ & ButcherShop 3B, 90 Markeri StMermaid Waters ShoppingGold Coast Qld 4218Ph (07) 5578 6522

Sunrise BBQ & ButcherShop 122 & 42Sunnybank PlazaSunnybank Qld 4109Ph (07) 3216 9833

Kwan Wo Noodle Foods P/L43 Alfred StreetFortitude Valley Brisbane Qld 4006Ph (07) 3252 9636

Formosa Asian MarketAspley Hypermarket Shop 8859 Albany Creek RoadAspley Qld 4034Ph (07) 3263 2553

Australia FairShop G73Southport Qld 4215Ph (07) 5591 5516

Exotic Asian GroceriesShop T15Logan HyperdomePacific Highway QldPh (07) 3806 0788

Cathay Chinese Herbs877 Ann StreetFortitude Valley Qld 4006Ph (07) 3852 2288

Chin Cho Tong Herbalist81 Warrigal RoadRuncorn Qld 4113Ph (07) 3219 8239

TC Beirne Centre28 Duncan StreetFortitude Valley Qld 4006Ph (07) 3257 1367

For more addresses check the‘Chinese Business Directory’ (available from Cathay Community(Ph (07) 3252 9066) or ChineseConsulate in Brisbane.

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Trauma situationsMany older Chinese speaking people havebeen born in different countries includingChina, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia,Singapore, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodiaand have lived through a very traumatictime from wars and volitation of humanrights. It is also likely that many familieswere split up and dislocated to differentparts of the world.

Attitudes to illness and painIn general, Chinese believe most illnessesare caused by disharmony an imbalance ofenergy flow in the body. Yin representsnegative energy and Yang representspositive energy. They have to be in balanceto create a harmonious and healthy life.There are elements that belong to both Yinand Yang meaning some elements of Yinfall within Yang and vice verse. Health ismaintaining Yin/Yang balance not only inthe body, but also in the environment. It isimportant to maintain harmony with body,mind and spirit, as well as with family andfriends.

The Taoist view of health is that there is aninterrelationship between our sources anduses of energy, our diet, expression of ouremotions, and the connection we havewith our environment, the seasons, andnature. Any illnesses occur when theseenergies are out of balance.

Chinese people are often stoic about pain,however you can often see their pain intheir faces expressions or not wanting toeat or being touched or moved etc.

The person will try to cope with pain foras long as possible mostly by tryingchange their diet by consuming moreherbal teas, soups, soupy rice or congeeetc. The person will generally not talkabout their pain or illness unless a closefriend or family member mentions anychanges they have noticed.

Perception of health professionalsChinese medicine can be used both forsymptom removal and improving overallhealth through strengthening the energyflow of the body. Often, when the Chinesefeel a deficiency in their health or strength,they seek a traditional method first, whichis to use herbs and special ingredientsoups to replenish the energy level and tostay healthy. They also seek out advicefrom an elder or a wise person to learnhow to cook a special soup, or they visit adoctor.

Chinese patients may prefer being caredfor by Chinese doctors, simply becausethere is a cultural connection and moretrust. They are likely to ask the doctor: “isthere anything that I should not eat?”- withthe patient expecting advice on how toavoid aggravating the illness.

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HEALTH

Complementary medicine is also seen ashaving an integral role in the health ofChinese persons, often alongside westernmedicine. Chinese people usually use homeremedies for minor ailments such a colds,musculoskeletal or skin problems. It is notuncommon for the person to seek medicaladvice and medication and then seek helpfrom health practitioners eg. Herbalist,naturopath, homeopath or acupunctureand undertake a remedial exerciseprogram.

Chinese people usually use home remediesfor minor ailments such a colds,musculoskeletal or skin problems. InChinese culture – food plays an importantrole in mediating health, so Chinese tendto consume a balanced diet, rice andnoodles as staples, with a variety ofvegetables. Vegetables are often mixedwith meat to balance the yin and the yang.

When working cross-culturally, the firststep is to understand the perspective ofthe patient and family, especially theirtreatment goals. The next step is toidentify a treatment plan that is acceptableboth to the patient and family, and to thehealth care team. The most effective way toaddress cultural difference is through openand balanced communication.

This may mean YOU shouldn’t perceivea Chinese person who questions adoctor or health professional as beingdifficult. Nor should you consider theperson as ‘being difficult’ shouldhe/she wants a second opinion or toaccess complementary medicines orsome type.

Palliative CareThe Chinese community are not a heteroge-neous group and draw upon manyinfluences, such as Confucianism, Taoismand Buddhism. Values such as loyalty, filial,piety, the maintenance of social order, thesuperiority of men over women, self-restrain, self-respect, and self-blame areembedded in Chinese culture and haveimplication for health care during end-of-life care. The implication of these values isthat collective decision-making within thefamily is regarded as the norm. Usuallyfemales take the caring role, the oldestmale is the decision maker but doesn’tprovide the physical care.

The open discussion of terminal illness andend of life issues is not regarded asappropriate in Chinese culture.

DeathPreferences about the choice of place ofdeath take a central role in palliative care.However, not every Chinese person wantsto die in their home, because of the beliefthat death in a house can make the house‘dirty’ at an energy level.

Taoism procedures after death: Thebody should be placed with the head facingsouth and cleansed with a white cloth.Once the hair is combed the comb isbroken and buried with the other washingimplements. Organ donation is consideredacceptable but not autopsies.

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DEATH AND DYING

The funeral will generally take place sevendays after the death.

Buddhism procedures after death:Once consciousness has left – the body isviewed as an “abandoned house”. Andthere are no special rites for disposal ofthe body.

There are no formal funeral rituals sothose observed tend to be culturalobservances as much as religious practices.

You can obtain more information related todifferent religious believes and end of lifeissues through the PICAC training sessionswhich can be run in your residentialfacility.

It is important to establish eachperson’s wishes in the event ofpalliative care or death and recordedas part of their care plan.

The Chinese do not have a phoneticalphabet using characters to expresswords, thoughts, or principles. ARomanized alphabet Pinyin is used to helpteach Chinese in school and for interna-tional communication.

There are seven major Chinese dialects andmany sub dialects. Mandarin (or Putonhua),the predominant dialect, is spoken by over70% of the population. It is taught in allschools and is the medium of government.Other spoken languages are: Mongolian,Tibetan, Uygur, Turkic and Korean.

The main languages spoken at home byChina-born people in Australia are: Chinese-Mandarin (48%), Chinese-Cantonese (36.8%)and Chinese-Other (6.8%).(source: Chinese Community Information Summary,DIMIA 2003)

YOU need to be aware that justbecause they once could speakEnglish, this does not mean a) theynecessarily spoke it fluently orextensively OR b) they have retainedthese skills as he/she aged OR c) thatit is their preferred language asspeaking English can be tiring to theelderly – as they are engaging in atranslation-type of process.

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LANGUAGE

For more InformationA variety of language guides targeted athealth and everyday activities is availableat a cost from:HENDRIKA (HEalth aND Rapport InteractiveKommunication Aid)PO Box 326, Beaudesert, Qld, 4285 or viawebsite address: www.hendrika.com.au

Following is a sample of phrase cards,originally produced by the MulticulturalAccess Unit, Health Department of WesternAustralian (reproduced with the permissionof the Department of Health Library, Perth,Western Australia).

The cards are arranged under fiveheadings, in the following order:• Greetings• Food• Personal Care• Pain• Requests

These cards are available from Diversicare’sPICAC Project Officer by contacting on (07) 3846 1099.

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PHRASE CARDS

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Diversicare Resources• Cultural Diversity Resource Directory for

Residential and Community CareAgencies, 2005. Lists all known resourcesunder chapter headings of –Communication, Cultural background,Health and Personal Care, Lifestyle, Legal,Management, Resources.

Phone Director, Diversicare for thisresource on (07) 3846 1099.

Useful WebsitesWestern Australia www.health.wa.gov.au/mau/

New South Waleswww.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au/health-public-affairs/mhcs/resources/index.html#top

Victoriawww.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/CategoryDoc/PresentCategory?Open

Federal Governmentwww.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/multilin.htm

www.ageing.health.gov.au/publicat/pubindex.htm

Cross Cultural Health Program (USA)www.xculture.org/resource/order/index.cfm?Category=Articles

Centre for Culture Ethnicity andHealth - Video Cataloguehttp://www.ceh.org.au/video_catalogue.htm

Alzheimers Australiawww.alzheimers.org.au/content.cfm?categoryid=14

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW www.alzheimers.org.au

Queensland Health – MulticulturalHealth Publicationswww.health.qld.gov.au/publications/restopicmaster.asp?Rec=40&frmHealthTopic=MulticulturalHealth

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centrewww.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc/multilingual_resources.asp

Cancer Foundationhttp://www.cancerindex.org/clinks13.htm

Nutrition Australiawww.nutritionaustralia.org

Information Lines

Aged and Community CareInformation Line: 1800 500 853

Carelink: 1800 052 222

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

LibrariesOrganisations must be registered toborrow

Diversicare Ph (07) 3846 1099

Blue Care Ph (07) 3377 3327

Queensland Transcultural MentalHealth Centre Ph (07) 3240 2833

HACC Resource Unit Ph (07) 3350 8653

Alzheimers Association of Queensland Inc.Ph (07) 3857 4043

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Post FaxDiversicare Attention: Margaret HessPO Box 5199 DiversicareWest End Qld 4101 Fax: (07) 3846 1107

Thank you for your assistance in keeping this document current.

49 – 51 Thomas Street West End Q 4101PO Box 5199 West End Q 4101Ph 07 3846 1099 Fax 3846 1107