8 min read•january 3, 2023
user_sophia9212
user_sophia9212
In AP Chinese Unit 2, we will be exploring the relationship between language and culture and how they shape and influence personal identity. We will delve into the complexities of self-expression and self-identification within the Chinese language and culture, examining topics such as , , , and . Additionally, we will discuss the role of and in shaping the of Chinese citizens and the impact of these factors on . Overall, this unit aims to provide a deeper understanding of the ways in which Chinese language and culture intersect and shape people’s sense of self and place in the world.
STUDY TIP: Use the following essential questions to guide your review of this entire unit. Keep in mind, these are not meant to be practice essay questions. Each question was written to help you summarize the key concept.
This unit focuses on exploring identities, both personal and public, and how Chinese language and culture affects and influences them. As you work through this unit, think about these questions:
How does one’s identity evolve over time? (一个人的自我身份认知随着时间如何改变?)
How does language shape our cultural identity? (语言是如何塑造我们的文化认同?)
How does technology influence the development of personal and public identity? (科学技术是如何影响到个人和地区的成长?)
Note: Many free-response questions draw from information and vocabulary from multiple units and don’t fit neatly into one unit only. You will likely see them in other unit overviews as well.
2010 Presentational Writing: Story Narration - Preparing dinner for friends
2021 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Studying of Chinese after high school
2019 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Plans after graduating high school
2017 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - International student orientation
2015 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - U.S. exchange student in China
2013 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - School lunch/cafeteria
2011 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Coming up with an oral presentation topic
2018 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Attending a birthday party for an elderly neighbor
2017 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Applying for a study abroad program in Beijing, China
2015 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Chinese club’s annual field trip
2011 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Organizing/volunteering at Chinese cultural week
2009 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Your experience studying Chinese
2008 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Part-time job waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant
Personal identity in China is restricted, especially for LGBTQ+ and
The official in China is atheist, but five religions are recognized: , , , , and . and are also common.
is highly valued in China and the government requires all children to receive at least nine years of . in China are high, especially in Beijing and Shanghai.
The Chinese economy is the second largest in the world and working overtime is common, especially in the
in China is based on years of employment, and holidays are required to be paid days off
The Chinese family structure is typically a , but there are also extended families and single parent families
The Chinese government controls the media and censors certain information and topics
Chinese culture values , , and
Chinese food is diverse and includes many , and rice is a staple food
The Chinese language has a complex with representing ideas or concepts, and a tonal system with
The Chinese calendar is based on the and is used to determine holidays and festivals. Festivals and celebrations in China include traditional holidays such as and the , as well as Western holidays that have been adopted in China.
Personal identity in China is influenced by cultural and societal expectations, including and expectations for and career success.
Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on working hard and being productive, with a common in some industries and limited paid leave for employees.
Chinese society is hierarchical and respect for authority and elders is important, with a focus on maintaining .
Chinese culture values family and , with a tradition of and extended family living together or nearby.
Social media and internet use is prevalent in China, although the government censors certain content and platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked.
Chinese culture associates beauty with balance, harmony, and the natural world
In Chinese architecture, beauty is reflected in the use of symmetry and the incorporation of natural elements such as gardens and water features
In Chinese literature, beauty is associated with inner qualities like kindness, intelligence, and moral character
Chinese architecture has a long history and a distinct aesthetic characterized by symmetry and the incorporation of natural elements
Chinese architecture is influenced by a range of styles and influences, including traditional Chinese, Buddhist, and Western styles
Some famous examples of Chinese architecture include the , the , and the
In Chinese literature, beauty is often conveyed through the use of vivid and descriptive language, as well as through the depiction of inner qualities in
Some famous examples of Chinese literature include the works of and the poems of
The works of , a Chinese philosopher and educator, are an important part of Chinese literature and are known for their emphasis on moral principles and character development
The poems of , a Chinese poet of the , are known for their use of vivid and descriptive language, as well as their themes of nature, love, and the passage of time
Chinese literature also includes a wide range of other genres, including novels, plays, and essays, that explore a variety of themes and subjects.
Food culture is an important part of Chinese culture, and food plays a central role in daily life and social interactions
Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and ingredients, and an emphasis on
Rice, noodles, and wheat-based products are staples in the Chinese diet, and a variety of vegetables and meats are used in cooking
Eating out is popular in China and there is a wide range of restaurants and street food vendors
Dining in China is often a social activity and people often share dishes and eat family-style
There is also a range of international cuisines available in China due to the country's multicultural and cosmopolitan nature
Food is an important part of Chinese celebrations and festivals, with special dishes often prepared for these occasions
There are several taboos in China including starting to eat before everyone has been served, making noise while eating, and leaving food on the plate
It is also considered rude to stick upright in a bowl of rice, as this is reminiscent of incense sticks used in funeral rituals
Tea is an important part of Chinese food culture and is often served with meals or as a standalone refreshment
There are many different types of tea in China, including , , , and , each with its own unique flavor and health benefits
In some parts of China, it is customary to offer a small gift or token of appreciation when visiting someone's home for a meal
In some parts of China, it is also customary to bring food or other gifts when visiting someone who is sick or in need of support
Chinese food culture includes a wide range of food-related customs and traditions, such as the use of food as a symbol of good fortune or as a way to honor ancestors.
In China, there is a system called the which includes personal information and a chip that can be scanned
The government is implementing a which gives and takes away points from citizens based on their actions and can restrict certain actions, such as travel, if a person's points are too low
There is significant internet in China, with the government monitoring and restricting online activity that goes against the government and blocking certain websites and social media platforms
The government censors information online using the , keyword filters, content monitoring, and arrests and detainments
There is limited in China, with controversial events and discussions often censored
The Chinese government also censors information in traditional media, such as television and newspapers
The government has implemented a campaign against "" which is used to justify and crackdowns on independent journalists and news outlets
The Chinese government also engages in efforts to shape public opinion and promote its own narrative.
The Chinese government has a history of suppressing and cracking down on activists and human rights defenders
The government has been criticized for its treatment of ethnic minorities, particularly the in
The government has also been criticized for its handling of public health crises, such as the , and for its lack of transparency and accountability
The Chinese government has a long history of suppressing freedom of and has been criticized for its treatment of religious minorities, such as and
The government has implemented a number of measures to control and monitor the media, including licensing requirements, , and campaigns
8 min read•january 3, 2023
user_sophia9212
user_sophia9212
In AP Chinese Unit 2, we will be exploring the relationship between language and culture and how they shape and influence personal identity. We will delve into the complexities of self-expression and self-identification within the Chinese language and culture, examining topics such as , , , and . Additionally, we will discuss the role of and in shaping the of Chinese citizens and the impact of these factors on . Overall, this unit aims to provide a deeper understanding of the ways in which Chinese language and culture intersect and shape people’s sense of self and place in the world.
STUDY TIP: Use the following essential questions to guide your review of this entire unit. Keep in mind, these are not meant to be practice essay questions. Each question was written to help you summarize the key concept.
This unit focuses on exploring identities, both personal and public, and how Chinese language and culture affects and influences them. As you work through this unit, think about these questions:
How does one’s identity evolve over time? (一个人的自我身份认知随着时间如何改变?)
How does language shape our cultural identity? (语言是如何塑造我们的文化认同?)
How does technology influence the development of personal and public identity? (科学技术是如何影响到个人和地区的成长?)
Note: Many free-response questions draw from information and vocabulary from multiple units and don’t fit neatly into one unit only. You will likely see them in other unit overviews as well.
2010 Presentational Writing: Story Narration - Preparing dinner for friends
2021 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Studying of Chinese after high school
2019 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Plans after graduating high school
2017 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - International student orientation
2015 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - U.S. exchange student in China
2013 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - School lunch/cafeteria
2011 Interpersonal Writing: Email Response - Coming up with an oral presentation topic
2018 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Attending a birthday party for an elderly neighbor
2017 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Applying for a study abroad program in Beijing, China
2015 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Chinese club’s annual field trip
2011 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Organizing/volunteering at Chinese cultural week
2009 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Your experience studying Chinese
2008 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Part-time job waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant
Personal identity in China is restricted, especially for LGBTQ+ and
The official in China is atheist, but five religions are recognized: , , , , and . and are also common.
is highly valued in China and the government requires all children to receive at least nine years of . in China are high, especially in Beijing and Shanghai.
The Chinese economy is the second largest in the world and working overtime is common, especially in the
in China is based on years of employment, and holidays are required to be paid days off
The Chinese family structure is typically a , but there are also extended families and single parent families
The Chinese government controls the media and censors certain information and topics
Chinese culture values , , and
Chinese food is diverse and includes many , and rice is a staple food
The Chinese language has a complex with representing ideas or concepts, and a tonal system with
The Chinese calendar is based on the and is used to determine holidays and festivals. Festivals and celebrations in China include traditional holidays such as and the , as well as Western holidays that have been adopted in China.
Personal identity in China is influenced by cultural and societal expectations, including and expectations for and career success.
Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on working hard and being productive, with a common in some industries and limited paid leave for employees.
Chinese society is hierarchical and respect for authority and elders is important, with a focus on maintaining .
Chinese culture values family and , with a tradition of and extended family living together or nearby.
Social media and internet use is prevalent in China, although the government censors certain content and platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter are blocked.
Chinese culture associates beauty with balance, harmony, and the natural world
In Chinese architecture, beauty is reflected in the use of symmetry and the incorporation of natural elements such as gardens and water features
In Chinese literature, beauty is associated with inner qualities like kindness, intelligence, and moral character
Chinese architecture has a long history and a distinct aesthetic characterized by symmetry and the incorporation of natural elements
Chinese architecture is influenced by a range of styles and influences, including traditional Chinese, Buddhist, and Western styles
Some famous examples of Chinese architecture include the , the , and the
In Chinese literature, beauty is often conveyed through the use of vivid and descriptive language, as well as through the depiction of inner qualities in
Some famous examples of Chinese literature include the works of and the poems of
The works of , a Chinese philosopher and educator, are an important part of Chinese literature and are known for their emphasis on moral principles and character development
The poems of , a Chinese poet of the , are known for their use of vivid and descriptive language, as well as their themes of nature, love, and the passage of time
Chinese literature also includes a wide range of other genres, including novels, plays, and essays, that explore a variety of themes and subjects.
Food culture is an important part of Chinese culture, and food plays a central role in daily life and social interactions
Chinese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and ingredients, and an emphasis on
Rice, noodles, and wheat-based products are staples in the Chinese diet, and a variety of vegetables and meats are used in cooking
Eating out is popular in China and there is a wide range of restaurants and street food vendors
Dining in China is often a social activity and people often share dishes and eat family-style
There is also a range of international cuisines available in China due to the country's multicultural and cosmopolitan nature
Food is an important part of Chinese celebrations and festivals, with special dishes often prepared for these occasions
There are several taboos in China including starting to eat before everyone has been served, making noise while eating, and leaving food on the plate
It is also considered rude to stick upright in a bowl of rice, as this is reminiscent of incense sticks used in funeral rituals
Tea is an important part of Chinese food culture and is often served with meals or as a standalone refreshment
There are many different types of tea in China, including , , , and , each with its own unique flavor and health benefits
In some parts of China, it is customary to offer a small gift or token of appreciation when visiting someone's home for a meal
In some parts of China, it is also customary to bring food or other gifts when visiting someone who is sick or in need of support
Chinese food culture includes a wide range of food-related customs and traditions, such as the use of food as a symbol of good fortune or as a way to honor ancestors.
In China, there is a system called the which includes personal information and a chip that can be scanned
The government is implementing a which gives and takes away points from citizens based on their actions and can restrict certain actions, such as travel, if a person's points are too low
There is significant internet in China, with the government monitoring and restricting online activity that goes against the government and blocking certain websites and social media platforms
The government censors information online using the , keyword filters, content monitoring, and arrests and detainments
There is limited in China, with controversial events and discussions often censored
The Chinese government also censors information in traditional media, such as television and newspapers
The government has implemented a campaign against "" which is used to justify and crackdowns on independent journalists and news outlets
The Chinese government also engages in efforts to shape public opinion and promote its own narrative.
The Chinese government has a history of suppressing and cracking down on activists and human rights defenders
The government has been criticized for its treatment of ethnic minorities, particularly the in
The government has also been criticized for its handling of public health crises, such as the , and for its lack of transparency and accountability
The Chinese government has a long history of suppressing freedom of and has been criticized for its treatment of religious minorities, such as and
The government has implemented a number of measures to control and monitor the media, including licensing requirements, , and campaigns