Pauline D Loh, culture editor for China Daily, explained the Chinese habit of loud communication in The Independent (UK) in 2013. Similarly, Japanese writer Akiko offered a comparable analysis, drawing on years of experience living in China to discuss the issue on the lifestyle website Otonanswer (Japan).
Based on their extensive understanding of local culture, the two authors identified five main reasons:
The unique nature of language and tones
Chinese language, especially Mandarin and Cantonese, features many tones that carry completely different meanings. Speakers must pronounce words loudly and clearly to convey messages accurately and avoid misunderstandings during communication.
Cultural perception of liveliness
Traditional Chinese culture views loud volume as a symbol of health, confidence, and straightforwardness. People believe that the resounding cries of infants, strong vendor calls, or the festive sounds of firecrackers all signify attracting prosperity, warding off bad luck, and signaling success.
High population density
In crowded areas or traditional markets, people developed a reflex to raise their voices to attract the attention of vendors. This sound competition reflex persists today despite many changes in modern shopping methods.
Impact of urbanization and lifestyle
The rapid pace of construction and infrastructure repairs creates a noisy living environment. People gradually became accustomed to raising their voices to overcome ambient sounds. Additionally, remnants of old village life, where people needed to call each other across hills and over the noise of livestock, also contribute to maintaining this communication habit.
Psychology of status display
During the 1960-1980 period, sounds from loudspeakers represented the authority of community officials, fostering a mindset that linked a loud voice with power. Today, many individuals continue to use loud volumes in public to display wealth or social status.
According to China Daily, many people increase their volume to assert authority, emphasize a point, or express friendship. Superiors often speak loudly to employees. A group of friends might be boisterous in a quiet restaurant. In some offices, employees speak loudly on personal phone calls, making it audible to colleagues. For them, a loud voice conveys strength, sincerity, or enthusiasm. These are values people cherish. Conversely, a quiet voice suggests weakness or indecisiveness.
Minh Phuong (According to The Independent, ifeng)
