#AP Chinese: Unit 2 - Identity, Culture, and Language 🚀

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Chinese exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for Unit 2, focusing on how language and culture shape identity. Let's dive in!

#Unit 2 Overview: The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

This unit explores the fascinating interplay between language, culture, and identity. We'll examine how Chinese language and culture influence personal and public identities, covering everything from self-expression to government surveillance. Think of it as understanding the 'why' behind the 'what' in Chinese society. Let's make sure you're ready to ace this section! 💪

#Unit 2 Essential Questions

These questions are your roadmap for this unit. Keep them in mind as you review. They're designed to help you summarize the key concepts, not to be essay questions. 💡

1. 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？)
2. How does language shape our cultural identity? (语言是如何塑造我们的文化认同？)
3. 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？)

#Past Free-Response Questions from Unit 2

Here’s a quick look at past FRQs. Remember, many questions blend concepts from multiple units, so don't be surprised if you see these topics pop up again!

#Presentational Writing: Story Narration

• 2010 Presentational Writing: Story Narration - Preparing dinner for friends

#Interpersonal Writing: Email Response

• 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

#Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation

• 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
• 2016 Interpersonal Speaking: Conversation - Speaking with taxi driver in Beijing on the way to the Forbidden City
• 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

#Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation

• 2021 Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation - Chinese culture (Chinese characters, Chinese martial arts, Chinese painting, etc.)

• 2013 Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation - Chinese regional cuisine (Sichuan, Shanghai, Cantonese, etc.)

• 2007 Presentational Speaking: Cultural Presentation - Chinese social custom (giving/receiving gifts, meeting someone for the first time, being a guest in someone’s home, etc.)

  Notice how many FRQs involve daily life scenarios (ordering food, talking to a taxi driver) and cultural topics (festivals, cuisine). This means you should be comfortable with both practical vocabulary and cultural knowledge.

#2.1 Personal and Public Identities in China

Let's explore how identity is shaped in China. It's a mix of personal expression and cultural expectations. 🎭

• Personal Identity: Can be complex, especially for LGBTQ+ and non-binary individuals.
• Religion: While the official party is atheist, five religions are recognized. Chinese folk religion and atheism are also common.
• Education: Highly valued, with a government mandate for at least nine years of education. Literacy rates are high, especially in major cities.
• Economy: The second largest globally, with a culture of working overtime, especially in tech.
• Work-Life Balance: Annual leave is based on years of employment, and paid holidays are mandatory. 🏖️
• Family: Typically nuclear, but extended and single-parent families exist.
• Media Control: The government controls media and censors certain topics.
• Cultural Values: Hierarchy, respect for elders, and saving face are key.
• Cuisine: Diverse, with regional variations and rice as a staple. 🍚
• Language: Complex writing system with characters representing ideas and a tonal system.
• Calendar: Based on the lunar cycle, used for holidays and festivals.
• Cultural Influence: Personal identity is shaped by cultural and societal expectations, including gender roles and career success.
• Work Ethic: Strong emphasis on hard work and productivity, with the 996 system in some industries.
• Social Structure: Hierarchical, with respect for authority and elders, and a focus on social harmony.
• Family Values: Family and interdependence are highly valued, with filial piety and extended family living together.
• Digital Landscape: Social media and internet use is common, but with government censorship and blocked platforms.

#2.2 Beauty and Aesthetics in Chinese Architecture and Literature

Let’s explore the concept of beauty in Chinese culture. It's more than just what meets the eye! ✨

• Core Concepts: Beauty is associated with balance, harmony, and the natural world.
• Architecture: Symmetry and incorporation of natural elements are key. Think gardens and water features.
• Literature: Beauty is linked to inner qualities like kindness, intelligence, and moral character.
• Architectural History: Long and distinct, influenced by traditional, Buddhist, and Western styles.
• Famous Structures: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven. 🏯
• Literary Techniques: Vivid, descriptive language and emphasis on inner qualities of characters.
• Literary Giants: Works of Confucius (moral principles) and poems of Li Bai (nature, love, time).
• Literary Variety: Includes novels, plays, and essays exploring diverse themes.

#2.3 Chinese Dining Customs and Chinese Cuisine

Food is a big deal in China! Let’s explore dining customs and cuisine. 🍜

• Food Culture: Central to daily life and social interactions.
• Cuisine: Diverse flavors, ingredients, and emphasis on balance and harmony.
• Staples: Rice, noodles, wheat-based products, and a variety of vegetables and meats.
• Dining Out: Popular, with many restaurants and street food vendors.
• Social Dining: Dishes are often shared family-style.
• International Cuisine: Available due to the country's multicultural nature.
• Celebrations: Special dishes are prepared for festivals and occasions.
• Dining Taboos: Don't start eating before everyone is served, make noise while eating, or leave food on the plate. 🥢
• Chopstick Etiquette: Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it's like incense at funerals).
• Tea Culture: An important part of meals and refreshments, with many varieties.
• Gifting: Small gifts or tokens of appreciation when visiting someone's home.
• Support: Bringing food or gifts when visiting someone who is sick.
• Symbolism: Food is used to symbolize good fortune and honor ancestors.

#2.4 Internet and Healthcare in China

Let's discuss the digital landscape and healthcare system in China. 🌐

• Resident Identity Card: Includes personal information and a scannable chip.
• Social Credit System: Points are given and taken away based on actions, which can restrict certain activities.
• Internet Censorship: Significant, with government monitoring and restrictions.
• Great Firewall: Used to censor online information.
• Censorship Methods: Keyword filters, content monitoring, and arrests/detainments.
• Limited Press Freedom: Controversial events and discussions are often censored.
• Traditional Media Censorship: Government controls TV and newspapers.
• Anti-"Fake News" Campaign: Used to justify censorship and crackdowns on independent journalism.
• Propaganda: Government efforts to shape public opinion.
• Suppression of Dissent: History of cracking down on activists and human rights defenders.
• Treatment of Minorities: Criticism for the treatment of ethnic minorities, especially Uighurs.
• Public Health Crises: Criticism for handling of crises like COVID-19, lack of transparency, and accountability.
• Religious Freedom: History of suppressing religious freedom, with criticism of treatment of religious minorities.
• Media Control: Government controls media through licensing, censorship, and propaganda.

#Final Exam Focus

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you should focus on for the exam:

• High-Priority Topics: Personal and public identities, cultural values, dining customs, internet censorship, and government control.
• Common Question Types: Interpersonal speaking, email responses, cultural presentations, and story narrations.
• Time Management: Quickly identify the question type and plan your response. Don't spend too much time on one question.
• Common Pitfalls: Forgetting cultural nuances, not using specific vocabulary, and not addressing all parts of the prompt.
• Strategies: Use transition words, vary your sentence structure, and show off your vocabulary. Don't be afraid to take risks!

#Practice Questions

Okay, let's test your knowledge with some practice questions! These are designed to mimic the types of questions you'll see on the exam. Remember, practice makes perfect! 💪

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chinese culture, which of the following is NOT typically associated with beauty? a) Balance b) Harmony c) Complexity d) Natural world

2. Which of the following is a common dining taboo in China? a) Sharing food with others b) Starting to eat before everyone is served c) Using chopsticks to pick up food d) Drinking tea with meals

3. What is the name of the system used by the Chinese government to monitor and restrict online activity? a) The Great Wall b) The Great Firewall c) The Social Credit System d) The Resident Identity Card

#Free Response Question

Scenario: You are an exchange student in China and have been asked to give a short presentation to your host family about your understanding of Chinese dining culture. Include at least three specific customs or traditions you have learned about. Explain why these customs are important in Chinese society. (10 points)

Point-by-Point Scoring Breakdown:

• Point 1-3: Correctly identify three specific Chinese dining customs (e.g., not starting to eat before others, not sticking chopsticks upright, sharing dishes).
• Point 4-6: Provide a clear explanation of why each custom is important in Chinese society (e.g., showing respect, avoiding bad omens, promoting communal dining).
• Point 7-8: Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to present the information clearly and effectively.
• Point 9-10: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the cultural significance of the customs and provide a nuanced explanation.

Remember, you've got this! Stay calm, review thoroughly, and trust your preparation. Good luck! 🎉