answersLogoWhite

0

Actually, they call them (in Chinese, of course) "foreign devils." "Barbarians" is from the Greek and it means, "people who bleat like sheep," or in other words, can't speak Greek. Because most Chinese people do not have allot of hair on their arms, and many visitors to China do, the Chinese equate the extra hair as another sign of primitive people.

Every group such as the Chinese has a "out-group" name for people who don't share their culture, frequently a demeaning one. Jews call non-Jews "goyim"; Hawaiians call non-Hawaiians "haolis"; Mexicans call everybody else "gringoes" (curiously, that means "Greeks"; a metonym for "foreigners" established by the Romans).

Many of the names we casually use for American First Nations began as insults by other tribes. "Sioux" (for Lakota) is a French-mangled Algonkian word for "little snakes"; "Apache" is Zuni for "enemy." (They call themselves Dineh). "Eskimo" (for Inuit) is Cree for "eats raw flesh."

In short, language will always be something of a barrier to acceptance, inasmuch as the one we speak seems to us to be the only reasonable way to talk and those who can't do it are at least a little odd and deserve to be labelled for it.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

The Chinese thought the Europeans was what?

The Chinese thought the Europeans were "barbarians" due to their different customs, language, and appearance. Europeans were initially seen as uncivilized outsiders by the Chinese.


What is the roman name for Germanic outsiders?

The answer is Barbarians.


Roman name for germanic outsiders?

barbarians


What was the Japanese name for the European newcomers meaning southern barbarians?

南蛮 /nan ban/ is the term meaning 'southern barbarians', formerly used by Chinese to refer to non-Chinese from the south and then by the Japanese in their trade with Spain etc.南蛮 /nan ban/.


What did Chinese called people who refused to adopt the Chinese language and customs?

barbarians


What did the Chinese call people who refused to adopt the Chinese language and culture?

Barbarians


The Chinese called people who refused to adopt the Chinese language and customs?

barbarians


What did Chinese call people who refused to adopt the Chinese language and customs?

barbarians


How did the chinese jin emperors keep northern barbarians from attacking?

The forts along the wall were constructed to prohibit the northern barbarians to attack Chinese border towns.


What did the Chinese think the Europeans were?

The Chinese thought that the Europeans were barbarians who were worst than the Manchurians and the Mongolians who were also barbarians in the eyes of the Chinese. Europeans had to bow down to the Chinese when they wanted to trade with the Chinese. The Chinese however did not abuse their power on the Europeans because the Chinese saw themselves as the "Middle Kingdom" and believed that all other nations and people in the world will eventually adopt the Chinese ways. The Chinese don't shove their culture down other people's throats. I would say that the Chinese thinking was arrogance and vanity at its best.Source: Prelude to Opium War Qing DynastyThe Chinese thought that the Europeans were barbarians


GReek word for outsider or uncivilized people?

Xenos is outsiders or foreigners. Barbaros means barbarians. :P


What belief held by the Chinese shows their attitude of supremacy over other nations during the time of Emperor Qian Long?

A distinct order of living things: Chinese, barbarians, and beasts

Trending Questions
How did corruption in the federal government during Grant's administration help cause the end of reconstruction? The shot heard round the world refers to the actions of the minutemen at? What was the Tripartite government? What are the four major public assistance programs of the federal government? What was George Washington's wife last name? What would a literal interpretation of the first amendment mean for the protection of civil liberties what factors tend to prevent such a literal intrepetation give examples to illustrate answer? What is political oppression? Why was Cornwallis surprised to see Armistead in an American uniform? What did the Olmec's wear? How much is a American 5 dollar bill worth in Canada? Does the Executive Branch hold the power of the purse? What is the greatest good for the greatest amount of people and are you living in such a system today? What is it called when a council member is elected by an entire city rather than a district? How did Jefferson and Madison succeed by following Washington advice on steering clear of permanent alliances? How did the outcome of the civil war change the distribution of power asks sorority between the US and the state governments? Why did the issue of states rights arise at the time? Americans wanted the government to be fair so the constitution had as it's purpose to establish? What was one of the puzzles Malcolm Gilvary made? Battle of kettle creek Elijah clarke Austin dabney? What is the difference between US Supreme Court justices and other public officials?