What does it mean to be Chinese?这意味着什么是中国？
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Here is one answer, translated from a post written by an American-raised Chinese on MITBBS (这是一个答复，翻译后写的是美国，中国提出的关于MITBBS （ 原贴原贴 ): ） ：
I was eating lunch with a good friend (both a colleague and a classmate) a few days ago.我是吃午饭的一个好朋友（包括同事和同学）前几天。 He’sa true Englishman, having lived in England from birth through university.他是真正的英国人，有住在英格兰从出生到大学。 Although he’s now attending school with me in the United States, he naturally does so with the identity of an Englishman.虽然他现在上学与我在美国，他这样做自然有身份的一个英国人。 Whereas I, as an ethnic Chinese person raised in the United States, have in his eyes been categorized as an “American”.而我，作为一个民族提出的中国人在美国，在他的眼睛被列为“美国” 。 And I will often correct him by saying “I’m Chinese”.我常常会纠正他说： “我中国” 。 This time, when the topic popped up again, he laughed and asked: “From your point of view, what is a Chinese person?”这一次，当话题再次出现了，他笑着问： “从您的角度来看，什么是中国人？ ”
I believe “Chinese” has three different meanings.我认为， “中国”有三个不同的含义。
1) From a superficial point of view, it would mean the legal definition. 1 ）从肤浅的角度来看，这将意味着法律上的定义。 If you are a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, if you use a Chinese passport outside of China’s borders, then this person from a legal point of view is Chinese.如果你是一个公民的中华人民共和国中国，如果你使用中国护照以外的中国的边界，那么此人从法律的角度看是中国。 Based on China’s constitution, if a Chinese citizen acquires foreign citizenship and a foreign passport, they automatically relinquish their Chinese citizenship.根据中国宪法，如果一个中国公民取得外国国籍和一本外国护照，他们自动放弃中国国籍。 So, with this definition, you can only choose one between the identities “Chinese” and “foreigner”.因此，在这一定义，你只能选择一个身份之间的“中国”和“外国人” 。 So, if you acquire American citizenship, you’re no longer Chinese.因此，如果您获得美国公民身份，你就不再中国。 But I don’t believe the definition of “Chinese” is limited to this.但我不相信“的定义中国”仅限于这一点。
2) “Chinese” can also be defined on the basis of race and blood. 2 ） “中国”也可以加以界定的基础上，种族和血液。 If we talk a little loosely, all of the如果我们谈论有点松散，所有的 descendants of Yan and Yellow Emperors后裔艳和黄河皇帝 , all of the heirs of the dragon are Chinese. ，所有的继承人龙是中国。 Just like the song goes, “就像这首歌所说， “ always an heir of the dragon总是继承人龙 “. “ 。
If we talk a little more tightly, if your bloodlines are 100% Chinese, then using this definition, you are Chinese, and this will never change.如果我们谈论一些更加紧密，如果您的血统是100 ％中国，然后利用这一定义，你是中国，这将永远不会改变。 It doesn’t matter what passport you hold, it doesn’t matter what citizenship you hold, even if you grow up or are born in a different country and can’t speak Chinese, you’re still Chinese.不管你什么护照持有，它并不无论您持有国籍，即使你长大了，或出生在一个不同的国家，并不能代表中国，您还是中国。 But I believe that even this definition isn’t the most important.但我相信，即使这个定义不是最重要的。
3) I believe the most important definition is understanding of China’s language, history, and culture. 3 ）我认为最重要的定义是了解中国的语言，历史和文化。 Understanding of China’s way of life.了解中国的生活方式。 These people, even if they don’t have Chinese citizenship, even if they don’t have Chinese blood-lines, they can also be called Chinese.这些人，即使他们没有中国公民，即使他们没有中国血线，他们也可以被称为中国。 For example, let’s talk about举例来说，我们谈论 Dashan大山 ( ed: aka Mark Henry Rowswell) . （ 编辑：又名马克亨利Rowswell ） 。 He’s completely fluent in all things “China”; even if he doesn’t have a drop of Chinese blood, when compared to those with Chinese blood but can’t speak Hanyu, he’s more Chinese.他完全流利的一切事物“中国” ;即使他没有一滴血液中国相比，那些有中国血，但不能讲汉语，他更多的中国。 And from that point of view, someone can both be Chinese and a foreigner.从这个角度看，有人都可以和中国的外国人。 And I believe that because I grew up in the United States and understand American culture, I am Chinese, and also American.我相信，因为我从小生长在美国和美国文化的了解，我中国，也是美国。
On some discussion boards, some people argue endlessly over whether someone who’s changed passports should still be considered Chinese.在一些讨论板，一些人无休止地争论是否有人谁在改变护照仍应该被视为中国。 But I believe this is too rigidly claiming the first definition of Chinese to be the most important, or even the only definition of the term.但是，我认为这是过于僵化的第一人定义的中国是最重要的，甚至是唯一一词的定义。 Although I can’t accuse them of being wrong, but I have my opinion on this point.虽然我不能指责他们是错的，但我有我的意见这一点。 Some people raised in China choose to give up their citizenship after going overseas for various reasons; some of these reasons I can understand, some of these reasons I can’t approve of.有些人提出在中国选择放弃自己的公民出国后由于各种原因，其中一些原因，我可以理解，但是其中一些原因，我不能同意。 But this doesn’t represent that they’ve relinquished their Chinese blood, relinquished the Chinese culture that represents a part of themselves.但是，这并不表示他们已经放弃了他们的中国血，放弃了中国文化，代表了一部分自己。 If some people insist they can forget or discard everything that they learned from the age of 20, and can forget the Chinese language, Chinese culture, and all of the traces left on them by their lives in China… then they either have saintly powers, or are only in self-denial.如果某些人坚持他们可以忘记或抛弃一切，他们从20岁，可以忘记中国语言，中国文化，所有的痕迹留在他们自己的生活在中国...然后他们要么圣洁的权力，或只在自我否定。 Our China doesn’t give us saints very often, so I don’t think we need to discuss these people too much further.我们中国没有给我们很多圣人，所以我不认为我们需要讨论这些人太多进一步。
In many of those threads discussing the changing of passports, someone will mention patriotism.在许多这些线程的讨论不断变化的护照，有人会提到爱国主义。 Now, what kind of definition is appropriate?现在，什么样的定义是适当的？ If you have a Chinese passport, that’s proof you’re a Chinese patriot?如果您有中国护照，这是证明你是一个中国的爱国者？ Maybe, but that’s not a necessary condition.也许，但这不是一项必要条件。 Many people say “I’m proud of being Chinese!” I often say this myself.很多人说“我很自豪成为中国！ ”我常常这样说自己。 But what layer of Chinese am I talking about?但是，中国层我谈？ I believe the meaning of the first and second layers don’t really apply.我认为意义上的第一和第二层真的不适用。 No one can choose their blood-lines and where they were born.任何人都不能选择自己的血线，他们在那里出生。 Anyone that believes they and their descendants are superior to others on the basis of their blood-lines or their place of birth… to be honest, that’s both superficial and pathetic.任何人都相信他们和他们的后代均优于他人的基础上，他们的血行或其出生地...说实话，这既肤浅又可悲。 But to a certain degree, we can select our own culture.但是，在一定程度上，我们可以选择我们自己的文化。 And I believe that, when I say I’m proud of being Chinese, I’m not expressing pride over my passport (after all, isn’t it just a red-covered little book?), and I’m not expressing pride over my Chinese blood.我相信，当我说我很骄傲被中国，我不感到自豪表达了我的护照（毕竟是不是仅仅是个红色覆盖的小书？ ） ，我没有表示自豪我的中国血液。 Instead, it’s because I was raised and live overseas, but have still maintained my Chinese language skills while trying hard to absorb the broad and deep expanses of Chinese culture that I’m proud… it’s because that I still monitor China’s development, and hope to one day contribute to China’s development that I’m proud.相反，它是因为我提出和居住在海外，但仍然保持我的中国语言技能，同时努力承担广泛和深入的大片中国文化，我很骄傲...那是因为我仍然监察中国'的发展，并希望有一天有助于中国的发展，我感到自豪。
What does everyone think?是什么大家认为呢？
Well, I will duplicate his question.好吧，我会重复他的问题。 What does everyone think?是什么大家认为呢？ (On MITBBS, the most popular response has been admiration for his excellent writing in Chinese.) （在MITBBS ，最受欢迎的反应一直钦佩出色的书面中国） 。
UPDATE : And I can’t forget to include this version of “ 更新：我可以不要忘记包括该版本的“ Heir to the Dragon继承人龙 “, by US born and raised “ ，由美国出生和长大 Wang Lihong汪哩哄 . 。
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm 2008年7月三日在下午七时16分
I had a discussion similar to this on other blogs/forums and we all had different but slightly the same opinions.我有一个讨论与此类似的其他博客/论坛和我们大家都略有不同，但相同的意见。 Basically, I agree to all three reasons, the legal definition, the heritage definition as well as the “knowledge and relationship to culture” definition.基本上，我同意所有三个原因，法律上的定义，传统的定义以及“知识和文化的关系”的定义。 The first one is quite straight-forward.第一个是非常直截了当。
The second one may raise a lot of critical questions, but I personally see nothing wrong with identifying your roots as part of who you are.第二个可能引起了很多关键的问题，但我个人认为没有错的根源查明的一部分，你是谁。 I read quite a bit about the Chinese people, and whether it’s in China or the diaspora, the people are a very diverse group.我阅读了不少有关中国人民以及是否在中国或海外侨民，人民是一个非常不同的组。 In some cases, people with one Chinese parent or just one ancestor will claim some sense of admiration and pride (though not always in the extreme fashion as ethnic chauvinists do) in this factor.在某些情况下，与一个人的父母或中国只有一个祖先将索赔某种意义上敬佩和骄傲（但并不总是在极端的方式为民族沙文主义这样做）在此因素。
The third reason seems to reflect on what matters most to the Chinese mentality.第三个原因似乎反映了什么最重要的中国心态。 Knowledge and close familiar interactions, which is basically relationships.知识和熟悉密切的互动，这是基本的关系。 Some ancient cultures have something similar where a foreigner will be adopted as a full member of their clan/tribe/civilization based on their knowledge or willingness to interact and be part of their community, with or without close bloodlines.一些古老的文化有类似的地方外国人将通过作为正式成员的部落/部落/文明基础上的知识或愿意互动，并参与他们的社区，有或没有密切的血统。
In comparison, I myself as an American of Chinese descent as well, I use somewhat similar definitions.相比之下，我作为一个美国人的中国血统，以及，我使用有点类似的定义。 The legal definition of citizenship, as this is the place of my birth, my environment I grew up in makes me American.法律定义的公民，因为这是我的地方出生，我的环境我长大让我在美国。 However, with the US as still one of the “youngest” nations in terms of cultural and historical weight, I see being American in more terms of ideas and values rather than ethnicity or lineage.然而，美国仍然是“最年轻”的国家的文化和历史的重量，被我看到更多的美国方面的思想和价值观，而不是种族或血统。 It would be too hard considering how diverse and almost constant change the American society goes through, or admit.这将是很难考虑如何多样，几乎不断变化的美国社会经历，或承认。
In a sense, I understand the writer’s position.在某种意义上说，据我所知，作家的立场。
However, I’m afraid that there are quite a number of people who will not.但是，我恐怕有相当多的人谁不会。 I’ve used similar statements regarding how someone identifies being Chinese to many people, Americans, Canadians, some Europeans even other Asians (East Asians if you want to be more precise), but it’s like hard for them to comprehend.我用类似的声明就如何确定某人被许多中国人，美国人，加拿大人，一些欧洲国家甚至其他亚洲国家（东亚如果您想更确切） ，但像他们很难理解。 The most common response I got was how could someone identify with a group that hasn’t step foot in it’s ancestorial soil for more than a generation?…最常见的反应是我怎么能确定某人与一组还没有迈出脚的ancestorial土壤超过一代？ ...
In a lot of cases, I couldn’t think of a good reply and just said it’s that way.在很多情况下，我不能想到一个很好的答复和刚才说的是这种方式。 After a while, I just gave a brief but somewhat silly response to that question…We identified ourselves being Chinese, even if it’s generations ago, because it’s worth remembering.过了一会儿，我只是简要介绍了有点傻，但针对这一问题...我们发现自己被中国，即使它的前一代，因为这是值得记住的。
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:56 pm 2008年7月三日在下午7点56分
I have to mention this because my previous comment may upset some of my friends.我必须提到这一点，因为我在以前的评论可能会打破我的一些朋友。
Having a strong sense of identity with your heritage is not unique among the Chinese.拥有一个强有力的认同感与您的遗产并不是唯一的中国。 I said before that there were people who do not understand this, and it is true, but there are that do comprehend.我以前说过的，有人民谁不明白这一点，这是事实，但也有不理解的。 It may be a North American concept, but there are people here who feel the same way as the Chinese, expressing their heritage with such strong sentiments, such as the Italians, Jewish peoples and Persian groups.这可能是北美的概念，但很多人觉得谁在这里以同样的方式为中国，表达他们的遗产如此强烈的情绪，如意大利，犹太人民和波斯湾的群体。
I re-read the article by the MITBBS writer and it’s worth thinking over the last portion where the writer mentions about the free will to choose to maintain those links with being Chinese as an important factor.我重新阅读文章的MITBBS作家和值得思考的最后一部分的作家提到的自由意志选择保持联系，这些被中国的一个重要因素。 In a sense, the individual has to choose whether or not to maintain their relationship with being Chinese, and the same be said for everyone else, excluding the legal definition.在某种意义上说，个人选择是否保持其与正在中国，同样可以说对每个人，不包括法律上的定义。 Then, it raises the question of free-will, destiny, and other semi-philosophical/religious questions of who we are and how we came to be, and that’s lilke a whole another topic so I’ll leave it at that.然后，它提出了一个问题，自由意志，命运，和其他semi-philosophical/religious问题我们是谁，以及我们如何来将，这也是整个lilke另一话题，所以我停留在这一点上。
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm 2008年7月三日在下午8时35分
Interesting topic.有趣的话题。 I don’t think the term “Chinese” has a fixed or a single meaning; it is a fluid concept that may change depending on the context.我不认为的“中国”有一个固定的或单一的意义，它是一种流体的概念，可能会改变取决于背景。 I disagree with some people that not having a Chinese passport makes one less Chinese (well, I guess yes if you are referring to the legal/political definition of Chinese, but no if you are referring to ethnic/cultural definition).我不同意一些人认为没有中国护照，使中国少一个（好，我猜是如果你指的是法律/政治定义的中国，但如果你指的是种族/文化的定义） 。 Biologically, people do not become less Chinese simply because they acquire non-Chinese citizenship.生物，人们不会变得不那么中国仅仅是因为他们获得的非中国公民身份。
As for meaning #2, I don’t believe in the pure Chinese blood idea.至于含义＃ 2 ，我不相信在中国纯血的想法。 Although there is a Han Chinese ethnicity, it seems it too is a fluid and not a fixed notion.虽然有汉族中国民族，似乎它也是一个流体，而不是一个固定的概念。 Chinese are genetically very diverse.中国的基因非常多样化。 There is the northern/southern genetic split not to mention some culturally/legally Chinese people are not ethnically Chinese at all.有北部/南部遗传分裂更不用提一些文化/法律中国人不是中国民族在所有。 For example, northeasterners are Manchurians who are genetically probably closer to Mongolians and Koreans than they are to Han Chinese.例如， northeasterners是满族谁的基因可能更接近于蒙古人和韩国比他们韩中国。 They became “Hanized” and lost their Manchurian culture because their ancestors invaded China.他们成为“ Hanized ” ，并失去了满洲文化，因为他们的祖先入侵中国。 Like many other ethnic minorities, it seems many northeasterners do not even know whether their ancestors were Han Chinese or were Manchurians and simply believe they are (or choose to identify as) Han Chinese.如同许多其他少数族裔，但似乎许多northeasterners甚至不知道是否他们的祖先是韩中国或满族，只是认为他们是（或选择确定的）韩中国。 Also, with the recent mass migrations, we are seeing much more intermarriages among people from different provinces, I doubt anyone really knows whether they are pure blooded Han Chinese anymore.此外，随着近年来的大规模移民，我们看到更多的人通婚来自不同的省份，我怀疑任何人真正知道他们是否是纯粹的热血韩中国了。
I tend to prefer a cultural definition of Chinese.我倾向于喜欢文化的定义中国。 I know an elderly Chinese lady who is ethnically Japanese.我知道中国的老人夫人谁是日本民族。 She was abandoned by her parents in Manchuria following Japan’s defeat during WWII.她被遗弃她的父母在满洲以下日本战败二战期间。 But she considers herself 100% Chinese and doesn’t see herself Japanese at all.但她认为自己100 ％的中国和没有看到自己在日本所有。 So, although ethnically she is Japanese (something she can’t change), she became culturally and legally Chinese and she is no less Chinese than any other Chinese (be it legal, cultural or ethnic) anywhere in the world.因此，虽然种族，她是日本人（的东西，她不能改变） ，她成为在文化上和法律上中国和她是不低于中国比其他任何中国（无论是法律，文化或种族）在世界任何地方。
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 pm 2008年7月三日在下午9点54分
Thanks for this Buxi.感谢Buxi 。
At the risk of being accused of being obsessed with the ethnic minorities, I think it’s interesting and worthwhile to think about where they fit into all this.在可能被指责为沉迷于少数族裔人士，我认为这是有趣的和值得思考他们融入这一切。
Clearly they are Chinese in the first sense.显然，他们是中国的第一意义。
As far as the second understanding of Chinese-ness goes, a lot of paper, ink and hard-drive space has been used trying to show that they Tibetans etc. are also descendants of the Yellow Emperor.至于第二个理解中国性不用，很多纸张，墨水和硬盘空间已被用来试图表明，藏族等，他们也炎黄子孙。 But as Jane points out, this is notion of Chinese-ness is mostly based on myth rather than genetic science.但是，随着简指出，这是中国概念性主要是神话的基础上，而不是遗传科学。 (Which isn’t to say people are wrong to believe it, only that we can’t use this sense of Chinese-ness to categorically say that someone is or isn’t Chinese.) （这并不是说人们错误的认为，只有我们不能使用这个意义上的中国性明确，有人说是或不是中国） 。
In the third sense?在第三个意义？ Yes and no, I would say.是的，没有，我要说。 Yes, if Chinese culture is understood to be more than just Han culture (although, irritatingly both Chinese and foreign descriptions of “Chinese culture” often are limited to just Han-Chinese culture).是的，如果中国的文化是理解为不仅仅是汉文化（虽然都irritatingly中国和外国的说明“中国文化”往往只限于汉中国文化） 。 On the other hand, the culture of some of the minorities is also identified with another non-Chinese nation-state: ie Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Korea, Tajikistan etc. So identifying with Kazakh culture does not on its own make a person Chinese.另一方面，文化的一些少数民族还确定了与其他非中国民族国家：即蒙古，哈萨克斯坦，俄罗斯，韩国，塔吉克斯坦等所以确定了哈萨克斯坦文化不就使自己的中国人。
It’sa question that has plagued intellectuals and politicians as they have tried to construct a modern Chinese nation state.这是一个问题一直困扰着知识分子和政治家，他们曾试图建立一个现代中国的民族国家。 For what it’s worth, my view is that a passport is the only objective marker of identity, everything else comes down to subjective opinion.认为这是非常值得，我的看法是，护照是唯一的目标标记的身份，一切归结为主观意见。
July 4th, 2008 at 12:05 am 08年七月四日于12时05分
Interesting blog Buxi.有趣的博客Buxi 。 I have read your blogs for sometime but this is the first time I have written anything.我看过您的博客一段时间但这是我第一次写什么。 I am particularly interested in this topic but hesitant to express fully what I believe.我特别感兴趣的是这个问题，但犹豫不决，充分表达我认为。
I live in Guizhou and for fear of offending any of the people here in this backward, uncivilized place, I refer to myself as “ban zhonguoren”.我住在贵州，因害怕得罪任何人在这个落后的，不文明的地方，我指的是自己作为“禁止zhonguoren ” 。 Chinese Nationalists may not accept my thinking but you have come so close to parroting my thoughts that I thought I might scribe a few lines from a little different perspective.中国国民党可能不会接受我的想法，但你已经非常接近parroting我的想法，我认为我可以抄几行从不同的角度不大。
I have lived in Guizhou for over 8 years by my own personal choice.我住在贵州超过8年，由我个人的选择。 While I am not ethnic Asian, I believe I have become Chinese.虽然我不是种族亚洲，我相信我已经成为中国。 I have no political, economic or social interests outside of China and I love this country and it’s people (as I do my birth country).我没有政治，经济或社会的利益之外的中国，我热爱这个国家，还有的人（因为我尽我的出生国） 。 I live here to escape the pressure of too many drugs, too many guns and too much aggression.我住在这儿逃跑的压力，太多的毒品，枪支太多太多的侵略。 I can tolerate all the “hushuo”, as a result, including the massive and sometimes overwhelming corruption and aversion of both reality and the truth.我可以忍受所有的“ hushuo ” ，因此，包括大规模的，有时甚至压倒贪污腐败和厌恶的现实和真相。
If you are interested in what I have to say I would enjoy participating.如果你有兴趣在什么我必须说，我将享有参加。
July 4th, 2008 at 12:33 am 08年七月四日在上午12时33分
It’s interesting that the MITBBS poster appears to contradict himself regarding his own identity: “Whereas I, as an ethnic Chinese person raised in the United States, have in his eyes been categorized as an ‘American’.有趣的是海报的MITBBS似乎违背自己对他自己的身份： “虽然我作为一个民族提出的中国人在美国，在他的眼睛被列为一个'美国' 。 And I will often correct him by saying ‘I’m Chinese’”.我常常会纠正他说'我中国' 。 “ But then, later: “And I believe that because I grew up in the United States and understand American culture, I am Chinese, and also American.”但是，后来： “我认为，因为我从小生长在美国和美国文化的了解，我中国，也是美国。 ”
July 4th, 2008 at 12:46 am 08年七月四日在上午12时46分
Hi Buxi.您好Buxi 。
I believe there’s basically Chinese ethnicity and Chinese citizenship.我认为，基本上中国民族和中国公民。 What is to be considered Chinese ethnicity is the tricky part.什么是被视为中国民族是棘手的一部分。
But my view is it really shouldn’t matter.但我的观点是真的不应该的问题。 If a person views himself as Chinese, then he’s Chinese.如果一个人的看法是中国自己，那么他的中国。 If he doesn’t consider himself Chinese, no one should argue with that.如果他不考虑自己中国，任何人都不应认为这一问题。 I basically agree with JL that it’s subjective opinion.我基本上同意巨浪，它的主观意见。
July 4th, 2008 at 12:53 am 08年七月四日在上午12时53分
This is such a loaded question because Chineseness can be defined in so many contexts.这是一个载入的问题，因为华人可界定在这么多的情况。
In the cultural context, I like to view Chineseness as incorporating a family of different cultures and languages in China.在文化方面，我要查看纳入华人家庭的不同文化和语言的中国。 But how big is this family?但是有多大这个家庭？
If one looks to history, one can try to define the extent of the Chinese family based on the historical territorial scope of Chinese Imperial Empires.如果看一下历史，人们可以尝试界定的程度根据中国家庭的历史领土范围中国帝国帝国。
Of course, this is problematic because China used to be territorially larger than today, and such a definition would be too broad for today’s geopolitical landscape.当然，这是问题，因为中国曾经是领土大于今天，这样的定义过于广泛用于当今的地缘政治景观。
And as other have already said, inks have been spilled to define what is Chinese in the modern context.和其他已经说过，墨水已经蔓延到界定什么是中国在现代背景。
Here is what I think: the question of what it means to be “Chinese” is really a political question.以下是我认为：问题意味着什么“中国”确实是一个政治问题。 As a political question, it is more a forward looking than a backward looking exercise.作为一个政治问题，它更是一个前瞻性比一个落后的寻找工作。
What Chineseness means has less to do with what China was (although that is important) and more with what China wants to become…华人意味着什么少跟中国是什么（尽管这是很重要） ，更与中国要成为...
July 4th, 2008 at 12:54 am 08年七月四日在上午12时54分
I have to say, at the time I gave up my Chinese citizenship, I had not given it much thought, because, while, I didn’t thought having or not having that little red-covered book would made me any less of a Chinese than I had.我不得不说，当时我放弃了我的中国公民，我没有给它过多考虑，因为，虽然，我没有想到有或没有那个红色覆盖本书将让我少任何一个中国比我了。 The Chinese passport, to me, is political, and I did not rely on it to define my Chinese identity.在中国护照，对我来说，是政治性的，我并不依赖于它来定义我的中国身份。
July 4th, 2008 at 1:03 am 08年七月四日在上午1点03
opersai: you are indeed fortunate . opersai ：你的确很幸运。 If you wish to regain your Chinese passport you will be given VIP treatment, grants for education, allowances for housing and a good job provided you return to the mainland.如果您想恢复您的中国护照，您将得到贵宾的待遇，为教育补助金，津贴，住房和搞好为您提供回大陆。 However, renounce your citizenship in almost any other country and there is no going back.然而，放弃你的公民在几乎任何其他国家，也没有回去。
July 4th, 2008 at 2:16 am 08年七月四日在上午02时16分
I’m with Dkwan.我与Dkwan 。 The fourth and most important category will be how you define yourself.第四，最重要的类别将是你如何界定自己。 I have a friend who meets all three of the first criteria; has a passport that says ‘Chinese’, is ethnically ‘han’, speaks Mandarin as her (almost) first language, and makes a mean sweet and sour pork.我有一个朋友谁符合所有三个第一标准;有护照，说'中国' ，是民族'汉' ，讲普通话，她（几乎）第一语言，使平均糖醋肉。 But she will tell you emphatically that she’s not Chinese, has never even set foot in China, and has no plans to do so.但是，她会告诉你，她强调指出，没有中国，甚至从来没有踏上中国，并没有打算这样做。 She says she’s pure Taiwanian through and through.她说，她Taiwanian纯通过和通过。
July 4th, 2008 at 2:49 am 08年七月四日在上午2时49
I also agree that Chinese identity is a subjective opinion.我也同意中国的身份是一种主观的意见。 The English word “Chinese” can be interpreted into zhong-guo-ren, Han-ren, Hua-ren, Tang-ren, or Zhong-hua-min-zu, all come with different meaning in Chinese language.英文“中国”可以解释成忠国仁，韩仁，华仁，唐仁，或中华民祖，都具有不同的含义在中国的语言。 Given the example as Lime mentioned, his/her friend may be comfortable with being citizen of Republic of China, but refuse to be a Chinese which means citizen of People’s Republic of China by her understanding.鉴于例如石灰提到，他/她的朋友可与正在舒适的共和国公民的中国，但拒绝成为这意味着中国公民，中华人民共和国的中国她的理解。
@ZT @ ZT
You are wrong at post #10.你错在后＃ 10 。 To regain a PRC passport is almost impossible for those who gave it up like opersai under current PRC citizenship policy.为了重新获得中华人民共和国护照几乎是不可能的这些是谁给它像opersai根据现行中华人民共和国国籍的政策。
July 4th, 2008 at 2:54 am 08年七月四日在上午02点54
This is really an interesting topic.这确实是一个有趣的话题。
Politically, a Chinese merely implies that this individual was born in PRC and he/she is a citizen of this country, which is ruled by the communist dictatorship.在政治上，一个中国只是意味着，此人出生于中华人民共和国和他/她是一个公民，这个国家，这是统治的共产主义独裁统治。 Otherwise, people of Chinese racial and cultural background would be distinguished as Taiwanese, Singaporean, overseas Chinese or people from Hongkong and Macau.否则，中国人民的种族和文化背景将是杰出的台湾，新加坡，海外中国人或来自香港和澳门。
However, the reason why this topic is interesting, is weather a Chinese have a sense of belonging to PRC and weather this individual is patriotic.然而，为什么这个问题很有趣，是天气中国有归属感，以中华人民共和国和天气这个人是爱国的。
Factor 1: China has the largest gap between the rich and the poor.因子1 ：中国拥有最大的贫富差距和穷人的利益。 A person can enjoy a happy life or not, mostly deponds on which social class he/she was born to.一个人可以享受幸福的生活，或没有，主要是deponds上的社会阶层，他/她是出生。 Moreover, due to the fact that China is a poor country, Chinese passport is not effective at all.此外，由于这一事实，即中国是一个穷国，中国护照是不是在所有有效的。
Factor 2: The Chinese are supposed to be courteous and confucian, but the fact is that, since the communist party has destructed the traditional Chinese value system, the very majorty of people in China become so materialistic; they really lose their spiritual belief.因子2 ：中国理应是礼貌与儒家，但事实是，自共产党破坏传统的中国价值体系，非常majorty人民的中国变得如此功利;他们真的失去了精神信仰。
Factor 3: There is almost no social welfare system in China; as a result, so many people are economically and psychologically depressed.因子3 ：几乎没有社会福利制度在中国，因此，如此多的人经济上和心理上沮丧。
So, what does it mean of being Chinese?因此，意味着什么被中国？
July 4th, 2008 at 2:55 am 08年七月四日在上午02时55分
Lime, no offense, but it seems some Taiwanese have serious identity issues.石灰，没有进攻，但似乎有些台湾有严重的身份问题。 I suspect it’s more out of embarrassment to associate with the “barbarian” Mainlanders (plus 50 + years of propaganda by KMT & DDP authorities) than anything else.我怀疑这是更多的尴尬，准与“野蛮人”内地（另加50 +多年的宣传，国民党与民进党当局）比别的。 Funnily, some of the most vehemely “I am not Chinese” Taiwanese are at the same time most eager to pretend to be more Japanese-like (which is deemed more refined, I suppose).有趣，其中最vehemely “我不是中国”台湾人在同一时间最渴望假装日语更多样（这被认为是更精致，我猜想） 。
It’s fine if people want to be Taiwanese, but some Taiwanese’ denial of their heritage is to the point of absurdity.它的罚款，如果人们想成为台湾人，但一些台湾'剥夺了他们的遗产是点的荒唐。 Many overseas ethnic Chinese are not Chinese nationals (Singaporeans, Chinese-Americans, etc.), but they don’t have any problem acknowledging the simple fact that they are ethnically Chinese.许多海外种族中国不是中国国民（新加坡人，中国，美国等） ，但他们不会有任何问题承认一个简单的事实，他们是中国民族。 Even the elderly Chinese lady I met (who is ethnically Japanese and left by her parents in Manchuria at the end of WWII) and who thinks she is Chinese through and through acknowledges that she is ethnically Japanese.即使老年人中国小姐我会见了（谁是日本和种族遗留下来的她的父母在满洲在二战结束） ，谁认为自己是中国通过，并通过承认，她是日本民族。 It’sa simple fact.这是一个简单的事实。 What’s so difficult about it?有什么困难呢？ Again, I think some Taiwanese have a (somewhat unhealthy) mental block.再次，我觉得有些台湾有一个（有些不健康的）心理障碍。 Hopefully with more interaction with Chinese worldwide, they will again have a more balanced outlook on their heritage.我们希望与更多的互动与全世界的中国，他们将再次有一个更平衡的前景就其遗产。
July 4th, 2008 at 3:47 am 08年七月四日在上午03点47
Jane,简，
I’m not sure what’s so difficult about it, but it is a two way street.我不知道有什么非常困难的，但它是一个双向的街道。 You can imagine that if the British government made big speeches about how Americans are all really just rogue Britons, discussing their ethnicity would become a more prickly subject for most Anglo-Americans.你可以想像，如果英国政府取得了很大的讲话有关如何美国人都是真的无赖英国人，讨论他们的种族将成为一个更加棘手问题的最盎格鲁美国人。 I suppose it may be in part because, as you implied, there are some very strong anti-mainland (which for them means anti-Chinese) feelings.我想这可能是部分原因，因为你暗示，有一些非常强烈的反大陆（这是指他们的反中国）的感情。
It’s interesting to see that many Chinese Americans and Canadians (or American and Canadian Born Chinese if they prefer), like the author of the bit that Buxi translated here, seem to still want to be ‘Chinese’ and want to have a connection with China, meaning usually the PRC, where as many Taiwanians really don’t.这很有趣地看到，许多中国的美国人和加拿大人（或美国和加拿大出生于中国，如果他们愿意） ，如作者认为Buxi位翻译在这里，似乎仍想成为'中国' ，并希望有一个连接与中国，这意味着通常是中华人民共和国，而许多Taiwanians真的没有。 The difference might be in the fact that a Chinese American as an immigrant or part of the first generation born in America may not feel that they are really a part of America, and, as they try develop their own identity, looks to their family’s cultural roots to find something to be a part of.差别可能是在这样一个事实，即中国美国作为一个移民或部分的第一代出生在美国可能不会感到他们是真正的美的一部分，并试图发展自己的身份，期待着他们的家人'的文化根源找到的东西是一个组成部分。 In contrast, the ethnically Chinese Taiwanian (at least if they are from an old pre-ROC family) is in the same culture their family has been in for generations, is in no danger of losing touch with their linguistic background, and is surrounded and governed by culturally almost identical people.相比之下，中国的民族Taiwanian （至少如果他们从旧前中华民国家庭）是在相同的文化背景及其家人一直在为几代人，是没有危险的失去联系的语言背景，并包围和由文化几乎相同的人。 Perhaps the Taiwanian doesn’t need China nearly as much as the Chinese American does?也许Taiwanian并不需要中国几乎一样中国美国吗？
I’ve noticed that Japanese thing too, although a lot of Japanese art, music, TV, literature, etc. seems to be just really well liked in Taiwan, above and beyond the political aspect some people may give it.我注意到，日本的事情太多，虽然有很多日本艺术，音乐，电视，文学，等等似乎是真的很好很喜欢在台湾，超越政治方面有些人可能会放弃它。 Maybe they just relate?也许他们只是涉及？
July 4th, 2008 at 3:51 am 08年七月四日在上午03时51分
Hi Jane,您好简，
I don’t think it’s absurd for people on Taiwan to say they’re not Chinese, ethnically or otherwise.我不认为这是荒谬的人在台湾说，他们没有中国，种族或以其他方式。 Imagine growing up under Japanese rule and learning Japanese in school, and then living under martial law by a Chinese government.试想下长大的日本统治和学习日本的学校，然后生活在戒严的中国政府。 And now today, the world refers to the mainland as China, and the island as Taiwan.现在，今天，世界指的是中国大陆和台湾岛。 From that point of view I think it’s very reasonable for them to say they’re not Chinese.从这一点来看我认为这是非常合理的为他们说，他们没有中国。
July 4th, 2008 at 4:32 am 08年七月四日在上午04点32
@DKwan @ DKwan
It’s politics.这是政治。 It is absurd.这是荒谬的。 I grew up under the KMT and was taught to hate the commies - was even slapped a couple of times at school for speaking “Taiwanese.” But I still consider myself wholly Chinese.我长大下的国民党，被灌输仇恨的commies -甚至颁布了一项几次在学校讲“台湾。 ”但我仍然认为自己的全中国。
That’s doesn’t mean I want to unconditionally unify with the mainland.这并不意味着我要无条件地统一大陆。 But I don’t think we should forget our roots.但我不认为我们应该忘记我们的根。
It’s one thing for Taiwanese to argue that it’s best for us not to become politically re-unified with the mainland - but it’s quite another (and not ok) for Taiwanese to deny their Chinese heritage - or worse, somehow deluded into believing they are Japanese!这一件事对台湾认为，这是对我们最好不要成为政治上重新统一与大陆-但它完全是另一回事（而不是玉）台湾否认其中国遗产-或者更糟的是，不知迷惑，以为他们是日本人！ Political expediency does not justify denying your roots!政治上的权宜之计，没有理由拒绝你的根！
July 4th, 2008 at 4:36 am 08年七月四日在上午04时36分
@phoenox, @ phoenox ，
“So, what does it mean of being Chinese? “所以，这是什么意思是中国？ ” “
From all the 3 factors you listed and I agree they are close to accurate.从所有3个因素你列出我同意他们是接近准确。
Then I draw a conclusion/answer from your comments:然后我得出一个结论/回答您的意见：
Chinese are people with no effective passport, no spiritual belief, economically and psychologically depressed .中国人没有有效的护照，没有精神信仰，经济上和心理上沮丧。 Dam ,I am part of these people.大坝，我是这些人。
wow, I can see we have someone here with a effective passport, has great spiritual belief, is economically and psychologically advanced.哇，我可以看到我们已经有人在这里与有效护照，有很大的精神信仰，是经济上和心理上先进。
am I the only one who smells a superior race belief?我是唯一一个谁气味上级种族信仰？
July 4th, 2008 at 4:42 am 08年七月四日在上午04点42分
Years ago, I attended a Chinese church.几年前，我出席了中国教会。 Pre-1997 so a lot of students and immigrants from Hong Kong.前1997年，使许多学生和移民来自香港。 There were also a lot Canadian born Chinese (CBC) or Canadian grown Chinese (CGC).也有很多加拿大出生的中国（加拿大）或加拿大的成长中国（气相） 。 My closest friends were from the Hong Kong student group.我最亲密的朋友是来自香港学生团体。 While, I didn’t have any barriers to the English side, many of my HK friends felt a barrier.虽然，我没有任何障碍，英语方面，我的许多朋友认为香港的一个障碍。 And definitely the English side found itself outside the Chinese side.绝对的英文一方发现自己以外的中国一边。
A few times I found myself in a situation where I was accepted as a “Chinese” but a CBC next to me wasn’t.有几次我发现自己在这种情况下，我被接纳为“中国” ，而是央行明年，我不是。 I think the difference in acceptance was a combination of effort and expectation.我认为，在接受差异是一个组合的努力和期望。 The Chinese didn’t expect much from me so my bad Cantonese was a recognized and appreciated effort.在中国并不期望很多从我，所以我不好广东话是一个承认和赞赏的努力。 But, from the CBC, the expectation was high so the expected effort was also high.但是，从央行的期望是如此高的预期的努力也很高。 “You are Chinese so why don’t you speak Chinese.” “你是中国这样你为什么不说话中国。 ”
I watched a few CBCs struggle with issues of identity.我看了一些CBCs斗争问题的身份。 Most were fine being Chinese Canadians and took the language barrier in stride.大多数人被罚款加拿大人和中国在语言障碍在大踏步前进。 Of course the kids strongly identified with being Chinese when the red pockets were about.当然，孩子们强烈鉴定时，被中国红口袋里约。
I think, if you were born outside of China, that it may be easier to be accepted as “Chinese” if you don’t look “Chinese”.我想，如果你是出生在国外的中国，它可能更容易被接纳为“中国”如果你不看“中国” 。 Obviously this is very generalized as so much depends on the individuals.显然，这是非常广义的，以便在很大程度上取决于个人。
As for me - I’m just me.至于我-我只是我。
July 4th, 2008 at 5:07 am 08年七月四日在上午5时07分
I was in Taiwan in 1986.我在台湾于1986年。 One of my friends told me that there were three prices.我的一个朋友告诉我，有三种价格。 A price for Taiwanese, 3x for Americans but 5x for Japanese (punctuated by a rude face).价格为台湾人， 3倍，但美国人对日本的5倍（工时，以粗鲁的脸） 。 Japanese is what the old people spoke who lived through the occupation.日本是老人们以谁经历过占领。 No love for the Japanese.没有爱情的日本人。 20 years later, it is completely different. 20年后，这是完全不同的。 Learning Japanese is very popular.学习日语是非常受欢迎的。 Japanese have invested a lot in Taiwan.日本已经投入了很多在台湾。 And I watch a TV show where a popular Japanese star surprised the crowd by speaking Mandarin - wow - so different than before.我观看的电视节目有受欢迎的日本明星惊讶的人群说国语-哇-如此不同以往。
I do think that a lot of people in the ROC see themselves as Taiwanese, even before “Chinese”.我认为有很多人在台湾认为自己是台湾人，甚至在“中国” 。 But I also think that a lot of people in the ROC recognize that they are not exactly an island unto themselves.但我还认为，很多人在中华民国承认自己是不完全孤立自己。 Like it or not, they are connected to the Mainland.喜欢还是不喜欢，他们是连接内地。 Continued prosperity means working something out with the Mainland.继续繁荣意味着什么了内地。 If attitudes towards Japanese can change so much…如果日本的态度可以改变这么多...
July 4th, 2008 at 5:20 am 08年七月四日在上午05点20
BMY:宝：
I feel sorry that you seem to be offended.我觉得对不起，你似乎是生气。 Anyway, please analyze my comment rather than judge me as a racist.无论如何，请分析我的意见，而不是法官我是一个种族主义者。
July 4th, 2008 at 5:31 am 08年七月四日在上午05时31分
Lime,石灰，
I beg to differ.我谨此有所不同。 Ethnicity (like gender) is usually what it is, a fact.种族（如性别） ，通常是什么，一个事实。 Nationality on the other hand, can be changed.国籍另一方面，可以更改。 I agree though, in some instances, ethnicity may be a little uncertain, such as the Japanese Ainu people or many Caucasian Americans who are a melting pot of European ethnicities.虽然我同意，在某些情况下，种族可能是一个小不确定性，如日本阿伊努人或许多白人美国人谁是一个大熔炉的欧洲民族。 But in Taiwan’s case, it’s pretty clear cut.但是，在台湾的情况下，很明确。 The majority of today’s Taiwanese are not indigenous Taiwanese, they are recent immigrants from Fujian province and the Fujianese are Han Chinese.大多数今天的台湾人是不是土著台湾人，他们是新移民来自福建的省和福建的韩中国。 (In fact, ethnically, they are much more “Chinese” than many Mainland Chinese such as the Manchurians, Tibetans, Mongolians, Uighurs, Nashis or other Mainland minorities.) （事实上，种族，他们更“中国”比很多内地中国如满族，藏族，蒙古族，维吾尔族， Nashis或其他内地少数民族。 ）
Chinese Americans do not consider themselves “Chinese” because they have a need to look back to the PRC to find their identity.中国的美国人并不认为自己是“中国” ，因为他们需要回首中华人民共和国找到自己的身份。 Again, it’s simply a fact to be filled out on census forms, college applications, etc. It’s nothing complicated that would require cultural psycho analysis.同样，这只是一个事实填写普查表格，申请大学等，没有什么复杂的，需要文化的心理分析。
What I find bothersome about Taiwanese nationalism is its condescending and provincial attitude, as if any association with the poor “Chinese” would taint their Taiwanese-ness and drag them down the Asian ethnic “heirarchy”, hence the eagerness to associate with the Japanese.我觉得什么烦恼的台湾民族主义是它的居高临下和省级的态度，因为如果与穷人的“中国”会弄脏他们的台湾意识，并拖累了他们的亚洲民族“层次” ，因此热衷于准与日本。
July 4th, 2008 at 5:32 am 08年七月四日在上午05点32
@DKwan, @ DKwan ，
your #16,您的＃ 16 ，
I think these days many Taiwanese refuse be called Chinese is not that much to do with Japanese rule which finished in 1945.我认为这些天许多台湾拒绝被称为中国是不是很多工作要做日本的规则，在1945年完成。 It’s more to do with “去中国化“ movement has been practiced in the past 2 decades since Li Denghui then DDP.它更多地与“去中国化”运动已实行在过去的20年，因为李登辉然后顺。 Also internationally, people refer China as the mainland and Chinese are mainlanders.另外国际上，人们提到中国大陆和中国都是外省人。 Many Taiwanese don’t want themselves to be mixed up with “backwards” mainlanders with the same name of “Chinese”.许多台湾人不希望自己是混合了“倒退”外省人具有相同名称的“中国” 。
It’s individual’s will and freedom to be called whatever they like.这是个人的意愿和自由，被称为他们喜欢什么。 no big deal.没什么大不了。
July 4th, 2008 at 5:33 am 08年七月四日在上午05时33分
to be a real Chinese, one not only need speak and write in Chinese, but have to understand the Chinese history, traditional value, culture…and think/act accordingly.是一个真正的中国，一个不仅需要说，写在中国，但要了解中国的历史，传统价值，文化...想想/采取相应的行动。
too bad, there are not many real “Chinese” around.太糟糕，有没有多少真正的“中国”了。
July 4th, 2008 at 5:49 am 08年七月四日在上午05时49分
Jane:简：
Taiwanese nationalists have conscending attitude, you say?台湾民族主义者conscending的态度，你说呢？
I disagree that ethnicity is simple fact.我不认为种族是简单的事实。 We treat it as fact, but the reality is quite different.我们把它当作事实，但现实情况是完全不同。 I was born in England, but grew up in a different country.我出生在英格兰，但成长在不同的国家。 I don’t think I’m English and neither does anybody I know.我不认为我英文也没有任何人我知道。 So I don’t see why you think it’s “unhealthy” for Taiwanese people not to consider themselves Chinese.所以，我不明白为什么你认为这是“不健康”的台湾人民不认为自己是中国。
July 4th, 2008 at 6:07 am 08年七月四日在上午06时07分
@phoenox , @ phoenox ，
not a worry.不担心。
what I am trying to say is to define a ethnic/race/nationality by wealth,effectiveness of passport,religion etc might not be very wise as a person well educated in the democratic west.什么我想说的是，确定一个民族/种族/国籍的财富，有效性的护照，宗教等可能不是非常明智的作为一个受过良好教育的人在西部地区的民主。
there would be only progress for people to be able to live side by side happily together(don’t you want that) when there are no(or very little) prejudice against each other and respect each other.将只有进步的人民能够并肩生活愉快地在一起（不要说你想）如果没有（或很少）不妨碍彼此互相尊重。
I know you might say the government you hate dose not respect the government you love.我知道你可能会说，政府你恨剂量不尊重你爱政府。 again, two wrongs dose not make a right we always say再次，两个错误剂量不能作出正确，我们总是说
just my 2 cents只是我的2美分
July 4th, 2008 at 6:26 am 08年七月四日在上午06时26分
I have read and heard quite a lot from people regarding the materialistic worship among the Chinese on the Mainland.我已阅读，并听取了不少来自人民对物质崇拜的中国内地市场。 I don’t know what to believe because for one thing, I’ve never been there, yet from a lot of Mainland Chinese who have immigrated to my country (the US, but I’ma little aquainted with the ones in Canada and France) that I met in person, I don’t really see them as spiritually empty or that shallow.我不知道怎么相信，因为一件事，我从来没有去过，但是从很多中国内地谁也移民到我的国家（美国，但我现在熟悉的加拿大和法国） ，我会见的人，我真的不认为这些精神上的空白，或浅。
I mean, I’ve met and quite aware of the really “high maintainence” people that obviously exist in every society, (as well as some very sad stories that go along with that) but I can’t judge the people as a whole when face with so many examples and exceptions.我的意思是，我找到了我，并很清楚的真正“高维修”的人，显然存在于每个社会， （也有一些非常悲伤的故事，去一起） ，但我不能判断人民作为一个整体当面对如此众多的实例和例外。 Religious pursuits are quite personal and according to many, life is a journey.宗教的追求是相当个人，并根据许多人来说，生命就是一次旅程。 So who is to say whether one is not fulfilled in their life’s mission or not. Almost like reading a book, maybe what you are seeing is chapter 3 in a person’s life, how do you know what has happened in chapters 1 and 2 or what will happen in chapters 4 and 5?
A lot of people mentioned the ethnic diversity among the Chinese (including or not the official status of minorities in the PRC) but there’s quite a lot of cultural diversity as well. So many different foods, customs, family traditions, etc. One example I witness was this church I attended before where a fairly educated Mainland couple (from Hebei possibly) did not realized one of their members was also Chinese despite being there and openly interacting with everyone else for years (she is a Tusan…Peruvian-Chinese). It’s confusing looking at it from the outside of how to define the “Chinese identity” but how does one understand if the people themselves have different notions of their own?
The couple didn’t have much trouble seeing other church members as Chinese despite not stepping foot on Mainland soil for generations.
July 4th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Glad to see this article attracted interest. Welcome especially to new visitors. A few people with unique backgrounds…
- Phoenox is Tibetan (are you in the PRC with Chinese citizenship?),
- and ZT the non-Asian Chinese from Guizhou (I’m sure we’d all like to hear more about your experiences).
That’s not to suggest the ABCs are boring… everyone brings a different take on things.
There was a bit of confusion at the top. Just to clarify, this article is not written by me. Some of its opinions are identical to mine, and some are not. I’m still trying to make up my mind on some of these issues. I tend to agree with those who argue being Chinese should be a subje