An Analysis of Sino-American Cultural Differences based on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory: A Case Study of the Film The Farewell

Abstract

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory stands as a highly representative foundational theoretical achievement in the field of cross-cultural studies. Taking the film The Farewell as a case study, which has highly favored by the audience for its authentic portrayal of ethical conflicts within cross-cultural families, this paper systematically analyzes the differences between Chinese and American cultures embodied in the film from five core dimensions of Hofstede’s theory: power distance, individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity versus femininity, and long-term orientation versus short-term orientation. Adopting the method of film text analysis, this study aims to deepen the interpretation of the deep-seated cultural structures of China and the United States, as well as to offer practical implications for cross-cultural communication practices.