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Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the issues that really matter, getting a (slightly) nicer coffee and a gluten-free muffin in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. He compares this to doing much the same in Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK. He also compares a range of more important stories, from therapy dogs and robots to a very familiar fake doctor at a hospital.

• The most important story in the world: https://www.ftbchambers.co.uk/news/news-view/planning-permission-granted-on-appeal-for-mcdonalds-restaurant-and-drive-through-in-bingley
• The robot traffic policeman: https://english.news.cn/20260313/56c326b7fd7b4976b877775b48ca43dd/c.html
• The marathon robot: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/19/robots-beat-human-records-at-beijing-half-marathon/
• Therapy dog: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly674jzzglo
• Can’t have West Yorkshire without endless Bronte stories: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1l92mrmmp2o
• Wei Wei. 2007. "Piaopiao" in the City: The Emergence and Change of Homosexual Identities in Local Chengdu[J]. Chinese Journal of Sociology(in Chinese Version), 27(1): 67-97.

• Recommended Rabbit Hole: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/beau-brummell-nineteenth-century-fashion

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Don't be shy, send me a message!

Thomas Felix Creighton has worked in Turkish Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UK, and China. Here, he sets out three models for understanding the different working cultures in different countries, and illustrates them with some of his own experiences.

First, Derek Silvers’ 2 minute 38 second TED Talk, drawing particularly on his experience in Japan. A quick and very basic look at 'weird or just different', which is nonetheless a good starting point, and a good reminder for more 'advanced expats'.

http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different

Then, the six Hofstede Dimensions:

1. Small Vs Large Power Distance
2. Individualism Vs Collectivism
3. Masculinity Vs Femininity
4. High Vs Low Uncertainly Avoidance
5. Long Vs Short Term Orientation
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint

Thirdly, Thomas then looks at 'the Silent Language' by Edward T Hall:

1. Language of Time
2. Language of Space
3. Language of Things
4. Language of Friendship
5. Language of Agreements

Finally, some final reflections on ‘weird or just different’.

If you find this podcast interesting, in any way, please do share your thoughts with Thomas at the website below or by e-mail: albionneverdies@gmail.com

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Don't be shy, send me a message!

Thomas Felix Creighton shares his experiences from a month in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). He previously lived in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) 2015-2021 and Turkish Cyprus 2001-2008 – he draws on both these experiences as he discusses how experience, language ability, and the company we keep can shape our perceptions of culture. Naturally, he talks about some Chengdu highlights a little, so skip to the end if that’s what you are primarily interested… or listen to the whole thing and enjoy the ride!

Thomas recommends:

Daniel Gaster: his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGaster

The jacket review Thomas mentions: https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/james-bonds-no-time-to-die-massimo-alba-rain-2-duster-coat-review

Daniel Gaster's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielgaster

Caine: Film reviews and a video diary of a visit to small Chinese city, so if you enjoyed this podcast episode, do check these two Youtube videos out:

Caine’s Anqing (China) diary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtGLk3cY7A

Caine’s review of a Chinese movie that delves into the meaning of 'memory' and how it shapes who we are. The review Thomas 100% recommends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6ugQHJw2IdI

Support the show

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