The Wall Theory: A Case Study of Intercultural Experience among Chinese Migrants in Hungary

Abstract

This paper presents an empirical study of the intercultural conflicts that Chinese migrants have experienced in Hungary, so far unexamined in the scientific literature. This study hypothesizes the wall theory, consisting of the visible wall and the invisible wall. The visible wall entails physical and spatial boundaries whereas the invisible wall refers to trust deficit. Our results suggest a visible wall is a ubiquitous concept in Hungarian culture, whereas the boundaries of the visible wall are obscure in Chinese culture. In contrast, the invisible wall is not prevalent in Hungarian culture, yet the invisible wall is a predominant concept in Chinese culture which alienates people in thinking. The concept of wall denotes different meanings in Chinese and Hungarian cultures. The study attempts to provide Chinese overseas with practical knowledge to be aware of the cultural differences and potential strategies to reduce intercultural conflicts.