Culture is an acquired compliment of a long interactive process. It depends on period of time in which an individual is exposed to the interactive process and level of internalization of the subculture. Reflectively, culture varies from one geographic region to another. Besides, subcultures are unique in terms of beliefs, practices, and communicative gestures or language.
Thus, this reflective treatise present in-depth issues surrounding Tibetan subculture of China as revealed in the interview of traditional musician Chung Wing Lee; who is currently on a world tour to promote peace through music and acculturation.
Mr. Chung Wing Lee is an informed change agent who has traveled extensively around the globe in his campaigns for peace. He is from the subculture of the Chinese Tibet. Though he has a fair mastery of English language, it is apparent that his native language has influence on his pronunciation of some English words.
Reflectively, Lee has a rich sense of culture and is proud of sharing the same with the world. Specifically, he defines Tibet culture as a “religion based, social friendly, and flexible subculture within the Chinese main culture”. In the Tibet subculture, traditional dressing is characterized by long acrylic colorful garments with printed philosophical words and patterns that have been preserved across many generations.
According to Lee, language and religion are the most powerful tools of every culture irrespective of its size and mode of interaction. Since he is a keen follower of the principles of liberation as preached by Tibet traditional leader, Lee is specific on expected norms and laid down institutions that address a breach on the same.
Characteristic of the Chinese culture, Lee is short, slim, and round faced. He dons a long red robe with Chinese language inscriptions on it. On the left breast of his attire is inscribed the word ‘丹增嘉措’ translated as ‘culture is love’. Lee is conscious of food he eats. Characteristic of the Tibet culture, he argue that “man is what he eats, wears, and interact with”.
Interestingly, this laid back individual is a firm believer of significant role played by culture towards unity, creating a sense of belonging, and maintaining status quo. Repeatedly, Lee uses the phrases ‘tashi delek’ and ‘nga debo yin’ translated as ‘hallo’ and ‘I am fine’ respectively. In Tibet, the phrase ‘kayrang jel-pa gawpo chung’ which Lee repeatedly use means ‘pleasure to meet you’.
Culture defines religious beliefs and ethnic orientation. Lee is a Buddhist and a keen follower of philosophical schools of thought which he has acquired through series of interactions with his people back in China. Traits displayed by Lee define a subculture within the main Chinese culture.
Specifically, a subculture is unique in interactive modes, language, phrases, and dressing style. Besides, most of these interactive traits are acquired in a systematic and continuous process characterized by a sense of belonging, unity for a common goal, and belief in religious ideology. From the interview conducted, Lee effortlessly displays these traits and exercises them naturally in speech, meals, and music.
Conclusively, a subculture defines physical and spiritual interactive traits of its members who are united by a sense of belonging and desire for identity. Subcultures around the globe are unique in practices surrounding language, dressing style, religious affiliation, and philosophical beliefs. Lee intrinsically and effortlessly displays these traits and even offers free tutorial on common Tibetan phrases.