I've had this article in mind for a while. Actually, it was way in the back burner, but I had been intending to write it down some time.

When you first meet the Chinese university students, you may immediately be struck with the impression that they like to giggle, especially the girls. Now, it's not to say that it is some feminine trait or that it is something of disrespect. The giggling is actually a way to release the tension of nervousness.

When a group of Chinese students gather and start talking, the topic may shift to something a little uncomfortable. Maybe it's something personal or a taboo topic. Whatever it is, once it is mentioned, the whole group of them may start giggling. From what I can tell, it's not the exact same sort of giggling that you might find in the stereotypical ditzy North American. It's just that instead of just going red and shaking, they will giggle at uncomfortable subjects.

The giggling is most obvious in the class. When I ask a student to answer a question and they are having trouble answering it, they will inevitably giggle a little. Sometimes I think the time spent giggling could be better spent thinking of the answer to my question, but I've got to understand that it's part of the culture. Maybe the giggling is a way of buying time for the answer. In any case, they feel the heat of 29 other pairs of eyes being focused on them. That's when they'll giggle.

I must admit that I'm no real sociologist and that my observations probably count for next to nothing, but it's just one of those things I noticed. Those of you with more experience with the culture of mainland China could probably tell me if I'm barking up the wrong tree or not.