When someone from Hong Kong or Taiwan says "你们中国人" (you Chinese people), it's a phrase that can carry a lot of historical, political, and emotional baggage. How you respond really depends on your own feelings, your relationship with the person, and the context of the conversation. There's no single "right" answer, but here are a few approaches, keeping in mind the nuances of the situation:
Understanding the Nuance: Why the Phrase is Loaded
Before we dive into responses, it's important to acknowledge why this phrase can be sensitive.
Hong Kong and Taiwan's Unique Identity: Both Hong Kong and Taiwan have distinct histories, cultures, political systems, and societal norms that differ from mainland China. For many in these regions, "中国人" is a term they may not fully identify with, or they see it as representing a political entity they are not part of, or even actively oppose.
Historical Context: The political relationship between mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan is complex and often contentious. Memories of historical events, government policies, and differing political aspirations all play a role in how people perceive their identity and their relationship with "China."
Perceived Othering: When someone from Hong Kong or Taiwan uses "你们中国人," they might be consciously or unconsciously drawing a line, creating a distinction between "us" (themselves) and "you" (people from mainland China). This can stem from a sense of separateness, a feeling of being governed or influenced differently, or even a mild form of nationalistic pride in their own distinctiveness.
Casual Usage vs. Deliberate Statement: Sometimes, it might be a casual, almost habitual phrase, particularly for those who grew up with a certain way of speaking. Other times, it could be a more pointed remark, especially if there's a disagreement or political discussion happening.
Possible Responses and How to Approach Them
Here are several ways you could respond, ranging from conciliatory to more direct, along with the thinking behind each:
1. The Empathetic and Understanding Approach (Good for building bridges):
Response: "我明白。我们来自不同的地方,有不同的经历,所以说话时会这样区分也很正常。" (I understand. We come from different places and have different experiences, so it's quite normal to distinguish like that when speaking.)
Why it works: This response acknowledges their perspective without being defensive. It validates their feeling of difference and frames it as a natural consequence of varied backgrounds. It opens the door for understanding rather than confrontation.
Followup: You could then share a brief, nonconfrontational observation about your own background or how you perceive the differences. For instance, "我在[你的城市/省份]长大,我们那边的生活方式和你说的[香港/台湾]确实不太一样。" (I grew up in [your city/province], and the way of life there is indeed quite different from what you describe in [Hong Kong/Taiwan].)
2. The Inclusive and IdentityExplaining Approach (Good for subtle clarification):
Response: "嗯,我是来自[你的具体地区,比如:北京/上海/四川]的。你说的‘中国人’,是指我们都使用汉语,或者是指政治上的中国吗?我有时候也会这样想,因为我们每个人都有自己的家乡和文化背景。" (Mm, I'm from [your specific region, e.g., Beijing/Shanghai/Sichuan]. When you say 'Chinese people', do you mean we all speak Chinese, or do you mean politically China? I sometimes think about this too, because each of us has our own hometown and cultural background.)
Why it works: This gently probes their meaning without accusing them. It also subtly reintroduces your own specific origin and shared cultural aspects (like language) while acknowledging the complexity of identity. It invites them to elaborate on their own definition.
Followup: This can lead to a more nuanced conversation about identity, culture, and even nationality. Be prepared to listen and share your own thoughts on what "Chinese" means to you personally.
3. The Direct but Polite Clarification (Good when you want to correct gently):
Response: "哦,我是来自中国大陆的[你的城市/省份]。你这么说,是想特别区分一下吗?我其实也对香港/台湾的文化很感兴趣。" (Oh, I'm from [your city/province] in mainland China. When you say it like that, are you trying to make a specific distinction? I'm actually quite interested in Hong Kong/Taiwanese culture too.)
Why it works: It directly states your origin (mainland China) which implicitly addresses the "你们" (you plural) by clarifying your specific affiliation. The question "是想特别区分一下吗?" is a polite way to inquire about their intention without being accusatory. Expressing interest in their culture can soften the interaction.
Followup: This approach is effective if you feel the distinction is important to address, but you want to maintain a friendly tone.
4. The "We're all Chinese, but different" Approach (Good for finding common ground):
Response: "哈哈,是啊,我们都是中国人,但每个地方都有自己的特色和生活方式,这挺好的。" (Haha, yes, we are all Chinese, but each place has its own characteristics and ways of life, which is quite good.)
Why it works: This is a more lighthearted and inclusive response. It starts by agreeing with a broad definition of "Chinese" but immediately pivots to celebrating diversity within that umbrella. It reframes the difference as a positive aspect of cultural richness.
Followup: You could then add something like, "就像在中国南方和北方,大家说话、吃的东西都不一样,但都是中国嘛。" (It's like in Southern and Northern China, people speak and eat differently, but it's all China.) This analogy can make the point relatable.
5. The Casual, NonEngagement Approach (Good for avoiding unnecessary debate):
Response: "嗯,是啊。" (Mm, yes.) or simply nod and continue the conversation on the original topic.
Why it works: Sometimes, you might not want to engage with the underlying implication or political undertones. If the comment feels casual and not intended to provoke, a simple acknowledgement and moving on can be the easiest way to maintain a smooth interaction.
Caveat: This approach might be interpreted as agreement or passive acceptance of their distinction, so use it when you genuinely don't feel the need to address it further.
What to Keep in Mind When Responding:
Your Own Identity: How do you define yourself? Do you feel a strong connection to a unified "China" or do you primarily identify with your specific region? Your response should feel authentic to you.
The Speaker's Intent: Try to gauge whether the speaker is being casual, expressing a genuine difference in identity, or trying to make a political statement. This will influence how you should react.
The Relationship: If it's a close friend, you can be more direct and open. If it's a stranger or someone you've just met, a more cautious and polite approach might be better.
Tone of Voice: Regardless of the words you choose, your tone is crucial. A friendly, open, and nonconfrontational tone will always yield better results than an aggressive or defensive one.
Avoid Generalizations: Just as you don't want to be stereotyped, avoid making generalizations about people from Hong Kong or Taiwan based on this one interaction.
Ultimately, how you respond is a personal choice. The goal is usually to maintain a positive interaction, clarify your own perspective if you feel it's necessary, and perhaps foster a bit more understanding across different backgrounds.