Comparative Analysis of Cultural Values on Table Tennis: A Qualitative Study Among Chinese and American Graduate Students.

This study investigates the cultural values associated with table tennis among American and Chinese graduate students enrolled in physical education programs. Through semi-structured interviews with six participants (three from each country), Chinese students associated table tennis with entertainment, accessibility, socialization, popularity, national pride, and satisfaction, reflecting a dual perception shaped by both everyday experiences and media narratives. In contrast, American students viewed the sport as entertaining yet marginalized, expressing inclination, competitiveness (mainly via media exposure), dissatisfaction, and limited engagement, with their values reflecting an integration of lived experience and media portrayal. The research highlights the significant role of both physical and virtual social interactions—particularly media—in shaping distinct cultural understandings of table tennis in China and the U.S., offering insights useful for educators and coaches working with international students.