语言与文化作业(第1次)

第一次网络作业

I. Translate the following terms into Chinese ａnd then define each of them in

English. 70%

1. culture

文化.Culture is the unique style and custom, which a nation forms in the history of its own development.

2. communication

交际．Communication may be defined as that which happens whenever someone responds to the behavior or the residue of the behavior of another person.

3. one-way communication

单向交际．Communication without feedback is called one-way communication.

4. ethnocentrism

民族中心主义．Ethnocentrism is a kind of psychological trend, that is to interpret or to judge all other groups, their environments and their communication according to the categories and values of our own culture.

5. privacy

免受不受欢迎的侵扰的自由，私事权freedom from undesirable intrusions

6. tips

小费The word “tips” is the abbreviation of the phrase “ to insure prompt service”

7. vocalics

副语言Vocalics is also called paralanguage, it is the study of the nonverbal elements of the voice.

II. Answer the following questions in English. 30%

1. What are the differences between Chinese ａnd English compliments?

In English people exchange compliments each other: father to son, husband to wife, friend to friend, etc. But there are cultural differences between English and Chinese. Firstly cultural differences exist in who can be complimented. In English speaking countries one can praise members of one’s own family. A woman can talk about how hard her husband works and how well he has done in his career, and she might do the same about how well her children do at school. But Chinese people do not praise members of their own families. They consider it bad taste. Secondly, cultural differences exist in what can be complimented. It is quite common for a male English speaker to compliment females on their good looks, while it is almost a taboo in Chinese culture.

2. What is the rule of introduction in the United States?

In English culture the general rule is to introduce a young person to an older one, a man to a woman, an inferior to a superior, the guest to the host, an individual to a group. And be sure to mention first the name of the person we wish to honor. When introducing a man and a woman, mention the woman’s name first unless the man is much older than the woman or very famous. When introducing two males or two females, put the older person’s name first.

When people are introduced, people normally shake hands in formal or business situations. In this occasion, men usually take off their gloves before shaking hands, but women do not have to. When a man and a woman are to shake hands, it is the woman who extends her hand first.

3. Compare Chinese ａnd English "thanks".

Differences lie in what to thank for. English speakers thank others for many reasons