英汉礼貌用语对比

外国语学院

语言学导论

课程论文

课题名称：Contrast in expressions of Politeness between English and Chinese

英汉礼貌用语对比

学生姓名：

学号：

专业：英语

班级：2011级3班

授课教师：

Abstract

In intercultural communication, people always are faced with difficulties not only from using different languages but also from different cultural backgrounds. These language barriers often lead to unsuccessful communication. In order for favoring communication, this article will discuss the contrast between English and Chinese politeness principle as well as the communication barriers due to language differences. Key words

Politeness, Cultural differences, Intercultural communication

1.Introduction

Communication is the mutual contact between people, and the connection with each other's behavior. Where there are people, where there is human interaction. And at the same time, contact will occur, communicative. People can use language or non-verbal language to express ideas or share feelings. However, this communication process is very complex. People's verbal communication is always influenced by many non-linguistic factors.In the cross-cultural communication of English speakers and Chinese speakers, communication isn’t often smooth, because the two sides do not understand their cultural background. For better communication, British linguist Leach made the famous "Politeness Principle".As a universal phenomenon in all societies, politeness is what people of different cultural backgrounds all try to observe for the purpose of increasing communicative competence. Being an important element in intercultural communication, politeness helps establish, maintain or consolidate harmonious interpersonal relationships, and reduces conflicts and misunderstandings. Therefore, principles of politeness in different cultures should be realized by students. This thesis intends to discuss the exhibition of cultural differences on politeness to help Chinese learners have a better understanding of different principles of politeness in English. Besides, this paper is to explore efficient means to teach students to use English in the polite way in order to

communicate effectively and efficiently.

2.Contrast in expressions of Politeness between English and

Chinese

Cultural differences in everyday conversation refer to the differences in habits and rules in communication between different cultures (Liang Jinghong, 2005). Customs are influenced and shaped by the beliefs and values of people in a certain community. People are brought up in community and they are so accustomed to their ways of doing things that they cannot accept different actions for achieving the same goal. Therefore, in this part, differences of politeness such as addressing, greeting, complimenting between English and Chinese are to be discussed.

2.1Communicating Topics

In Chinese culture, between colleagues, between students, between friends almost all kinds of topics are reasonable in talking, such as work, health, salary, marriage, age and so on. However, in English-speaking countries, people often just talk about the weather, work, hobbies and other topics. It also can be more free and open to talk about pregnancy and even sex. But some topic on marital status, children, income, religion and others which belong to the "privacy content" should be ignored. When Chinese people express concern for the health of others, they often ask the health condition of others straightly and make some advisory recommendations. While in English-speaking countries, when people ask the health condition, the tone should be tactful and sincere. When the other does not need you to give your advice, do not put forward proposals.

2.2Addressing

Name is the address form which communication is relied on. Different languages have different address forms. The address forms can reflect different national cultures. Chinese attaches great importance to human kinship. Respect is very essential in Chinese culture. When younger people address the elders, they should call them "grandfather", "grandmother" and other titles to replace their name, not by their name. The same situation with calling teachers, students in China must call them “teacher”, that is sir or madam. But in western countries, teachers can be called by their names. Terms of family relationships