The Differences Between Chinese and American Cultures from the Perspective of Politeness Utterances

1、AcknowledgementsI am deeply grateful to my university forgiving me such a chance to end my college career. In the process, I got a lot of help and encouragement.First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank my instructorMr. Liao Yunquan. He seriously and carefully corrects my thesis, , and fer

2、vidly encourages me.Secondly, I am also grateful to my roommates and family. In the course of writing and researching, they have given me a lot of assistance and advice.AbstractPoliteness is the basic principle of communicative activities. Language is a tool for human communication. Politeness utter

3、ances are the symbols of human civilization that is a requirement to help people establish a good communication relationship. In the increasing development of society, politeness utterances play an important role in the communication between countries. Through the study of politeness utterances, we

4、should avoid misunderstandings and pragmatic failure and understand cultural connotation.This paper uses the methods of comparison, literature research and so on to explore the different politeness utterances in Chineseand English and the cultural causes of the differences between China and America.

5、 People can properly understand the different politeness utterances in Chinese and English, and understand the reasons for the differences. This will be of help to friendly and cooperative between nations, promote the cultural exchange, and reduce misunderstandings and conflicts.Key Words: politenes

6、s utterances; Chinese culture; American culture摘 要礼貌是交际活动中的基本准则，语言是人类的交际工具，礼貌用语是人类文明的标志，是帮助人们建立良好的交际关系的必要条件。在日益发展的社会中，国际间的交流逐渐加深，礼貌用语起着至关重要的作用。通过对礼貌用语的研究，以避免产生误解和语用失误，了解其中的文化内涵。本文运用了对比法、文献研究法等方法，通过对中英文中不同的礼貌用语以及中美文化产生的差异的原因的探究，人们能正确了解中英文中礼貌用语的不同，认识产生差异的原因，这将有助于国际间的友好合作，促进文化交流，减少误解和冲突。关键词：礼貌用语；中国文化；美

7、国文化ContentsTOC o 1-3 h z u1. Introduction 12. A Review of Literature on Politeness 12.1 The Definition of Politeness in China 22.2 The Definition of Politeness Utterances in America 22.3 The Differences of Politeness Utterances Between China and America 33. The Differences Between Chinese and Americ

8、ans on Politeness Utterances 43.1 Different Appellations in Chinese and English 43.1.1 Different Kinship Terminologies 43.1.2 Different Intimate Appellations 53.1.3 Different Title Appellations 53.2 A Comparison of Greetings in Chinese and American 63.2.1 Different Small Talks 63.2.2 Different Chat

9、Formulas 73.2.3 Different Appellations 83.3 A Comparison of Compliments in Chinese and English 93.3.1 Contrast of Application Strategies of Compliments 93.3.2 Different Response to Compliments 103.3.3 The Reason for Different Responses to Compliment in Chinese and English 113.4 Contrast of Thanks an

10、d Apology 113.4.1 Different Modes of Thanks in Chinese and English 113.4.2 Different Modes of Apologies in Chinese and English 124. The Reason for Different Politeness Utterances in Chinese and English 144.1 The Difference of Principle in Politeness Utterances in China and America 144.1.1 The Chines

11、e Principle of Politeness 144.1.2 The American Principle of Politeness 154.2 Different Ideologies in Chinese and American 164.2.1 Confucianism 164.2.2 Christianity 174.3 Different Values 184.3.1 Obsession of Hierarchy and Concept of Equality 184.3.2 Collectivism and Individualism 184.4 Different Mod

12、es of Thinking 195. Conclusion 19Bibliography 21The Differences Between Chinese and American CulturesFrom the Perspective of Politeness Utterances1. IntroductionWith the development of society, the communication of various countries gradually deepened in economy, culture, education, academic researc

13、h and so on. As America is the most powerful country in the world, Chinese and Americans have amity in tour, overseas studay, immigration, etc. Politeness utterances can be used in these aspects.Politeness utterances are “a universal phenomenon which is usually referred to as good manners” (Chen 140

14、) in our daily life.In most cases politeness utterances are simply divided into language and politeness. But different politeness can express different cultures. Therefore, language, politeness and culture are closely interrelated.“Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human commu

15、nication.”(Li and Zheng 2) Due to the exchanges of history, the politeness utterances become a part of language. In the early time, “The word culture comes from the Latin word colere, which means “to cultivate”.”(Li and Zheng 4) Later culture includes all the shared products of human society. Up to

16、now, culture gradually became “the totality of beliefs and practices of a society” (Li and Zheng 4). Culture plays an important role in the communication with others and is easy for people to understand. So a good manner can make a lasting impression. Different peoples have different cultures, so th

17、ey have different politeness utterances. If you understand the politeness utterances in communication, you could avoid some misunderstand and pragmatic.So the paper simply introduces the politeness utterances classification and causes.2. A Review of Literature on PolitenessPoliteness utterances are

18、established on the basis of politeness principle to ensure favorable communication, to establish or maintain interpersonal harmony though pragmatic behavior. Language is simple, but politeness is complex. In many researches, famous scholars explore various questions in politeness. Today, we emphasiz

19、e understanding the definition of politeness in China and America.2.1 The Definition of Politeness in ChinaPoliteness in China has a long time. It called “Li” in the early time.Li which is a Sacrifice and ritual can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty. The original meaning from Annotation of Explaini

20、ng Article and Interpreting Words is “Li is shoes. So god blesses from showing, from harvest”. (Duan 6) In addition, Xunzi, Mencius and Mozi described “Li” in their works. The Etiqutte is a record of a set of etiquettes which have an extremely obvious class brand.“Li” is the Chinese rites. So there

21、is not a systematic research in detail, but people write some works about “Li” in the history. Therefore, China has been known as a state of ceremonies from ancient times.Later, “Li” gradually becomes the norm of politeness. From the Ci Hai compiled by Dai Sheng, Li is described as “to humble yourse

22、lf but show respect to other”(Shu 75).Today many scholars research all aspects of good manners, and understand its regulation in China. Politeness can make people have harmonious relationship, reduce misunderstanding, and have friendly cooperations.2.2 The Definition of Politeness Utterances in Amer

23、icaThe politeness utterances play an important role in the courtesy. Many western scholars have researched politeness from different perspectives.As far back as 1702, Theophrastus defined politeness as “a social behavior; a skill to be used to achieve specific aims; principal aim is enhancement of e

24、gos self-esteem and his/her public status in the eyes of others with supplementary aim of enhancing others self-esteem” (Watts, 45).According to the Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary, courtesy means “polite behavior that shows respect for other people” and “a polite thing that you

25、say or do when you meet people in formal situations”. (Hornby 459)Yule defined the politeness as “a system of interpersonal relations designed to facilitate interaction by minimizing the potential forpoliteness and confrontation inherent in all human interchange” (106).The scholars research the poli

26、teness in all kinds of aspects and understand the impact of politeness.2.3 The Differences of Politeness Utterances Between China and AmericaDifferent countries have different politeness utterances due to different history, culture, geography, religion, principle, ideology values, thought and so on.

27、 These are expressed in their language. When they communicate with each other, they will know many differences in voice, grammar and expression. And politeness is an important part in politeness utterances.Politeness is a universal phenomenon in society group. As a matter of fact, China and America

28、have their special principle. Chinese language completely attaches importance to politeness. If they invite someone, he will stand on ceremony and not have a result. But American people will straightforwardly choose accept or not. Because the different culture makes Chinese and American misunderstan

29、d. For example,Chinese student: Mr. White, you are so pale, are you sick?English teacher: Wellyes. I have got a bad cold for several days.Chinese student: Well, you should go to a clinic and see the doctor as soon as possible.English teacher: Erwhat do you mean? (Li 145)Chinese student asked the Eng

30、lish teacher to find a doctor to show sincere concern, and the American doesnt understand. Thus, you should respond, “Im sorry to hear that”. The principle of politeness in China and America is followed in a different connotation and strategy. American theories are not fit for Chinese condition.So G

31、u Yueguo who is one of the most famous linguists combined Leechs politeness theory and Brown and Levinsons face theory writes down the two works of Politeness Phenomenon in Modern Chinese and Politeness, Pragmatics and Culture. He carefully researches the different politeness principle about Western

32、ers and Chinese, and finally finds out the politeness principle that is fit for Chinese.Politeness utterances are good manners in daily life. Its easy for us to know the culture and communication barriers which we need to avoid in the cross-cultural communication.3. The Differences Between Chinese a

33、nd Americans on Politeness UtterancesThe difference of politeness utterances between Chinese and Americans can be found out in many different communications. Now we will explore the differences in appellations, greetings, compliments, thanks and apology.3.1 Different Appellations in Chinese and Engl

34、ishIn Xinhua Dictionary, “appellation” means “the name of the relationship as other aspects and relatives, due to the identity, occupation and so on” (102). Appellation is a bridge and signal of interpersonal relationship in daily communication. On the one hand, appellation reflects the social relat

35、ions and position of speakers. On the other hand, it can enhance mutual understanding and friendship. Due to the different social structure, blood relationship and culture, appellations system and usage is obviously different in China and America.3.1.1 Different Kinship TerminologiesDue to the effec

36、ts of the social structure, traditional ethics and blood relationship, appellation is more complex than those in the United States. It can be divided into kinship terminology and non-kinship terminology.In the kinship terminology, the Chinese pays attention to patriarchal clan in ancient time. So th

37、ey distinguish the relationship of kinsfolk, and abide by respecting seniority. The first generation is great-grandfather (曾祖父) and great-grandmother (曾祖母); the second generation is grandfather (爷爷)，grandfather (姥爷), grandmother (奶奶)，grandmother(姥姥); the third generation is father (爸爸), mother (妈妈),

38、 uncle (叔叔)，uncle (舅舅)，uncle (姑父), aunt(婶婶)，aunt (姑姑)，aunt (舅妈) and so on; the fourth generation is brother (哥哥)，brother (弟弟), sister (姐姐)，sister (妹妹), cousin (表哥)，cousin (表姐)，cousin (堂哥) and so on. According to seniority among brothers and sisters, the number will be used in appellation, such as “d

39、ajiu(大舅)” , “erjiu(二舅)” , “dajie(大姐)”, ect.But it is different with the American family. The appellation of fathers father and mothers father is grandpa. The appellation of fathers mother and mothers mother is grandma. Peer kinship terms with father or mother are called uncle or aunt, and peer kinsh

40、ip terms with us are called brother, sister and cousin, but sometime we can call their name.Therefore, these are the biggest difference between the English and Chinese in the kinship terminologies.3.1.2 Different Intimate AppellationsIntimate appellations are used to refer to someone who is familiar

41、 and close to us, expressing the relationship of intimacy and amity, so the Chinese name is the same as American sometimes. Chinese people directly call the name of a person who is familiar relatives or friend. Intimate appellations in America are direct calling of each other names, such as Sherry,

42、Jessie. This part is a common usage.To call the nickname shows their relationship of intimacy. For example, American people call Jasmines nickname is Jessie, and the Chinese people call “xiao hui” or “hui hui”.3.1.3 Different Title AppellationsIn Chinese title appellations is common, which mainly ha

43、s three types of appellation, such as first type is post and rank, as “Lijiuzhang (李局长)”，“Wangzhuxi(王主席)”， “zhangjingli(张经理)”; second type is profession title, as “Yangjiaoshou(杨教授)”, “Ligongchengshi(李工程师)”, third type is profession, as “Yisheng(医生)”, “Laoshi(老师)”, “jiaoshou(教授)”. And the American a

44、lso has title appellationwhich is generally used for members of the royal family, government officials, legal profession, religious circles, military circles, etc. The way of being named is rank + last name, such as President Obama, Doctor Smith, etc. In short, the title of Chinese appellation is mo

45、re complicated than that of English.In American schools, we often use “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Miss.”, such as “Mr. Smith”, “Miss. Brown”, etc. We should understand that“Mr.” means married woman, “Miss.” means not married woman, and “Mrs.” means adult man.Title appellation can be used alone, and also can be

46、combined with name and identity.On informal occasions, American people are willing to address by their first name to show intimate relationship and equality of status regardless of high or low status and position. The subordinate and junior can directly call the name of a superior or a person of sen

47、iority. It is not polite. When you meet a stranger in America, you will call “sir”, which the Chinese are familiar with.Different countries have different cultures. In ancient China, a thought of Confucianism is “all under heaven are of one family”which make a country become a family. People pay att

48、ention to the family, so the appellation is complex. American people advocates equality before God in the Chirstianity, so they often address others by their given names.3.2 A Comparison of Greetings in Chinese and AmericanGreeting means a form of language or behavior in the reaction when you meet a

49、cquaintances and friends. The greetings are different between China and America in age, income, marital status, religious beliefs and things related to the personal issue. It is used for communication to establish ties of friendship between various persons in daily life.3.2.1 Different Small TalksSm

50、all talks play an important role in social activities, which have different moral standards. Due to different condition, every country has its ways to establish communication.It is well known that China has a long history. The small talks have specific content, flexible form when you encounter acqua

51、intances. But in America, it has a clear patterned formula.In China, when people meet someone, they are used to greeting each other by a word, such as “How old are you? Recent study how? Grow up again? (你多大了?学习怎么样？你长大了？)”, “Have you eaten yet?(你吃了吗？)”, “Where are you going?(你要去哪？)”, “What brings you

52、 here?(你在这儿拿了什么？), “What are you doing?(你要干什么？)” and so on. This kind of casual greeting cannot be translated into English and used.The Americans greet each other with “Good morning. Good afternoon. Good evening.” or “Hello.”, “How do you do?” is used between strangers when they are introduced in Am

53、erica; “How are you?” is a common expression to show concern about health. Thus the reply is “Fine, thank you”. The different ways of small talks are indicative of a different culture to be consistent with their national circumstances. Otherwise, misunderstandings may occur.For example, if you ask a

54、n American “Have you eaten yet?”, he will think that you want to invite him to have dinner, or he will think you are jeering at him for lack of money. And the private topics which include salary, marriage and age, are unwise to do for they may think you infringe their privacy, so Chinese people pay

55、special attention to some issues in communication.We need to understand the meaning of small talks with two countries to avoid cultural conflicts, and have friendly communications.3.2.2 Different Chat FormulasThe complete American strangers can start a conversation by the weather as subject. It is v

56、ery common. Such as: “Beautiful day, isnt it?”, “It looks like rain, dont you think?” and so on. Chinese people often begin the topic by privacy which does not exist in Chinese culture, because they think it shows enough enthusiasm and concern. But in American chat formulas, people avoid such privat

57、e topics.These words are included in the spirit, religious words: Christ Good; related to personal waste words: piss, etc.; involved sexual words: balls, fuck, etc. For example “dead”, American people is unwilling to directly use dead or death, and use the euphemism words of “pass away, pass on, dep

58、art to God, fall asleep” on some occasions. This is the same as Chinese, and they like to talk about life not death. The “cancer” is not used in America, is big C. When people ask “Whats the matter?”, you will respond “He doesnt feel well”, not “He is ill.”. In China, they will say “Bushufu (不舒服)”.

59、So there are many taboo words that are not used in chat formulas.In addition, Americans emphasize the independence of personality, their privacy and private affairs allow no interference. Americans are not willing to talk about their privacy, such as salary, health, marriage status, age, individual experience and so on. These are not to become a topic.