ComparativeStudy...

ComparativeStudy...

摘 要

I

透过称谓语的异同分析中西方文化差异

Comparative Study of Address Termsin Chinese and English

Cultures

摘 要

称谓是言语交际的第一关, 是言语交际策略中最基本的内容。由于文化、历史、社会体制的不同, 中文和英语的称谓习惯也有所不同, 了解这些差异将有助于语言学习者更好地达到交际的目的。

本文将中英称谓语分为姓名称谓、亲属称谓、社交称谓和指代称谓,汉语称谓系统的划分比较复杂、详细,涵盖了几百种称谓语,而英语称谓系统却相对简单、笼统、模糊,具有高度的概括性。在宗法观念、思想观念、价值取向、经济意识形态等方面的差异都很大,导致了汉英称谓系统的差异。 通过对中英称谓语分类比较,探讨造成这些差异的文化因素,以便英语学习者能正确地使用称谓语。全面掌握中英称谓语的不同有助于了解中英文化的差异,使语言学习者克服由于文化差异而导致的语言交际障碍,以便更好地推动中西经济、政治的交流,促进各国的合作与发展,从而推动跨文化交际的顺利进行。

关键词：称谓语；文化根源；跨文化交际

C

Abstract

Address terms is the first level and the most basic content of

verbal communication. Due to the different cultures, histories

and social systems, habits of Chinese and English address terms

are different. It is helpful for language learners to communicate

with understanding these differences.

In this paper, address terms are divided into the name

address, kinship terms, social address and reference terms. Chinese address terms system is complex and detailed, and

includes hundreds of address terms. While English address terms

system is relatively simple, general, fuzzy and with a high degree

of generality. The differences in patriarchal concept, ideas, values,

economic ideology result in the differences between Chinese and

English address terms system.

English learners can use address terms properly by

comparing and classifying Chinese and English address terms

and discussing cultural factors which lead to the differences. A

comprehensive command of address terms can help to

understand the differences between Chinese and British culture,

so that language learners can overcome communication

difficulties resulting from the cultural differences. It can also

better promote economic and political exchanges between

Chinese and Western, and encourage the cooperation and

development with other nations, and thereby promote the

smooth progress of cross-cultural communication.

Keywords: Address terms; Cultural root; Cross-cultural

communication

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Abbreviation

Abbreviation etc. et cetera

III

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Contents

摘要...............................................................................................................

I Abstract ........................................................................................................ I

I Abbreviation ...............................................................................................

III Contents ......................................................................................................

IV Introduction .. (1) Chapter One Literature Review (3)

1.1 Address Terms (3)

1.2 Current Domestic and International Studies of Address

Terms错误！未定义书签。

1.2.1 Domestic Research on Address Terms . 错误！未定义书签。

1.2.2 International Research on Address Terms

Chapter TwoComparisonbetween Chinese and English

Address Terms错误！未定义书签。

2.1 Comparison of Name Address (8)

2.2 Comparison of Kinship Terms (10)

2.3 Comparison of Social Address

2.3.1General Social Address

2.3.2 Professional Titles

2.3.3 Fictive Kinship Terms

2.4 Comparison of Reference Terms

2.4.1 Address Pronouns

2.4.2 Descriptive Terms

Chapter ThreeComparison betweenChinese and English

Cultural Root Leading To the Differences of Address Terms (10)

3.1 Differences in Family Structure and Lineages Concept

between China and Western Countries

3.1.1Chinese Big Families with Several Generations Together

IV

List of Figures

3.1.2 Western Dink Families

3.2 DifferentChinese and Western Ethical Thoughts (18)

3.2.1Confucianism in China

3.2.2 Christianity in Western Countries

3.3 Influence of Individualism and Collectivism on Chinese and Western Address Terms (19)

3.3.1Collectivism in China

3.3.2 Individualism in Western Countries

Conclusion (21)

References (23)

Acknowledgements .................................................... 错误！未定义书签。

V

Chapter One Introduction

Introduction

Address terms reflect a person's role and status in particular

relationships of the human society, and mirror the human

relations in a certain socio-cultural or language-specific

environment. People are social animals, everyone has

corresponding relations with the people around them. Address

terms are the cultural symbols of interpersonal relationship, and

the signals and bridges to communicate for the daily relationship.

They are not only the simple phonetic symbols, but also the

comprehensive embodiment of customs of a country and a

nation, traditional culture and social, political and economic

relations, and imply the history of a nation and the cultural

accumulation. They can help people cognize their roles in social

groups, and also build, define and confirm the relationship with