On Cultural Differences of Body Language Between English and Chinese
Written by:
Supervised by:
English Department
College of Foreign Languages
Anhui Normal University
October 2015
Abstract
Body language is an important part of nonverbal communication is closely connected with culture. In order to make successful exchange in cross-cultural communication, we should know body language from different cultures. B ody language from different cultures has many differences because of different regions, races and cultural customs. And it is restricted by its culture and has different cultural connotations. That is to say, the same body language has different meanings in different cultures and has different social functions. Take nodding the head as an example, we know it means “yes” among Chinese and many English-speaking countries. But to some Indians, it means “no”. This article devotes to a comparison and contrast of body language in different cultures in terms of eye language, gestures, postures, facial expressions, touch, and distance. It aims to illustrate the differences of body language between Chinese and English cultures, and to put forward the principles of reducing barriers in communication so as to achieve efficient communication and to avoid misunderstanding.
Key Words: intercultural communication, body language, cultural differences, principles
I
摘要
身势语是非语言交际的重要组成部分,和文化紧密相关。为了在跨文化交际中能够成功地进行交流，我们应该了解不同文化的身势语。语言和文化一样,由于地域、种族、习俗的差异，不同文化的身势语有许多差异。它们由文化制约并拥有独特的文化内涵。也就是说，同样的身势语在不同文化背景下有不同的含义，行使着不同的社会功能。例如,点头在中西方都表示赞同的意思。但是在印度，点头却表示不赞同。本文致力于从目光语、手势语、身体姿态、面部表情、体触语、体距语等方面对不同文化的身势语进行对，旨在通过列举中西方身势语的文化差异，提出交际中遵循的原则，从而促进有效交流，避免误解。
关键词: 跨文化交际，身势语，文化差异，原则
II
Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………………………..............I
摘要.........................................................................................................II I Introduction.. (1)
II Definition, Functions and Importance of Body language (1)
2.1 Definition of b ody language (1)
2.2 Importance of body l anguage (1)
2.3 Functions of nonverbal c ommunication (2)
2.3.1 E xchange ideas (3)
2.3.2 Complements and substitutes (3)
2.3.3 C onvey sentiment (4)
2.3.4 S how people’s psychology and character (4)
2.3.5 D enote social relations (4)
III Characteristics of Body Languag e (6)
3.1 Synonymy (6)
3.2 Obscurity (6)
3.3 Cultural differences (6)
IV Reasons for Different Body Languages Between the West and China (7)
4.1 Different traditional cultures (7)
4.2 Different ethnic t raits.............................................................. (7)
4.3 Different social customs (7)
V Use of Body Language in Communication (9)
5.1 Different exertions between Chinese and the West (9)
5.1.1 Postures (9)
5.1.2 Gestures (9)
5.1.3 Facial expressions (10)
5.1.4 Eye c ontact (10)
5.1.5Touch (10)
5.1.6 Distance (11)
5.2 Counter-measures (11)
VI Conclusion (13)
Bibliography (14)
I Introduction
People can communicate with each other through not only verbal communication but also nonverbal communication. Moreover, the latter plays an essential role in human communication. Nonverbal communication is connected with cultures and it is the result of cultures. But many people pay great attention to the acceptance and correctness of the verbal communication and overlook the influence and cultural difference of nonverbal communication. The n the misunderstanding and cultural crash often occur in the cross-cultural communication. So in the process of communication, it is not a complete communication while ignoring the cultural differences of nonverbal comm unication. A famous anthropologist Ethel pointed out “Silent language expresses more information than verbal language. Because it contains much information.” According to some researchers abroad, in people’s daily life, nonverbal communication takes part over 65% in all of information exchange. And body language is an important part of nonverbal communication. Many experts have shown the importance of body language in the cross-cultural communication. “A psychologist proposed a formula: the total impact of message = 7% verbal + 38% vocal +55% facial expressions and behavior.” It is clear without body language we can’t finish our informational exchange. Body language, like verbal language can express emotions, exchange ideas and deliver information. So we must know the cultural differences of body language to achieve efficient communication.
II Definition, Functions and Importance of Body language
2.1 Definition of Body language
Body language is not a language in the strict sense of the word “language”. “Body language” is expressing how one feels by one’s sitting, standing, moving, etc, rather by words (Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary, 1997). It is a way that we use the natural features of their bodies to deliver information and express specific meaning instinctively to the other communicator.
2. 2 Importance of Body Language
Body language is important in human interaction .It can be reflected by the countless times in a single day that we send and receive body language messages when in presence of other people .Body language is particularly important to the study of intercultural communication because a great deal of body behavior speaks a universal language whether in Dayton, Madrid, Spain or Guangdong china people tend to have a similar meanings for behaviors such as smiling ,frowning ,laughing ,crying.
Barn laud highlights some of the reasons why the form of body language is important to the study of intercultural communication: Many and sometimes most of the critical meanings generated in human encounter are elicited by touch, glance, vocal nuance, gestures or facial expression with or without the aid of words. Consciously or unconsciously, intentionally or unintentionally, we make important judgment and descions, send message concerning the internal states of others_ states, they often express without words. For example ,The first time you move from holding hands with your partner to touching his or her face ,you are sending a message and that message takes on added significance if you touch is returned.
Body language is also significant because we use the actions of others to learn their effective or emotional states .If we see someone with a clenched fist and a bowing, we do not need words to tell us that this person is angry: If we hear someone‘s voice quarter and see his or her hands tremble, we know that the person is fearful or anxious. Body language is important because we usually show our body language unconsciously; this means that they are relatively freed from distortions .It difficult to control a clenched jaw when we are angry.
There exist a true thing that at beginning , human ancestors rely on all sorts of gestures and postures for mutual coordination and communication then developed into verbal communication .So body language is actually the most primitive instrument of communication, non _verbal communication come into being earlier than verbal communication, it is the organ and base of verbal communication, body language is the earliest communication tool of human. 2006zk0902
2.3 Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Body language , is a part of culture and the carrier of a certain culture. The function of body
language in the whole communication can’t be overlooked. “In the daily communication, we can see people can’t communicate efficiently by verbal language alone. And nonverbal communication will express clear meanings in a certain context. And a certain nonverbal communication should be connected with verbal communication or the other nonverbal communication to provide correct information.” So in communicative activities, nonverbal communication also plays a great role. Of course, we should pay close attention to the functions of nonverbal communication. “In any case, when verbal communication conflicts with nonverbal communication, people are willing to accept the information nonverbal communication delivers. Because nonverbal communication sounds more natural, more instinctive and it is hard to pretend.” Obviously, we should make full use of nonverbal communication to achieve efficient communication. Now, we will discuss the functions of nonverbal communication, body language.
2.3.1 Exchange ideas
To exchange ideas is the most basic function of body language .In daily verbal communication ,people often use body language to match with the verbal language to express what they are trying to make .speakers consciously or unconsciously use body language to express ideas .For example ,we actually use the word ”stop” that signifies a person to stop and might hold up our hand in the gesture at the same time ,or we might point in a certain direction after we just said “The new library is north of that playground ”.The gestures and words have a similar meaning and reinforce one another .Sometimes body language even can express ideas directly ,especially at the kind of occasion that is inappropriate to speak or somebody doesn’t want to speak .For example ,at the place where is as quite as the reading room ,it is inappropriate for people to talk at that time body language is useful.
2.3.2 Complement and substitutes
Although messages that show can stand alone generally complementing adds more information to massagers . You can accent you anger by speaking in a voice that is much louder than one you use in normal conversation .You can tell someone that you are pleased with his or he performance. But if you pat the person on the shoulder at the same time this messages take on extra meaning. Body language can even substitute the words .If you see a very special friend ,you are apt to enlarge the size of your smile and throw open arms to greet him or her which is a substitute for all the words you want to convey the same feeling I miss” you very much“ .And we can also regulate our communication by using some form of body language .a smile and an outstretched hand show welcome .a frown is a sign of displeasure .Nodding one’s head means agreement _”Yes ”.Waving an
1.美国人的自我意识和独立意识很强。 Self-awareness and independent consciousness of Americans are very strong. 2.美国文化鼓励人民开拓创新，做一番前人未做过的、杰出超凡的事业。 In America, innovation often is encouraged and people often do something nobody has done. 3.美国基础教育实践，注重创造的教学形式. American education based on practice, pay attention to teaching form of creation. 4. 中国的家庭结构比较复杂，传统的幸福家庭是四代同堂。 China's family structure is more complex, the traditional happy family is four generations. 5. 中国人的婚姻相对来说比较稳定。这是因为中国人把婚姻当作一个严肃的道德问题，喜新厌旧，或是第三者插足都会被认为是极不道德的。 The Chinese marriage is relatively stable. Because Chinese people treat marriage as a serious moral problem, propensity or a third people involvement is considered highly unethical. 6. 新中国虽已建立了六十年，但传统的君臣，父子等级观念在中国人的头脑中仍然根深蒂固。The traditional manner, parent-child hierarchical remains entrenched in the Chinese mind. 7. 主动帮助别人或接受别人帮助在西方常是令人难堪的事。在中国，主动帮助别人，给人以无微不至的体贴是一种美德。 Take the initiative to help others or accept others help is embarrassing thing in America. However, help others is a virtue. 8. 在个性自由与团结协作上：美国人十分珍视个人自由，喜欢随心所欲，独往独行，不愿受限制。中国文化则更多地强调集体主义，主张个人利益服从集体利益，主张同甘共苦，团结合作，步调一致。 On the personality freedom and cooperation, Americans cherish personal freedom and don't want to be limited. Personal interest obedience collective interests and cooperation were advocated in China. 9. 美国家庭教育目的是把孩子培养成具有适应各种环境和独立生存能力的“社会人”；中国家庭教育的目的是把孩子培养成“才”，将来有出息，有个好职业，一生能在顺境中度过。 The education purpose of American family is to help children to adapt to the environment and improve the independent ability, and finally make children become a "social person". The education aim of Chinese family is to make children become a person with ability, and hope they can have ambition in the future, have a good career, life can be spent in prosperity. (You are very handsome! 或赞扬你Your English is very good时，中国人一般很谦虚地说：I do not think so! 或说 No ,no ,my English is poor. Thank you !; Have you had your meal? Where are you going? 他们则会认为你想请他吃饭或者干涉其私事，会引起误解。美国人见面，通常打招呼道：Hello! How do you do! Nice to meet you.) （American culture：The main content of American culture is the emphasize on individuals' value, the pursue of democracy and freedom, the promotion of deploitation(开拓,经营) and competition and the need of realistic and practicality. Its core is individualism: self-first, personal need first, pursue of individual benefit and enjoyment, emphasize on achieving individual value by self-strive and self-design. This type of intentionally build up of personality and pursue customized individualism has its pros and cons, it gives incentives to people and make them exert on their potential and wisdom and as a result accelerate the development of the entire race and nation; on the other hand it is difficult to keep good relationship among people if everyone is egocentric thus make the entire society lack of unity. egocentric:.自我中心的,利己主义的 American citizens emphasize on achievements and respect heroes. They have great sense in their hearts to praise success and heroes.Personal achievements are one of those with the highest value in Americans mind.Americans have very strong senses of success.Success is the pursuit of most Americans,it is their attractive future and the incentives for moving forward.They believe that one's personal value is equivalent to his achievements in his career.Some high achievers in their career such as entrepreneurs,scientists,artists and all kinds of super starts became modern heroes.The process and result of how they strived have become the frame of reference of social culture value and the real life text book for parents to educate their children. incentive:Serving to induce or motivate: American society has great movements within itself. These movements are shown in two aspects:movements amongst locations and movements inside the society.The United States are relatively more open and have more freedom.Developed transport and the tradition of adventure and sporty makes a lot of American migrate from countryside to cities,from downtown to uptown; and from north to the southern sunny land,from one city to another.Unlike European countries,the social classes in America is not so stable.Further more,with the advocation of public education,movements upwards along the social ladder have become possible.Many people living in
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Differences between Chinese and Western culture As we know the differences between the our estern cultures and western cultures are quite obvious.I would like to state some of my opinions in this paper. I.difference in the thinking style People on the earth are homologous,but different people in different place have different performance on the way of thinking. Differences between Chinese and Western way of thinking reflected in many aspects.Such as the difference between abstract and concrete, reflected in their attitudes towards life can be understood as Westernersare more practical, and the Chinese are much more biased towards some spiritual experience. Westerners pay attention to logical thinking, but Chinese pay more attention to dialectical thinking and so on. As Chinese and western way of thinking are different, there are differences in expression of the order. For example,we can see that the names of western style are not like ours,they put their given names at the first place,while we put them after our family names,that is to say,we regard our family more important than ourselves,and it's the traditional way of estern thinking.Westerners have another way of thinking,they think that each person is important in our world and society,and a person should play a important role among our human beings. II.differences in daily communication Westerners are frank,but chinese are humility.The reflection between westerners and chinese on the treatment of praise is different.In the West, people can accept it generously. As the Chinese have long term impact of Confucian education, we treat others’ praise and recognition not often take the attitude of ourselves, or there is suspected of arrogant. When meeting acquaintances, chinese and westerners greet each other are also different. Chinese people often say "Have you eat ?" "Where are you going?"except the general asked”hello”. In western culture, this is not a greeting, but substantive issues. When British and American people meet,they usually use a polite phrase like "How are you?" or "Nice to meet you!" In addtion,when westerners accept gift from others,they are willing to open it and praise it directly,but chinese do not do like that. III.differences in customs Chinese people regard ourselves as descendants of the Dragon.Chinese have a supreme respect for the dragon, we think dragon is a symbol of our nation. In the dynasty time,Chinese emperors generally self-styled "dragon".However,in the West, the dragon was regarded as the devil, and it was killed by the legendary god of protection, so they set a day as a festival to celebrate the lifting of a disaster, and thank the protection of God.For this reason, when the students describe a person's lively, they say "He / She is full of vim and vigor." not"He / She is as lively as a dragon and tiger". Everyone has their favorite color, so does a country and a nation. Chinese like the red colour ,because chinese think red is a symbol of luck and enthusiam. But westerners perfer to the blue colour,they think blue can make themselves calm. Thus,the preferences of different colors can reflect the whole of a country’s aesthetic taste. IV. differences in eating cultrue Chinese and Western diets are very different, so the differences also have an impact on the national character. In China, a banquet, no matter what purpose, there will be only one form, that is, everyone sit around one table. People toast each other,and eat the same food in one plate,,It reflects the mutual respect between people even the traditional courteous virtue. Although from the health point of view, this dietary approach has obvious shortcomings, it is consistent with our
浅谈中英文在文化上的差异中国与英语国家在文化上的差异体现在社会生活的诸多方面，也体现在地域文化的差异，习俗文化的差异，姓名与称呼用语的差异，交际用语的差异，数字内涵，委婉语和对应词及其内涵方面。我从中选取几个方面来，通过对这些方面的讨论来探讨中英文在文化上的差异性。 首先要讨论两国语言在文化上的差异就应该了解什么叫文化，以及文化与语言的关系。 所谓文化就是一个群体的人们在其发展过程中引导其生活、保障其生存的全部内容的总和。我们每一个人，无论生长何地，都是各自特定文化与表达文化的语言的产物。鲁斯·本尼迪克特在《文化类型》中说道：“一个人从他呱呱坠地的那一刻起，他周围的环境与风俗习惯就影响着他的经历和行为。等到他咿呀学语的时候，他已成为此文化熏陶的一个小生灵了。待到他长大成人，能够参与社会活动时，这一特定的文化习惯便成了他的习惯，其特有的观念也变成了他的观念，其禁忌也就变成了他的禁忌。”这高度概括了文化对我们每个人的影响。 同时，语言与文化相依为命，不可能脱离另一方面而独立存在，语言反映文化特征并预示文化发展的方向，两者的关系可简单地比作内容与形式相互依赖、相互作用的关系。 中英文在文化上的差异具体体现在以下几个方面：
一．地域文化的差异 地域文化主要指地理环境、自然环境方面的文化。受自然环境的影响，不同民族在对同一事物的认识上存在差异。有些事物在一种语言中为美，而在另一种语言中为丑；有些事物在一种语言中有丰富的内涵，而在另一种语言中毫无意义。地域文化上的差异又体现在： 1.中英文动物词文化的差异 在中国，龙被视为神物，集力量、智慧、运气、喜庆、威严、威武、权力于一身。封建时代的皇帝常把自己比做“龙”，中华民族也称自己为“龙的传人”，“龙的子孙”。而在英语中，dragon被看作“邪恶”、“恐怖”，甚至“战争”的代名词。《圣经》里多次提到的魔鬼撒旦就是一个与上帝作对的诱惑者和叛逆者的形象，它被称作the old Dragon。英国着名作家狄更斯在《艰难时世》中也以“Dragon”这个词来描述斯巴塞太太：……镇上的人们走来走去看见她坐在那儿，却把她看作这个银行的“毒龙”(Bank dragon)。 2.中英文植物词文化的差异 竹子这种植物与中国文化有着深厚的关系，历代文人墨客赏竹、画竹、咏竹。郑板桥的竹画享誉世界，邵谒的名句“竹死不变节，花落有余香”深入人心，竹子逐渐成了中国人坚强不屈、高风亮节的性格的象征。但bamboo一词在英语里只不过是一种很普通的植物，没有任何外延意义。 二．习俗文化的差异
跨文化交际中的肢体语言 来源：英语毕业论文 https://www.doczj.com/doc/4e1439724.html,/ 肢体语言是人类进行非语言信息交流的重要手段,其内涵也随着文化环境、生活方式和思维习惯的不同而呈现出一定的差异。要用外语进行有效的、成功的跨文化交际就必须学习和了解肢体语言在不同民族文化中的交际功能。 肢体语言跨文化交际文化差异 肢体语言又称身体语言,是指经由身体的各种动作(包括面部表情和身体各部位的动作等)来进行传递信息、交流思想的现象。作为一种独特的交际方式,肢体语言在人们的交际过程中起着不可替代的作用。有研究表明,一个人要向外界传达完整的信息,55%的信息都需要由肢体语言来传达。 在人际交往中,有的肢体语言非常具体,有的则十分概括;有的旨在交流,有的仅为表达;有的提供感情信息,有的则表现人物的性格和态度。肢体语言由个人发出,有社会共知含义,并有可能对交际对象产生影响和发生作用。 但是,不同的国家有着不同的文化,肢体语言的内涵也随着文化的不同而呈现出一定的差异。因此,要用外语进行有效的、成功的交际,就必须对不同文化中的肢体语言所表示的含义有所了解。 体距语的文化差异在人类的人际交往中,个人往往会不自觉地与别人保持相当距离,以保持其心理上的安全感受。美国人类学教授爱德华·T·霍尔博士认为,在人际交往中存在四种空间距离:亲密距离(0～45cm,适合于夫妻关系及情侣之间)、个人
距离(45～120cm,存在于朋友、熟人、亲戚之间)、社交距离(120～360cm,多用于洽谈业务和接待陌生客人时)和公共距离(360cm～750cm,多用于非正式的聚会。) 从这四种分法可以看出,人类在不同的活动范围中因关系 的亲密程度而有着或保持不同的空间距离,关系越远,亲密程度越小,并且这个空间距离的大小还会受到文化背景、环境、行业、个性等的影响。一般说来,西方文化注重个人隐私,而中国人则不太讲究个人空间。多数英语国家的人在交谈时不喜欢离得太近,总要保持一定的距离。北美人通常认为,1.5m左右的间距是人与人交往之间“舒适安逸的距离”。 在人际交往中,如果身体距离超过了个人距离的极限,会让他们觉得是一种侵犯隐私行为,从而感到不愉快。阿拉伯人则喜欢互相挨得近些、触摸他的伙伴,感受他的体热、甚至通过闻他的气味以示信任、友情和尊重。而在中国文化中,尤其在同性青年朋友(尤其女性)交往时,人们常常手挽手地并肩而行以示友好和亲昵,这在西方人的眼里是很难理解的。由此可见,在对个人空间要求方面,不同的民族文化有不同的习惯。 同时,西方人崇尚个人自由,不喜欢身体之间的接触;中国 人则往往喜欢把个人空间扩展为集团或家族的空间。中国的家人、同学和亲密朋友在公共场合一般都喜欢挤在一起。英语国家的人却不同,即使是一家人也不例外。 在餐厅就餐的时候,中国人宁可全家挤坐在一起也不愿意 分一部分人到别的餐桌去。英语国家的人是宁可轮流用餐也不愿挤坐在一起[2]。在英语国家里,一般的朋友和熟人之间交谈时,避免身体任何部位与对方接触。而在中国,人们常常通过轻轻触摸来表示亲近。比如中国人往往喜欢摸摸、拍拍、或是亲亲小孩,这样往往很容易引起外国友人的尴尬和反感。以上这些
从英汉谚语对比看中英文化差异 谚语是一个国家人民日常工作经验概括与总结，其内容精辟,寓意深邃,具有广泛的感染力,从中折射出一个国家的地理,历史,社会制度,生活哲理,社会观点和态度及其丰富的文化内涵.作为一种语言,谚语的独特魅力在于它是民族文化的精邃.既反映了一个民族文化的共性又反映了其个性——受该民族的价值观念，宗教信仰，审美习惯，历史文化，社会制度和社会意识形态的影响。比如，居住在沿海一带，靠海生活的民族，其谚语往往涉及海上航行，经受风雨，捕鱼捉虾。而游牧民族的谚语则多涉及沙漠，草原，牛羊，骆驼和豺狼。谚语是民间流传的至理名言，措辞简练，便于记忆。谚语内容精辟，语言生动，短小精悍，通俗易懂，因而有广泛的感染力。正如培根所说：“谚语是一个民族天才，机智和精神的体现。” 正如上所说，语言与文化是分不开的。语言是文化的一部分，但是它又是一种特殊的文化。语言与文化间的关系，是双向的影响制约的关系。有些社会学家认为，语言是文化的冠石——没有语言，就没有文化；从另一个方面看，语言又受文化的影响，反映文化。可以这样说，语言反映一个民族的特征，它不仅包含着该民族的历史和文化背景，而且蕴涵着该民族对人生的看法，生活方式和思维方式。社会学家告诉我们，一切文化是独特的，互不相同的。人类学家Sapir在其《语言论》中说：“语言是个底座，说一种语言的人是属于一个种族或几个种族的，也就是说属于身体上具有某些特征而又不同于别的群体的一个群。语言…….决定我们生活面貌的风格和信仰的总体。” 不同的民族在漫长的历史进程中孕育了独具特色的文化。总的说来，英美文化的主线是个人主义（或称个人本位），而中国文化（以汉族文化为代表）则以集体主义（或称人伦本位）为主线。此外，英美文化受宗教的影响比较大，而儒家思想则在中国的文化中留下深深的烙印，漫长的封建社会对中国文化的影响也是显而易见。下面从几个方面来看英汉谚语的异同
跨文化交际中的肢体语言On Body Language in Intercultural Communication 摘要：肢体语言与学外语一样，都是文化的一部分。除一些世界公认的肢体语言外，不同的文化还有各自的肢体语言。跨文化交际时，相同的肢体语言形式可能具有完全不同的意义。本文简单对比中美肢体语言的差别，并介绍了一些国外常用的肢体语言，以此来说明在学习外语的同时，多了解一些国外常用的肢体语言是会有帮助作用的。 关键词：肢体语言;跨文化交际;外语学习 Abstract :Body language，like verbal language, is also a part of culture .Different culture shave different body languages except some world known ones. And in intercultural communication, the same body language may mean different things. This paper，on the basis of some examples，emphasizes the significance of body languages in intercultural communication by comparing the body languages in the United States and China, and briefly introducing some body languages often used in foreign countries. The author reaches the conclusion that while learning foreign languages, it is also important as well to know some body languages in foreign countries. Key words: body language; intercultural communication; foreign languages earning 肢体语言(body language)也称体态语言，是人类借助和利用自己的面部表情、手势动作、身体姿态的变化来表达和传递思想感情的方式。运用自己的体态来表情达意几乎是人类自身的一种本能，因为它简便、迅捷、直观，在现实生活中的使用极其广泛，而且有时更能无声胜有声地巧妙表达信息并留给对方更大的想象空间。 1.面部表情语言的运用。 达尔文说:“面部与身体的富于表达力的动作，极有助于发挥语言的力量.”法国作家罗曼.罗兰也曾说过:“面部表情是多少世纪培养成功的语言，是比嘴里讲的更复杂到千百倍的语言。”心理学家阿尔伯特。玛洛比恩发明了一个规则:总交流量=7%的文字交流+38%的口头交派+55%的面部表情交流。通过脸色的变化，眉、目、鼻、嘴的动作，能极好地实现信息交流。 2.手势动作语言的运用。 手势动作语言是一种表现力极强的肢体语言，它不仅丰富多样化，而且简便、直观性强，所以运用范围广、频率高、收效好。一个很好的例子就是荣获2005年中央电视台春节联欢晚会最受观众喜爱的歌舞类节目特别奖的《千手观音》，二十一位生活在无声世界里的姑娘用她们的手势语向全国亿万观众传递信息，表达了新春的祝福. 3.身体姿态语言的运用。 身体姿态语言是通过身体各种动态或静态的姿势传递交流信息的一种形式.俗话说“坐有坐相站有站相”、“坐如钟立如松”，这都是对身体姿态的要求。我们同别人交际时，交际的手段不只是局限于话语，尽管我们有时没有意识到这一点。我们的表情、手势、身体其他部分的动作都向周围的人传递信息。微微一笑伸出手表示欢迎，皱眉表示不满，点头表示同意，挥手表示再见，听报告或讲演时，身子往椅背上一靠，伸一下舌头表示厌烦，不感兴趣。这些都是交际手段的一部分。肢体语言与学外语一样，都是文化的一部分。 “跨文化交际”的英文名称是cross-cultural communication或intercultural communication，指的是不同文化背景的人之间所发生的相互作用。由于不同的民族所处的生态、物质、社会及宗教等环境不同，各自的语言环境便产生了不同的语言习惯、社会文化、风土人情等诸语境因素，因而在不同的文化中，肢体语言的意义也不完全相同。各民族有不同的肢体语言交际方式。例如：法国人讲话就像个浪漫法国人，而英国男子和美国男子翘腿的样子，是否绅士风度，就不一样。美国人讲完一句话时可能会低一下头或垂一下手，还可
T : Hi yangxue ,I heard that you are going to studying abroad ,it …s a new experience ,which can bring you opportunity to discover fascinating things and a feeling of freedom. Y : Oh !yeah ,in spite of this advantages, however there are also some challenges I will encounter. Culture shock will be the first one. T: yeah, I have watched several movies about western lifestyles and cultures, and really find an immense difference. Y: Yeah, the difference is almost everywhere. As far as the table culture, there is no doubt it is a tradition to use chopsticks for Chinese. But people in America prefer to forks and knives. T：The different tools are based on different food they like. Fried food and fast food are Americans? favorite while Chinese people choose noodles, pancakes and rice. Y: Yes, besides, have you noticed that when we have meals with our families or good friends, we usually get some delicious food for each other to show our care. But the western style of eating seems to be more hygienic. Nobody uses his own fork to get food for others. T：Yeah, quite so. This is only table manners. I also know that greeting is different. In China, when I meet you in the street, I
题目：论中英文化差异在商务英语翻译中的体现Title: Reflection of Cultural Differences between China and England in Business English T ranslation Abstract.................................................................................................................................. II Introduction (1) 1. Cutural Differences in Business Translation (3) 1.1 Culture Differences (3) 1.1.1 Definition of Culture (3) 1.1.2 Understanding of Cultural Difference ............................... 错误！未定义书签。 1.2 Cultural Differences Representation in Business Translation ..... 错误！未定义书签。 1.2.1 Different Understanding of the Same Animal ................... 错误！未定义书签。 1.2.2 Different Understanding of the Same Color ...................... 错误！未定义书签。 1.2.3 Different Understanding of the Same Number .................. 错误！未定义书签。 2. Causes of Cultural Differences between English and Chinese错误！未定义书签。 2.1 Different Religious Beliefs Between English and Chinese ......... 错误！未定义书签。 2.1.1 Culture Influenced by Confucianism in Chinese (3) 2.1.2 Culture Influenced by Christianity in English ................... 错误！未定义书签。 2.2 Different Modes of Thingking between English and Chinese..... 错误！未定义书签。 2.3 Different Geographical Location between English and Chinese .错误！未定义书签。 2.4 Different Values between English and Chinese ........................... 错误！未定义书签。 3. Influences of Cultural Differences on Business Translation错误！未定义书签。 3.1 Representation of Influences of Cultural Differences in Business Translation错误！未定义书签。 3.1.1 Representation in the Trademark Translation .................... 错误！未定义书签。 3.1.2 Representation in the Denomination Translation .............. 错误！未定义书签。 3.1.3 Representation in the Advertising Design Translation ...... 错误！未定义书签。 3.2 Strengthening Cultural Sense in Business Traslation .................. 错误！未定义书签。
跨文化交际中的肢体语言 跨文化交际中的肢体语言来源：英语毕业论文/ 肢体语言是人类进行非语言信息交流的重要手段,其内涵也随着文化环境、生活方式和思维习惯的不同而呈现出一定的差异。要用外语进行有效的、成功的跨文化交际就必须学习和了解肢体语言在不同民族文化中的交际功能。肢体语言跨文化交际文化差异肢体语言又称身体语言,是指经身体的各种动作(包括面部表情和身体各部位的动作等)来进行传递信息、交流思想的现象。作为一种独特的交际方式,肢体语言在人们的交际过程中起着不可替代的作用。有研究表明,一个人要向外界传达完整的信息,55%的信息都需要肢体语言来传达。在人际交往中,有的肢体语言非常具体,有的则十分概括;有的旨在交流,有的仅为表达;有的提供感情信息,有的则表现
人物的性格和态度。肢体语言个人发出,有社会共知含义,并有可能对交际对象产生影响和发生作用。但是,不同的国家有着不同的文化,肢体语言的内涵也随着文化的不同而呈现出一定的差异。因此,要用外语进行有效的、成功的交际,就必须对不同文化中的肢体语言所表示的含义有所了解。体距语的文化差异在人类的人际交往中,个人往往会不自觉地与别人保持相当距离,以保持其心理上的安全感受。美国人类学教授爱德华·T·霍尔博士认为,在人际交往中存在四种空间距离:亲密距离(0～45cm,适合于夫妻关系及情侣之间)、个人距离(45～120cm,存在于朋友、熟人、亲戚之间)、社交距离(120～360cm,多用于洽谈业务和接待陌生客人时)和公共距离(360cm～750cm,多用于非正式的聚会。) 从这四种分法可以看出,人类在不同的活动范围中因关系的亲密程度而有着或保持不同的空间距离,关系越远,亲密程度越小,并且这个空间距离的大小还会受到
中英文化十大差异 在开放的现代社会，跨文化的言语交际显得愈发重要，已经成为现代交际中引人注目的一个特点。交际中的文化差异随处可见，言语环境中的文化因素受到普遍重视。下面是英汉文化中十大常见差异。 1、回答提问 中国人对别人的问话，总是以肯定或否定对方的话来确定用“对”或者“不对”。如： “我想你不到20岁，对吗？” “是的，我不到20岁。” （“不，我已经30岁了。”） 英语中，对别人的问话，总是依据事实结果的肯定或否定用“Yes”或者“No”。如： "You're not a student, are you?" "Yes,I am. " ("No, I am not. ") 2、亲属称谓 英语的亲属以家庭为中心，一代人为一个称谓板块，只区别男性、女性，却忽视配偶双方因性别不同而出现的称谓差异。显得男女平等。如： 英文“grandparents, grandfather，grandmother”，而中文“祖辈、爷爷、奶奶、外公、外婆”。
再如，父母同辈中的称谓：英文“uncle”和“aunt”，而中文“伯伯、叔叔、舅舅等，姑妈、姨妈等”。 还有，英文中的表示下辈的“nephew和niece”是不分侄甥的，表示同辈的“cousin”不分堂表、性别。 3、考虑问题的主体 中国人喜欢以对方为中心，考虑对方的情感。比如： 你想买什么？ 您想借什么书？ 而英语中，往往从自身的角度出发。如： Can I help you? What can I do for you? 4、问候用语 中国人打招呼，一般都以对方处境或动向为思考方向。 您去哪里？ 您是上班还是下班？ 而西方人往往认为这些纯属个人私事，不能随便问。所以他们见面打招呼总是说： Hi／Hello! Good morning／afternoon／evening／night! How are you? It's a lovely day, isn't it?