Differences between Chineseand Western politeexpressions

Abstract

As a part of culture, Language is influenced by culture. Polite language is the important part of the culture. Different cultures between china and west lead to different politeness principles. Polite language plays a very important role in the cross-cultural communication.This paper expounds the common features and different courtesy between Chinese and the western through a constructive study of politeness in Chinese and English culture. On the other hand, the paper expounds different politeness principle and the emphasis of the respective in different cultural background.Therefore, the study of this subject can conduct people to use the right polite language, avoiding the conflict that brings about the different culture courtesy and different culture according to the different occasions in the social process Finally, if the politeness principles are used in the English teaching and learning, it will improve the students comprehensive quality, and the ability of cross-cultural communication.

Key Words:  polite principle ; politeness language; countermeasure

Contents

Contents 4

1 Introduction 5

2 The difference between Chinese and western politeness principles 7

3 Comparison of Chinese and Western Politeness Languages 8

3.1 Differences In Appellation 8

3.2 Differences In Terms of Praise 9

3.3 Differences In Terms of Goodbye 9

3.4 Differences In Terms of Invitation 10

4. The reasons for different polite discourses between Chinese and English 11

4.1 Different thinking patterns 11

4.2 Different historical and cultural backgrounds 11

4.3 Different value orientations 12

5.  Conclusion 14

6.  References 15