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A brief discussion of the differences between Chinese and Western communicative terms

Chinese Abstract

With the development of my country's social economy, international exchanges and cooperation have become increasingly close. The process of communication between people from different cultural backgrounds is cross-cultural communication. Language is the most basic and important medium for cross-cultural communication. Therefore, as a foreign language learner, while learning a language, you must also fully understand the culture carried by this language. It is an undoubted fact that language and culture are closely related. Language is the carrier of culture. The process of learning a foreign language is also the process of understanding the cultural background knowledge of the target country. The degree of mastering the cultural background knowledge of the target country directly affects a person's ability to use language knowledge and is the prerequisite for the ability to use language appropriately. This article starts from the relationship between language and culture, and reveals the differences between Chinese and Western cultures by briefly analyzing the differences in daily communication terms between China and the West. It clarifies that language learning is cultural learning, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the cultural differences between China and the West, and introduces several ways to understand the background cultural knowledge of English-speaking countries.

Keywords: cross-cultural communication, language and culture, cultural differences between China and the West, overcoming communication barriers

On Differences of Communicative Expressions Between Chinese and Western

Abstract

With the development of our country's economy, international exchange and cooperation becomes closer and closer. The process of communication in which people in different cultural backgrounds are engaged is Intercultural Communication. And language is the most basic and important media to intercultural communication. Therefore, as a foreign language learner we should fully understand the culture of the language. It is unquestionable that the relationship between language and culture is very close. Language is the carrier of culture. The process of learning a foreign language is also the process of understanding this country's culture. The degree of mastering this country's cultural background knowledge influences directly one's capability of using the language. It is the premise of using the language properly. This paper talks about the relationship between language and culture. Then it reveals differences between the Chinese and Western culture by analyzing the differences of everyday expressions between the Chinese and Westerners. It clarifies that language learning means culture learning and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to this cultural difference. It also recommends several ways to know the culture background of English countries.

Key words: intercultural communication, language and culture, cultural differences be

tween the Chinese and Westerners, overcoming the obstacles in communication

1. Introduction

In recent years, with the continuous development of China's reform and opening up, especially after joining the WTO, with other countries Exchanges are becoming increasingly frequent, and people are beginning to pay attention to economic and cultural exchanges with different countries and nations. The process of communication between people from different cultural backgrounds is cross-cultural communication. (Hu Wenzhong, 1999) Each ethnic culture has its own soil of origin, history of development and current status of group identity. Different geographical environments and different historical backgrounds determine different cultural status quos. Different cultural status means different customs and habits, and different codes of conduct. There is an invisible and intangible cultural barrier between Chinese and Westerners. This barrier prevents cross-cultural communicators from correctly decoding during communication and creates obstacles in communication.

Language, as an important medium for cross-cultural communication, has a very close relationship with culture. American linguist Rosalie Maggio said in her article Bias-Free Language: Some Guidelines: "Culture shapes language and then language shapes culture." ("Language both shapes culture and is shaped by culture.")[ 1](P91) Language is an important part of culture, the carrier of culture, and plays an important role in culture. The formation, development and change of language are also affected by culture. On the one hand, language is the cornerstone of culture - without language, there is no culture. On the other hand, language is influenced by culture and reflects culture. "Through the language level of a nation, what is displayed before us is the nation's colorful cultural form, as well as the nation's ideas, ways of thinking, and lifestyles about life. Because culture has a distinct national character, the characteristics of different nations Culture will naturally be very different. This difference in cultural form will inevitably appear in language." [2] (P82-83) At the same time, culture restricts the form of language and constantly injects its own essence into language. , enriching and updating the cultural connotation of the language, making the language more precise and meticulous. In short, language and culture are interdependent and inseparable. Due to the emergence and development of language, human culture can be produced and passed on. There is no culture in the world that is separated from language, and there is no language that is separated from specific cultural background and connotation. To learn a language you must learn a culture, and vice versa.

2. Differences in terms used in daily communication between China and the West

China and the West (especially China and the British and American countries) use two different languages-Chinese and English, each of which has its own characteristics. Reflecting its own unique cultural background and dignified historical traditions, there are also many differences in language expression. Here we focus on the differences in the most common daily idioms used in Chinese and Western language communication.

(1) Differences in terms of address

The first condition for normal communication is to address the other person correctly and appropriately. Appropriate titles can narrow the psychological distance between the two parties and make communication proceed smoothly. In Chinese and Western cultures, there are great differences in terms of address due to differences in language expressions.

The first thing to note is that the order of Chinese and Western names is different. "Chinese people use "surname" first, while Anglo-Americans use "first name" first."[3](P30) Therefore, when Chinese people address Westerners, they often use Westerners' "surname" unconsciously. "Last name" rather than calling them by their "first name". For example, when you see the name Jim Green, you may call him "Green" or "Mr. Jim". Westerners will feel uncomfortable hearing this name. It should be "Jim" or "Mr. Green". Correct.

In daily communication, Chinese people pay more attention to etiquette and generally address someone first and then speak. Use different kinship titles and social titles according to the identity of the other party, the closeness of the relationship with you, and the occasion. The title pays attention to respect. But in the West, people pursue equal and close interpersonal relationships and like to call others by their names (such as Tom, Joy, Peter, etc.) whether in formal or informal situations.

This practice is particularly common among Americans. Even when you meet for the first time, you can call them by their first names. This is not only done between people of similar age, but also between people of very different ages. There is no disrespect at all, even for children. You can also call your grandparents and parents by their first names, and you can also call people with different social status in this way, such as students to teachers, employees to bosses. Teachers and bosses do not think that they are disrespectful or too casual. On the contrary, they think that they are disrespectful or too casual. Be friendly and approachable. It can be seen from this that "Chinese people are accustomed to non-equivalent forms of address, while Westerners advocate equivalence forms of address." [4](P53)

"Chinese people address family members When talking to relatives, relatives or neighbors, you can use kinship titles. " [5] (P30) If they are not relatives, children will call their elders: "uncle", "aunt", "uncle", etc.; they will call their peers: "big brother". , "Big Sister" is common. However, "Words used to express kinship titles in English are generally not used to express non-relative relationships." [6](P30) If you call an elder who is a native English speaker "Uncle Green" or "Auntie/Aunt Brown", the other party will listen. It may sound unpleasant to your ears. Because in English culture, such kinship titles are only used when the relationship is very close, and there is no "last name" behind it, only "first name", such as "Uncle Tom". You can also use "Mr." "Mrs." "Miss/Ms" plus your surname or just "Sir" or "Lady". Furthermore, the kinship relationship in Chinese is relatively specific. The most typical ones are uncle, uncle, uncle, aunt and uncle in Chinese, but in English they are represented by one word "Uncle"; in Chinese there are titles such as aunt, aunt, aunt, aunt and uncle, and in English they are also They are all represented by the word "Aunt"; for another example, the word "Cousin" in English also includes all titles of cousins ??in Chinese. Who exactly these three words refer to can only be known by clarifying the situation at that time.

In addition, in China, people's hierarchy is deeply rooted. In order to show respect, people's titles, social positions, etc. are often added after the surname, such as "Principal Guo", "Manager Yang", " "Director Zhou", "Teacher Liu"

etc. However, titles such as "Principal Guo", "Manager Yang", "Bureau Director Zhou" and "Teacher Liu" are not in line with British and American habits. In the West, there are only a few professions and positions that can be used as titles. For example, a professor can be called Professor; a doctor or a person with a doctorate degree can be called Doctor; the governor and mayor can be called Governor and Major, etc. In English, this form of address of occupation/position title + surname has a narrow scope and very limited uses. Westerners don't like such a title and think it is hypocritical.

(2) Differences in greeting terms

Whether in China or abroad, saying hello when meeting friends or acquaintances is a common polite behavior. Due to the differences in cultural traditions and customs between China and the West, the terms and habits they use to greet each other when meeting are also very different.

China has a strong food culture. Since ancient times, there has been a proverb that "food is the first thing for people". Therefore, Chinese people like to greet each other with "Have you eaten?" when they meet. However, this greeting has actually lost its literal meaning. It is not used to ask for information, but just a way of saying hello. Therefore, it does not matter whether the answer is "eat" or "not yet". However, if it is literally translated into English as "Have you had your dinner?" to greet Westerners, according to their cultural customs, it means inviting the other party to dinner; if a man asks a woman, it means that he wants to make friends or date with the other party. However, when Chinese people say this sentence, they usually do not mean "invitation" or "date". Another commonly used greeting in Chinese is "Where are you going?" and "Where have you been?" These two sentences are ways of saying hello in Chinese, rather than really asking where the person is. Therefore, the other party can give any answer he wants without feeling embarrassed.

However, if you greet Westerners in the same way, "Where are you going?" or "Where have you been?" Westerners will often understand it as a question asking for information, which will make them feel embarrassed and even angry. , they will feel that the speaker is interfering in their private affairs. Although they don't say it, they may be thinking in their hearts: "Why do you ask these questions? It's none of your business."

There is also a "Chinese way of greeting when you see someone doing it" Just say whatever you want.”[7](P97) For example, when Chinese people meet someone they know washing a car, they may say hello: “Are you washing a car?” Chinese people feel that such a greeting is natural and very natural. normal. But saying to a Westerner: “You are cleaning your car, aren’t you?” sounds strange and awkward to him. I thought to myself: You clearly saw me washing the car, but you still asked such a question? It's just nonsense.

Perhaps because the British and Americans are more focused on efficiency, they are not as enthusiastic as the Chinese. In the same situation as above, the commonly used greetings are generally simpler, such as "Hi" and "Hello" , "How are you?" or "Good morning!", "Good afternoon!", "Good evening!", etc. Sometimes we also greet each other by talking about the weather, such as “It’s a nice day, isn’t it?” However, these greetings sound too foreign to Chinese people and seem too unfamiliar to the other party, so they are generally used less often.

(3) Differences in farewell terms

Usually when people are communicating, they will not break up suddenly or leave in a hurry without sending any signal. Before leaving, always use certain farewell words to indicate that you are leaving. Chinese people usually say "goodbye" when breaking up, which is equivalent to "Good-bye" or "Bye-bye" in English. But before saying "Good-bye", "Bye-Bye" or "Goodbye", you have to say some polite words. Due to different social and cultural customs in China and the West, farewell terms also have their own characteristics.

“In Chinese farewell etiquette, people often attribute the reason for saying goodbye to each other.”[8](P71) For example, when Chinese people are guests at other people’s homes, they will usually say “I have to go” when saying goodbye. , you must be very tired." ("I'd better be going now. You must be very tired.") or "You will have to get up very early tomorrow." tomorrow. I should go now.") and other ways to say goodbye to the owner. However, "If an American goes to another American's home as a guest, he will most likely find a reason to say goodbye that is related to himself and not to the host."[9](P71), such as: "Well, I'd better let you have some sleep." ("Okay, I have to let you rest."), "Tomorrow, I have to get up early. I must go now." ("I have to get up early tomorrow, I must go now." ) or: "I'll have to go. Tomorrow I'll go to work."; "I must be say good-bye. My wife is waiting for me at home." etc.

As Alan Maley said: "In typical western context the guests would usually find reasons to leave related to themselves rather than to their hosts." Alternatively, you can also use "We have to say goodbye now. We enjoyed the evening very much." Thanks a lot." ("We have to say goodbye. We had a great time tonight. Thanks a lot.") or "I think I'd better be leaving now. It's very nice to have a talk with you." "I guess I have to go. It was great chatting with you.") and other farewell words that express gratitude. British and Americans think it is more appropriate to say this. However, such farewell words are generally not used in China.

According to Chinese custom, if a guest comes to visit, the host should send the guest to the door of his home when the guest leaves. The guest will say to the host: "Please stay" and "Don't see me off far". The host will say: "Walk well", "Go slowly"

And other polite words. None of these statements can be directly translated into English. If you say goodbye to British and American people with "Stay here.", "Don't come

any further with me, please." etc., they will feel very embarrassed. Because they have no intention of sending you too far away. Don't think they'll send you far unless you invite them. It's not that Westerners are unfriendly, it's just that they don't have such a habit. And if you say "Go slowly." or "Walk slowly." to foreign guests, their reaction is likely to be: "Why should I walk slowly?" ("Why should I walk slowly?"). Foreigners regard "Go slowly." and "Walk slowly." as requests. In fact, it is just a very common expression used by Chinese people when saying goodbye. In such cases, British and Americans often send guests to the door and say: "Do come around again when you have time." ("Come again when you have time.") or "Give my best regards to your parents." My regards to your parents.")

In addition, when a Chinese student asks the teacher for help and the problem is solved, the Chinese student may say goodbye to the teacher before leaving: "I'm sorry for wasting so much of your time. It's time for me to go." This was a polite statement of modesty, just to express respect for the teacher. But if the teacher is a Westerner, he/she will feel embarrassed.

He/she will think that in your mind, his/her help is just doing something useless. He/she will feel very unhappy and will not help you again in the future. In fact, at this time, Chinese students only need to say: "Thank you for your help! I think I should go now. Goodbye!"

(4) Differences in responses to praise and compliments

“British and American people’s thinking patterns are mostly linear and they like to express directly; while Chinese people’s thinking patterns are mostly spiral, "I like euphemistic and implicit expressions."[10](P49) Therefore, when communicating with Chinese people, foreigners are often surprised to find that when they praise or compliment the Chinese, the Chinese are always at a loss and too humble. Or belittle yourself, or even deny it repeatedly, instead of expressing gratitude in words frankly like foreigners do.

For example, when someone compliments you and says: "That's a beautiful dress you have on!" ("The dress you are wearing is so beautiful!") a modest Chinese person is likely to say: "No, no, it's just a very ordinary dress." ("No, no, it's just a very ordinary dress.") or "No. In fact I've worn it for several years." ("No, in fact I've worn it For several years.") Another example is when others praise and compliment your abilities or skills, such as "Oh, your English is really good." ("Your English is really good."), "Your handwriting is very beautiful." .” (“Your calligraphy is so beautiful.”). Regarding these two compliments, regardless of whether they are consistent with the facts, Chinese people will usually deny the other person's compliment and may say: "Well, it's just so so." ("Just so so."), "No, you flatter me." "("No, you deserve the award."); Some even use words like this to belittle themselves: "Oh, no. My English is very poor. I must study hard." ("Oh, no, my English is very poor.") Not good. I still have to work hard."), "No, no, not at all. You are joking." On the contrary, Westerners usually openly express their acceptance of such praise and compliments, and will say generously: "Thank you!" to show that they think the other party's praise is sincere and the things praised are worthy of praise.

In the above situation, because Westerners do not know much about China’s traditional culture in which modesty is a virtue, they often cannot accept Chinese people’s modest answers and think that Chinese people are very impolite. And sometimes the excessive modesty of the Chinese is interpreted as a sign of dishonesty. Therefore, we should understand the habits of British and American people in responding to praise and compliments in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings in the communication process between China and the West.

(5) Differences in terminology at the dinner table

We should also pay attention to the cultural differences between China and the West when treating guests to dinner, otherwise it will cause jokes.

Chinese people are warm and hospitable. When they treat guests to a meal, the table is usually full of dishes. However, no matter how sumptuous the dishes are, they always say modestly: "There is nothing delicious. The dishes are not well prepared. Just eat whatever you want." "However, when British and Americans hear such polite words, they will feel disgusted: "Why treat me if there is nothing to eat? Why treat me if the food is not good?" According to Chinese customs, in order to show politeness, it is customary to repeatedly advise guests to eat more. However, Chinese people often do not mean what they say. They are obviously hungry, but they say: "I am full, no need." until the host invites him. Please ask again, then slowly and slowly say, "It is better to obey than to be respectful." The British and Americans generally don't pay much attention to their guests, and just three or four dishes are enough. When dining, the host will generally say: "Help yourself, please!" ("Please eat." That is, you can eat whatever you want.) British and American hospitality respects individual will and is pragmatic. They ask guests repeatedly whether they want food or not. It is very rude to push food to guests. So, when the host adds food to you or asks you what you want, such as: "Would you like another piece of meat pie?" ("Would you like another piece of meat pie?"), if you want to eat, you can directly say so. Answer: "Yes, please!" or "Thank you. A piece of meat pie." If you really don't want to eat anything, just say: "No. Thank you." During the meal, the guest must praise the delicious food prepared by the host and the good craftsmanship of the host. Otherwise, the host will be unhappy no matter how full you are. Typical English polite words are:

Guest: It’s delicious. (It tastes great.

)/ This meat is beautifully tender. (This meat is tender and delicious.)

Host: Thank you. I'm glad you like it. (Thank you, I'm glad you like it.)

Some Chinese people who do not understand the habits of British and American people are polite to British and American people when they visit their homes. As a result, they treat you once, or at most twice, and think that you really don’t want to eat. The second question asked by British and Americans is often: "Are you sure? It's no trouble." ("Are you sure? It's no trouble.") Note that this is the last request. If you are polite again, you have no choice but to Went to drink the northwest wind. In addition, British and Americans think it is very uncivilized to leave unfinished food on the plate, so they would rather ask for less the first time. If they are not full, they can openly say to the host: "Oh, this is delicious." ” (“Oh, this is so delicious.”) and ask for more of the dishes you just had. The host will be very happy that you appreciate their dishes.

(6) Differences in topic selection

Cross-cultural communication is usually carried out through speaking. Many foreign language learners also want to communicate with foreigners to practice English. However, because they cannot choose appropriate topics, they are often rejected by foreigners.

In private conversations, even when they meet for the first time, Chinese people often like to mention age, family situation, home address, physical condition, salary income, marital status, etc. as the content of the conversation to show their respect for the other party. of concern. However, all of these are personal privacy in the eyes of Westerners. In Western countries, "special emphasis is placed on the protection and respect of personal private life, and it is considered inappropriate to inquire about other people's affairs." [11] (P55) As an English proverb goes: A man's home is his castle. Meaning: A person's home is his castle, which is sacrosanct. Westerners do not understand: "For thousands of years, most Chinese people have lived in rural areas, with a few living in small cities. They live in groups, often meet and take care of each other, and talk about almost anything."[12]( P87) These phenomena are rare in Western industrial societies. People have a strong sense of independence, do not interfere with each other, and pay great attention to privacy. Whether in the city or in the countryside, "Good fences makes good neighbors. (Good fences create good neighbors.)" (Robert Frost) Therefore, when talking with British and American people, choose appropriate topics and avoid asking questions. Such as: "Where are you from?", "How old are you?", "How many children do you have?", "Are you married?", "How much do you earn?", "What religion do you believe?" in?", "How much is your watch?", "Where did you buy your shoes?" and other questions, so as not to make Westerners feel that their personal privacy has been violated or their feelings are hurt. In the West, the starting topic for people to chat together is the weather, because the weather in British and American countries is changeable and has a great impact on people's lives and work. In addition, the weather is a neutral topic, and no matter how you talk about it, it will not involve the privacy of the other party. In addition to the weather, the topics that British and American people often talk about include sports, work, study, hobbies, vacation arrangements, international situations, movies/TV shows, etc. When communicating with British and American people, you can choose the above topics, and I believe you will gain a lot.

3. Learn the background cultural knowledge of the target country and overcome cross-cultural communication barriers

From the above analysis, we can see that language and culture are closely related, and there are great differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Differences, and these cultural differences have an important role and impact on cross-cultural communication. In order to eliminate the obstacles of cultural differences in cross-cultural communication and achieve successful communication, we must pay attention to learning and mastering the background cultural knowledge of the target country. The author believes that the following methods can be used to enhance understanding of the background cultural knowledge of English-speaking countries in order to overcome obstacles in cross-cultural communication.

(1) Clarify the relationship between language and culture, and establish the concept that language learning is cultural learning

Language is the most important tool for cross-cultural communication. Language reflects culture, and culture permeates language. Language and culture are an interconnected unity. (Gao Baohong) The relationship between language and culture is so close, it is no exaggeration to think that if you do not understand the culture of a language, you will not be able to correctly understand, master and use the language. Therefore, while learning the grammar, morphology, syntax, discourse structure and other language rules of English itself, you should also pay attention to learning about the cultural background knowledge of English-speaking countries.

(2) Read a lot of books and accumulate background cultural knowledge of the target language

For most people, understanding the cultural knowledge of English-speaking countries mainly relies on indirectly reading relevant Material. You can usually read more modern English literary works, original English novels, read more English newspapers (such as China Daily, Times) and English magazines (such as English World, English Learning, etc.), and read more articles and articles that introduce the background and cultural knowledge of Western countries. books. In addition, while reading such books, newspapers, and magazines, you should also pay attention to and accumulate materials about national habits, social customs, social relationships, values, thinking patterns, etc., and continue to learn and accumulate background cultural knowledge of English-speaking countries.

(3) Watch more English movies, TV and videos to absorb foreign culture

Foreign language learners can selectively watch some meaningful English TV, movies and videos, Feel the culture of English-speaking countries more intuitively. For example, if you want to understand American families, you can choose to read "Growing Pains the 1st Season"; if you want to understand social culture, you can read "Across America" ??published by Peking University Press. When watching a movie, you should pay attention to the content of the characters' dialogues, the way they speak, and the scenes of daily life in the film, and observe the characters' postures, expressions, actions and other non-verbal communication methods. Pay attention to finding and collecting various aspects of cultural knowledge from the content shown in the video.

(4) Actively think in English and better understand the culture of the target country from the language

Different nationalities in China and the West have different ways of thinking due to their differences in cultural backgrounds. And the way of thinking of a nation is widely and deeply reflected in the language of that nation. Therefore, while learning and using the English language, you can actively think in English and gain a deeper understanding of the culture behind the language. For example: If you want to express in English "I met a high school classmate I haven't seen for many years at the entrance of the theater last Friday", use linear thinking in English, that is, when expressing your thoughts, be straightforward, put the key points at the beginning of the sentence, and then make various supplements. . Therefore, it is clear that it should be expressed as "I met with my high-school classmate at the entrance of the theater last Friday, whom I hadn't seen for years." Then dig deeper and understand the formation of this way of thinking. Mainly because: in the West, “the capitalist free competition system has formed a social custom of the law of the jungle, which enables capable strong men to be respected, while those who lack self-confidence cannot be reused” [13] (P30), thus forming the Western He has a straightforward personality and likes to express himself directly. If foreign language learners can use English thinking when reading English books or communicating in English, not only can they better master the correct English expressions, but it will also be easier to master and understand the background culture of English-speaking countries.

(5) Compare and classify cultural differences to facilitate learning and memory

Foreign language learners can learn and master foreign cultural traditions, customs, customs, values Based on relevant knowledge such as concepts, ways of thinking, etc., analyze the differences between it and the native culture, so that you can have a clearer understanding of foreign culture and native culture at the same time. For example, when you learn about some Western Christmas customs and habits, such as Santa Claus giving gifts, Christmas holidays, Christmas dinners, family gatherings, etc., you can also combine them with Chinese people's Spring Festival habits, such as paying New Year greetings, giving New Year's money, taking winter vacation, eating Compare the reunion dinner, etc. to better understand the different customs of Christmas and Spring Festival and their significance to Westerners and Chinese people.

Another example: Westerners have self-centered individualistic values, while Chinese people have collectivistic-centered values. After comparison, we can understand that compared with Chinese people, Westerners pay more attention to the protection of their own privacy. At the same time, cultural differences can also be classified and collected to facilitate memorization and application. For example, in terms of language expression habits, Chinese people often use such idioms according to their own habits: to laugh off one's teeth, to spend money like sand, to cast pearls before cattle )etc. Chinese people can understand these idioms, but Westerners with different cultural backgrounds will find them strange. This is due to lack of background cultural knowledge of English. The correct English saying is: to laugh off one’s head, to spend money like water, to cast pearls before swine. If foreign language learners can summarize such idioms, it will not only facilitate learning and memory, but also learn a lot of allusions and legends, and better understand the culture of English-speaking countries.