ABSTRACT:Time exists in the whole universe. People from different countries eventually shape different concepts of time because of their unique cultural backgrounds. Time perspective is a very important part of nonverbal communication. Based on different philosophical theories, Chinese culture and American culture are particularly evident in this area. In western countries, people always pay attention to one thing. They usually take advantage of their time. In eastern countries, people usually choose to do many things at the same time. They do not tend to distinguish lifetime from work time.

Because of the cultural collision and integration, people from different countries become more and more intimate. The development of technology has sped up intercultural communication. When the information which appears in one culture must be understood by another, we should first have a general understanding of other culture before preparing to do an intercultural communication. We should realize that time perspective is an inseparable part of culture. Time perspective represents people's cognition of time and reaction to time. People have different ways to control time due to the different cultural environments. Time perspective can reflect the basic connotation of culture. Hence people from different cultures in eastern countries and western countries have different concepts and their attitudes towards time directly affect the process of the intercultural communication.

The main thesis of this paper is to find and analyze the differences about time and time perspectives between eastern countries and western countries by taking China and the United States as representatives. The main goal is to analyze the differences of time perspectives through punctuality, appointments and schedules and office time, so as to better promote the communication among different cultures.

Keywords: time; culture; intercultural communication

Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

中文摘要

1-Introduction-1

2-Literature Review-1

2.1-Intercultural Communication-1

2.2-Time and Culture-3

3-Contrasts in Time and Time Perspective between China and U.S.-5

3.1-Changing Trend-5

3.2-Reasons for Differences-6

3.2.1-Oneness and Dividedness-6

3.2.2-Collectivism and Individualism-7

3.2.3-The Cognition and Usage of Time-7

3.3-The Analysis of Time and Time Perspectives-9

3.3.1-Punctuality-9

3.3.2-Appointments and Schedules-10

3.3.3-Office Time-10

4-Conclusion-11

References-14