ABSTRACT

Language is a tool for human being to communicate with each other. It reflects and bears the unique culture that particular language speakers belong to. Therefore, in the modern world, people should acquire some cross-cultural communication skills. Politeness is an important cultural factor in communication and being polite is the most effective way to leave strangers a good impression. In this case, people from different cultures should be aware of different expressions of politeness for successful communication. 

Different languages differ a lot in the expression of politeness. Different expressions can be found in address, greeting, attitudes of privacy, invitation, thanks, humility language. This thesis reveals three major variables contributing to the expression differences: altering values, social cultures and thinking manners   

 This thesis presents solutions to guide people for better performance in cross-cultural communication. Mutual respect is the premise for communication. Grabbing and creating chances to chat with foreigners is the most effective way to improve their ability in intercultural communication. What’s more, finding a common ground during communication can add the possibility of success. 

The three pieces of advice will lead people from different cultures to communicate with each other in a smooth and harmonious manner. 

Key words: comparative study; politeness; English; Chinese

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-2

2.1 Politeness Principles in English-2

2.1.1 “Face” theory-2

2.1.2 Cooperative principle-2

2.1.3 Politeness principle-3

2.2 Politeness Principles in Chinese-4

 2.2.1 The Self-denigration maxim 5

 2.2.2 The Address maxim. 5

 2.2.3 The Tact maxim. 6

 2.2.4 The Agreement maxim 6

 2.2.5 The Generosity maxim 6 

Chapter Three A COMPARISON OF POLITENESS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH-8

3.1 Terms of Address-8

3.2 Terms of Greeting-9

3.3 Terms of Privacy-10

3.4 Terms of Invitation-10

3.5 Terms of Thanks-11

3.6 Humility Language-11

Chapter Four REASONS FOR DIFFERENCES AND ADVICE FOR CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION-13

4.1 Reasons for Differences-13

4.1.1 Values-13

4.1.2 Confucianism and Christianity-14

4.1.3 Thinking Manners-14

4.2 Advice for Cross-cultural Communication-15

Chapter Five CONCLUSIONS-16

REFERENCES-17