Abstract：In human speech communication, compliment is a frequently used positive verbal communication behavior and a “lubricant” of communication. Compliment is a polite speech act. It is the speaker's direct or implicit praise for the excellent quality of the listeners and related personnel. However, on different occasions, the mode of compliment will be different, and the resulting effect will vary from person to person. Especially in the context of multi-person interaction, given the existence of third parties, the form of praise will become more complex and diverse.

This paper takes the multlingual interaction context as a perspective to explore the differences and similarities between English and Chinese compliments. The study finds  English and Chinese compliments are similar in topics, and differences are manifested in compliments occasions, compliments objects and compliments models. The main reasons for these difference are the differences in Chinese and Western thinking patterns, beliefs and culture. The differences between English and Chinese compliments and speech acts fully reflect the differences between English and Chinese culture. The understanding of these cultural differences will help people to effectively improve their ability to cross-cultural communication, especially in the context of cross-cultural communication, and the ability to use compliments locally. Besides, the comparative study of English and Chinese compliments also have some enlightening effects on the teaching of English culture .

Keywords:  Multilingual interaction context; English-Chinese compliment; contrast; reason

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Research Background -1

1.2 Research Purpose-2

  1.3 Research Significance.2

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition of Compliments-3

2.2 Study of Compliments at Home and Abroad-3

2.2.1 Study of Compliments at Home-3

2.2.2 Study of Compliments at Abroad-5

Chapter Three Theoretical Basis-6

3.1 Speech Act Theory-6

3.2 Face Theory-6

Chapter Four Comparison of Chinese and English Compliments-8

4.1 Similarities of Chinese and English Compliments-8

4.2 Different Models of Chinese and English Compliments-8

4.2.1 Occasions-8

4.2.2 The Way of Compliments-9

4.2.3 Compliments Models-9

4.3 Summary-10

Chapter Five Reasons for Differences in Chinese and English Compliments-11

5.1 Different Thought Patterns-11

5.2 Different Beliefs-11

5.3 Different Culture-11

Chapter Xix Conclusion-13

References-14