Abstract:As we all know, vocabulary is one of the basic factors of language and is the foundation of language. What is more, vocabulary is also the carrier of language, which plays the most active and flexible role in language using. It is no doubt that cultural differences can be reflected though the use of language. However, due to the differences in the aspects of geographic environment, climate, cultural background, traditions and customs, etc. between China and western countries, there are obvious cultural differences in the aspects of social values, modes of thinking, rules of action and life-style. Most importantly, the cultural connotations in the vocabulary are also different. 

With the strengthening of international exchanges, the cross-cultural communication between China and western countries becomes more and more frequently. The different cultural connotations between English and Chinese vocabulary have effects not only in the understanding of articles but also in the correct use of English language. Lack of the knowledge of cultural connotations behind the vocabulary will cause much misunderstanding in the frequent cross-cultural communication activities. Therefore we must pay much attention to learning the cultural connotations of the vocabulary. 

This paper aims to make a comparative study of Chinese and English vocabulary, to discuss the cultural differences in both languages and to analyze the reasons causing these differences. Thus, we can improve the understanding of cultural differences and make cross-cultural communication activities effectively.

Keywords: vocabulary  cultural differences  cultural connotations  cross-cultural

communication

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

Chapter Two The Main Differences of Cultural Connotations of English and Chinese Vocabulary-2

2.1 The Vocabulary Vacancy Phenomenon-2

2.2 Different Associative Meanings-2

2.2.1 Words about Animal-3

2.2.2 Words about Color-3

2.2.3 Words about Figure-4

2.3 Different Vocabulary Semantics-5

2.3.1 Conceptual Meaning-5

2.3.2 Connotative Meaning-5

2.3.3 Collocative Meaning-5

Chapter Three Reasons of Causing Cultural Connotations Differences-7

3.1 The Historical and Cultural Traditions-7

3.2 The Geographical Factors-7

3.3 The Religious Factors-8

3.4 The Social Values and Psychology-8

Chapter Four Strategies for Learning Cultural Connotations of English and Chinese Vocabulary-10

Chapter Five Conclusion-11

References-12