Abstract:This paper mainly explores the cultural connotations of plants in Greek mythology and Chinese cultures. Nowadays, in the context of information age and the development trend of cultural globalization, the information communication between people is more convenient and frequent. More and more people have chance to go abroad to live, work, study, visit and travel. Therefore, cross-cultural communication has become an important communication skill. The cultural differences between the West and China perhaps give rise to misunderstand and conflicts during cross-cultural communication. In order to achieve cross-cultural barrier-free communication, it is advisable to conduct in-depth research into the differences of plants between Greek mythology and Chinese cultures. This study attempts to make the reader be aware of the cultural differences between the West and China through exploring the cultural connotations of plants in Greek mythology and Chinese cultures, thus to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and conflicts in cross-cultural communication.

Key words: Cross-cultural communication; Greek mythology and Chinese cultures; Cultural connotations of plants

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I. Same Reference with Total Different Cultural Connotations-3

A.-Water-lily-3

B. Peony-4

C.-Narcissus-5

II. Same Reference with Part Different Cultural Connotations-7

A.-Laurel-7

B.-Olive-8

C.-Rose-9

III. Same Reference but Cultural Connotations Only Exist in One Culture-11

A.-Apple-11

B.-Palm-12

C.-Willows-13

Conclusion-15

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgments-19