Abstract

Nowadays, American TV series are hotly broadcast, and various kinds of TV dramas enjoy good popularity among Chinese audiences. It’s more common to find the Chinese elements in them, all of which demonstrate that China is growing its presence on the international stage. It is also useful to reveal the understanding of Chinese images in American. The thesis is based on the studies of several kinds of Chinese elements in American TV series to mirror Chinese images in Americans’ eyes and analyze mutual effects left on both China and America. Under the background of cultural integration and cultural conflict, the thesis lists plenty of reasons to trace to the positive and distorted Chinese elements. It is still necessary for such an impressive country to maintain a positive image in cross-cultural communication. Then what measures can we take to improve the current image and promote the cultural impression is a question deserving thinking.

Keywords: American TV series; Chinese elements; cultural conflicts;     cross-cultural communication; measures

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

2.1 Studies abroad-2

2.2 Studies at home-3

3. Chinese Elements in American TV Series-4

3.1 Use of Chinese language and characters-4

3.2 Affection for traditional Chinese culture-5

3.3 Images of Chinese people-6

4. Reasons for Chinese Elements -8

4.1 Political reasons-9

4.2 Economic reasons-9

4.3 Cultural reasons-10

5. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13