Abstract： "Lady First" is a traditional cultural concept of western countries, and it is a traditional etiquette in western social activities, is a traditional custom of respecting women and giving some priority to them. This thesis will analyze and research based on the cultural origin of "lady first", including Mariolatry and chivalry. Meanwhile, this thesis will further explore the positive influence made by "lady first" on western society, and will offer feasibility and positive influence of "lady first" in China. The custom of " lady first" has deep cultural origins in western society, and it reflects dissimilarities of cultures between China and western countries. The main goals of this thesis is to reveal the mystery of differences between Chinese and American culture, which is based on the culture of Chinese and America, to increase understanding and foster tolerance in intercultural communications, and finally achieve effective intercultural communications.

Key words: “ Lady First”；differences between Chinese and Western cultures；intercultural communication.

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

Introduction-5 

1. Understanding of Chinese and American Cultures-6 

1. 1 Definitions of culture and related characteristics-6 

1.2 Definitions of intercultural communication and related characteristics-6

1.3 Features of Chinese culture -6 

1.3.1 Strong vitality and cohesion-6

1.3.2 The actual weight stable agricultural seeking Cultural Psychology-7 

1.3.3 In patriarchal family as the standard of collective culture-7 

1.3.4 Emphasis on human relations contempt Nature-8 

1.3.5 Classics priority and enveloped all cultural fields-8

1.4. Features of American Culture-9

1.4.1 American culture emphasizes independence, individuality and do not exclude others.-9

1.4.2 Adventurous, pioneering and innovative spirit-9

1.4.3 Freedom, the spirit of equality-9 

1.4.4 Pragmatism-10 

1.4.5 materialism-10 

2.Understanding Lady First in China and in America-10

2.1 Chinese and its cultural symbols-10

2.1.1 Confucius.-10

2.1.2 Beijing Forbidden City-10

2.1.3 Tea-11 

2.1.4 The Great Wall-11

2.1.5 China-11 

2.1.6 Dragon-11

2.2 American and its cultural symbols-12 

2.2.1 Statue of Liberty-12

2.2.2 Uncle Sam-12 

3. The differences between Chinese and American cultures shown in Lady first-13

3.1 Different cultural origins-13

3.1.1 Virgin Mary-13 

3.1.2 Chivalry-13 

3.1.3 Chinese traditional thoughts-14

3.2. Different social phenomena-14

4.Conclusion-16 

4.1 The findings of the research-16 

4.2 The suggestions for an effective intercultural communication between Chinese and Americans-16

References-17

Acknowledgements-18