Abstract：With the development of globalization, the connections among different countries have become closer and closer and the communications among people with different nationalities and culture background are more and more frequent. With the deepening of China’s reform and opening up and the increase of the comprehensive national strength,China is playing a more and more important role in the world platform. Especially after China's accession to the WTO, the importance of inter-cultural communication is increasing and it has almost become a part of people's daily study, work and life.Therefore to understand the culture behind certain languages can be a must-to-learn skill nowadays. However different countries can have totally different culture, therefore the analysis of culture differences can be an indispensable part in the intercultural communication process. 

This paper aims to give a deep analysis of the difference between Chinese culture, a typical representative of the oriental culture, and British culture, a typical representative of the western culture, in intercultural communication , from the aspect of thinking patterns, values and beliefs, communications, lifestyle, customs and norms ,thus help to facilitate the understanding of British culture and make people behave well and effectively in intercultural communications.

Key words: Intercultural communication; China and the UK; Difference; Comparison

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2. The general features of Chinese and British ideology-1

2.1 The general features of Chinese ideology-1

2.2 The general features of British ideology-2

3. The differences between Chinese and British cultures-2

3.1 The differences in thinking patterns-2

3.2 The differences in values-3

3.3 The differences in communications-5

3.3.1 The differences in greetings-5

3.3.2 The differences in conversation topics-5

3.3.3 The differences in addressing-6

3.4 The differences in customs and etiquettes-8

3.4.1 The differences in compliments-8

3.4.2 The differences in eye-contact and handshaking-9

3.4.3 The differences in the sense of time-10

3.5 The difference in national characters-10

3.5.1 Rationality and sensibility-11

3.5.2 Humility and confidence-12

4. Conclusion-13

References-14

Acknowledgment-15