Abstract: After summarizing the previous research on time concepts, the thesis attempts to compare Chinese time concepts and America time concepts based on Past and Future Time orientation; Cyclic and Linear Time patterns and Polychromic and Monochromic Time systems. The thesis also discusses the reasons from historical background, religious culture, social value orientation and other aspects. Moreover, the author makes a further analysis on the different time concepts under the high and low context. The thesis puts forward that people should pay more attention to time concepts and avoid the conflict resulting from it in order to enhance the process of cultural exchange.

Key words: Time concept; cultural difference; cross-cultural communication

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1 

2. Literature Review of Time concept and Culture.2

2.1 Time Concepts

  2.2 Definition of Cross-culture

  2.3 Time Orientation

3. Time Concepts in China and America.3

  3.1 Time Orientation: Past and Future Time Orientation 

3.1.1 Attitude towards “Old”

3.1.2 Attitude towards the Selection of the Background of the Movie 

  3.2 Time Orientation: Circle-Time Concept and Linear-Time Concept

3.2.1 Attitude towards “the pace of time”

3.2.2 Attitude towards “the patience with time”

  3.3 Time System: Polychromic and Monochromic Time

3.3.1 Attitude towards “Punctuality”

3.3.2 Attitude towards “Private Time”

4. A Comparative analysis of Time Concepts between China and America.7

  4.1 Similarities of Time concepts between China and America

  4.2 Differences of time concepts between China and America.

4.3 Factors Causing Different Time Concepts 

 4.3.1. History

 4.3. 2 Cultural Values and High and Low Context

 4.3.3 Religious Belief

5. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12