Abstract

Politeness, as a normal social phenomenon, is prevalent in many different languages. However, because of cultural differences and pragmatic habits of different countries, people's understandings of the courtesy are so different. Their ways to handle and use politeness vary greatly from country to country. There are many reasons that are responsible for this phenomenon. For example, different cultural background and values in China and Western countries. These differences always hinder our effective cross-cultural communication. So, in English learning, we should study these differences so as to improve the effectiveness of our communication with those people from different cultures. This paper will compare and contrast some different politeness principles and some causes for these principles in China and Western countries.

Keywords: courtesy language; cultural difference; cross-cultural communication

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Background of this study-1

1.2 Significance of this study-2

2. Literature Review-2

3. Contrast between Chinese and English Politeness-3

3.1 Politeness principles -3

3.2 Politeness terms-6

4. Reasons for the Differences-11

4.1 Differences of values-12

4.2 Differences of religions-12

4.3 Differences of geography.-12

5. Conclusion-13

Works Cited-14