Abstract

This paper analyzes the differences between Chinese and Western cultures from the perspective of politeness. We can analyze and explore the source of cultural differences behind the use of linguistic applications through the comparisons of the research. Someone who use the language can select the appropriate principles of politeness according to different communication objects and communication environment in the process of cross-cultural communication, in order to overcome the Pragmatic failure in the cross-cultural communication and ensure the successful completion of intercultural communication.

Key words: Politeness Principle; cross-cultural communication

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

2.Literature Review1

2.1The interpretation of Leech’s politeness principles. 2

2.2 The comparison study on differences and similarities between Chinese and Western culture2

3.The content of politeness principles .4

3.1The content of Chinese “politeness”4

3.2The content of Western “politeness” 6

4. The Comparison between Chinese and Western Culture According to the Politeness Principles7

4.1Resemblance under the politeness theory in different cultures.8

4.2Differences under the politeness theory in different cultures8

4.3Englightenment on intercultural communication.11

5. Conclusion12 References.14