Abstract

The thesis is a study on the differences between Chinese and English politeness formulae from the prospective of pragmatics. The politeness formulae are essential in daily communication. But the cultural difference can have an effect on the use of language. If the politeness formulae are not used correctly, there will be misunderstanding and even obstacles. The famous western scholar Grice put forward cooperative principle. The Chinese scholar Gu Yueguo pointed out four notions of Chinese politeness formulae. The paper compares the differences between Chinese and English politeness theories, examines the differences in greetings, appellation, taboo, apology and gratitude, and analyzes the causes of the differences. Finally, the paper puts forward some solutions to the differences.

Key words: politeness formulae, cultural difference, perspective of pragmatics

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

2. Comparison of Politeness Theories-2

2.1 Chinese politeness theory-2

2.1.1 Gu Yueguo’s politeness model-2

2.1.2 Gu Yueguo’s politeness maxim-2

2.2 Western politeness theory-3

2.2.1 Grice’s cooperative principle-3

2.2.2 Leech’s politeness principle-4

3. Pragmatic Differences Between Chinese and English Politeness Formulae-4

3.1 Greetings-4

3.1.1 Forms of greeting-4

3.1.2 Topics of greeting-5

3.2 Appellation in communication-5

3.2.1 Forms of appellation-5

3.2.2 The differences in appellation-6

3.3 Compliments and response to compliments-6

3.3.1 Compliments-6

3.3.2 Response to compliments-7

3.4 Taboo and privacy-7

3.5 Apology-7

3.6 Table manner-8

4. The Causes of the Differences-8

4.1 Different national conditions   -8

4.2 Different value orientations-8

4.3 Religion faith-9

5. Some Solutions to the Differences-9

5.1 Improve the cross-cultural awareness-9

5.2 Try to accept the difference-9

5.3 Adopt some communication strategies-9

6.Conclusion-10

References:-11