Abstract

Politeness Principle is widely used by every society and individual. However, different cultures have different connotations of politeness. And the connotation, the strategy and the emphasis of the politeness principle are different. These differences will affect the smooth progress of cross-cultural communication. This thesis briefly reviews Chinese and foreign scholars’ study of politeness principle, and compares the differences between Chinese and Western politeness from the perspectives of historical culture, and concludes that the differences between the Chinese and Western Politeness Principle are the differences between Chinese and Western culture in nature.

Key words: intercultural communication, politeness principles, culture, difference

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

2. An Overview of Politeness Theory2

2.1 Two influential theories on politeness in Western culture2

2.1.1 The Face Theory2

2.1.2 Politeness Principle3

2.2 Studies of politeness in China5

3. Differences between Chinese and English Politeness Principles6

3.1 Modesty and self-denigration6

3.2 Terms of address7

3.3 Privacy and attitudinal warmth7

3.4 Politeness and individualism8

4. Cultural Implications of the Differences8

4.1 Correct view of the differences between Chinese and English Politeness Principles9

4.2 Improving intercultural communicative competence9

4.3 Carrying out cultural integration9

5. Conclusion9

Works Cited11