Abstract: With the rapid development of China's economy, Chinese universities have received growing attention from people around the world. A motto serves as an external embodiment and concentration of a university's educational idea and history and campus culture. It’s also the best window into the university. As one of the most authoritative experts in cross-cultural management, Geert Hofstede has a great impact on the interpretation of cultural differences. Creating a corpus of American and Chinese famous university mottos and combing with Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, this paper attempts to analyse the differences of two countries’ university mottos from the aspects of word characteristics, forms, and sources. Through the analysis of reasons causing motto differences, the paper gives the corresponding suggestions and opinions, so that readers have a more profound understanding of the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, and avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and friction when cultural exchanges with the United States are made.

Key words: university motto; Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory;

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Mottoes of Univerity-2

  2.1 Definition of Mottoes-2

  2.2 Characteristics and Significance of Mottoes-2

  2.3 Previous Studies Home and Abroad-4

3. Theoretical Background-6

  3.1 Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions-6

  3.2 Applications of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions-9

4. Differences of Mottoes Between Chinese and American Famous Universities-10

  4.1 Characteristics of Diction in Mottoes-10

  4.2 Expression Forms of Mottoes-12

  4.3 An Insight into the Origin of University Mottoes-14

5. Causes of Differences in Mottoes-16

  5.1 Different Concepts of Power-16

  5.2 Different Uncertainty Avoidance-17

  5.3 Different Social Organization Structures-18

  5.4 Different Traditions-19

6. Conclusion-20

References-21