The Study of politeness principle and differences between English and Chinese polite languages
Abstract:This thesis attempts to make a comparative study of politeness between English and Chinese cultures.Politeness Can be realized in a number of ways,among which the use of language is an important one.With the development of pragmatics in the past years,language is used to show-politeness and also the differences between different languages and cultures.
Politeness as a social phenomenon can be observed in all languages and cultures,and it has long been made an important object of study in linguistics.The really serious study of politeness in the Western linguistic circles can be traced back to the German Romantic Movement in the early 1920s.
二、Politeness Principle
(一)Definition of politeness
Politeness is a universal phenomenon in human society.However different linguists and scholars give their different interpretations of politeness.
1.Tact maxim
2.The Generosity maxim
3.The Approbation maxim
4.The Modesty maxim
5.The Agreement maxim
6.The Sympathy maxim
(二)Gu Yueguo'Politeness Principle
In China,however the real study of politeness only began in the 1980s when pragmatics was introduced into China.The most important figure in this area is Gu Yueguo.He puts forward his own set of politeness maxims in his Politeness.
三、The differences in Politeness Principles between Chinese and English Cultures
(一)Different maxim is chosen because of different culture
The Tact maxim is the one that the westerns use the most when they are communicating.
(二)Collectivism
Family is in a specific position in Chinese transitional culture.All the relationship between people must revolve in the relationship of family.Therefore,in the language interaction,especially in the politeness greetings,just 1ike to family members.As greeting,Chinese speakers 1ike to say.
(三)Confucianism and Hierarchy
Confucius set up 81l ethical moral system intended ideally governs al1 relationships in the family and nation.He taught that society was made up of five relationships:those between ruler and subjects,husband and wife,father and son,elder brother and younger brother and friends.He emphasizes virtue,se1f1essness,duty,patriotism,hard work and respect for hierarchy.He gives social relationships to live in harmony with the universe,with your follows man through proper behavior.Li cons ideas balance and harmony in human relationships to be the basic of society.
四、Conclusion
In studies,because the complex of the &#118alue itself,we should pay more attention to the changing,past,present,traditional,modern and difference and generality.In general speaking,through the revealing to the &#118alue of each national culture.We know the cultural characteristic between each national culture,so as to make the most useful evidence in cross cu1ture and interact communication successfully.