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Abstract: This article deals with culture distinctions in communication between English and Chinese, which is important thing for English study. This paper aims to offer a brief summary of the rules in this aspect.
Key words:culture distinctions; communication; language learning
I. The influence and importance of cultural distinctions on communication
With the development of the international communication, cultural distinctions have drawn more and more attention. Therefore it is important for English learners to know how to use language in communication under different cultural backgrounds. Because of cultural distinctions, misunderstanding may arise, although the language used in communication is faultless; even cause amusement, laughter, harmless statement, displeasure or anger. (Deng Yanchang)
II. Cultural distinctions in different aspects
A. Cultural distinctions in the meaning of words
The denotation and connotation of corresponding words and expressions differ in cultures. There are many typical examples:
“eat”(吃) eat one’s heart out（忧虑过度）eat out of one’s hand (毫无主见)(成丽芳,2000)
B. Culture distinctions in daily conversation
Culture differences are manifested in many aspects of our life. We should be aware of them. Because of different social ceremony and customs, we must know English-speaking people greet each other. For example “Hello, how are you?” or “lovely weather, isn’t it?” But Chinese people always say “Have you had your meal?” “Where are you going?” If you use Chinese ceremony to communicate with foreigners, they will misunderstand you. Or they think you want to invite them for dinner.
C. Cultural distinctions in idioms
English and Chinese are both rich in idioms. Here, we have examples:
1.发生了大家认为不可能的事情。Chinese: 太阳从西边出来English: pigs might fly
2某人爱嫉妒。 Chinese: 她真是得了红眼病。 English:a green-eyed woman(韦兰芝,2000)
III. Methods of reducing cultural distinctions
A. Trying to get right information of the culture
We should master good cultural background information or knowledge about the history, geography, economy, politics, literatures, arts, social life, and customs of the English speaking countries. With the knowledge, we are able to grasp the full meaning of the expression by native English speakers in allusions.
B. Knowing the connotation and denotation of words
When we read literature, newspapers and magazines, we accumulate some vocabularies of cultural background, social customs. For example:
He is the last man to do it. （决不会）
He is the last person for such a job.（最不配）（张培基,1998）
C. Adding meanings or notes for a better understanding.
Winston Churchill made a well known remark, “Some chicken, and some neck!” It is hard for a person to understand it if he knows nothing about the background. What Churchill meant is “It is a difficult job to conquer Britain and the British people would fight back violently.” So it is very important for the readers to get the extended meaning. “司马昭之心，固已路人皆知.”Sima Zhao was a prime minister of Wei who nursed a secret ambition to usurp the throne. The emperor once remarked “Sima Zhao’s intention is obvious to every man in the street.” ( 汉英翻译教程,1999 )
IV. Conclusion
Since the process of learning a new language is also the process of learning a particular culture, language learners should be aware that they must mentally prepare to encounter more diversities rather expect more similarities in their cross-cultural communication. In order to enhance cross-cultural awareness learners should gain an insight into the history conventions, customs, habits, and life-style of the target culture. Challenging as it is, it is necessary for us to avoid misunderstandings and arguments among peoples and nations.
References：
[1]Deng Yanchang ,“Language and Culture”.The Press of Foreign Languages and Culture, Beijing [M].1995: 1-16
[2]成丽芳：“吃·eat·文化”《英语知识》[J].大连l大连英语知识杂志社出版2001年12期 2001:5-6
[3]《汉英翻译教程》[M].陕西:陕西人民出版社,1999 :143
[4]韦兰芝 “英汉文化差异比较与翻译举例” 上海: 上海外国语教育出版社《英语自学》[J]2000年第9期2000:9
[5]张培基《英汉翻译教程》[M].上海:上海外语出版社,1998 :37
Key words:culture distinctions; communication; language learning
I. The influence and importance of cultural distinctions on communication
With the development of the international communication, cultural distinctions have drawn more and more attention. Therefore it is important for English learners to know how to use language in communication under different cultural backgrounds. Because of cultural distinctions, misunderstanding may arise, although the language used in communication is faultless; even cause amusement, laughter, harmless statement, displeasure or anger. (Deng Yanchang)
II. Cultural distinctions in different aspects
A. Cultural distinctions in the meaning of words
The denotation and connotation of corresponding words and expressions differ in cultures. There are many typical examples:
“eat”(吃) eat one’s heart out（忧虑过度）eat out of one’s hand (毫无主见)(成丽芳,2000)
B. Culture distinctions in daily conversation
Culture differences are manifested in many aspects of our life. We should be aware of them. Because of different social ceremony and customs, we must know English-speaking people greet each other. For example “Hello, how are you?” or “lovely weather, isn’t it?” But Chinese people always say “Have you had your meal?” “Where are you going?” If you use Chinese ceremony to communicate with foreigners, they will misunderstand you. Or they think you want to invite them for dinner.
C. Cultural distinctions in idioms
English and Chinese are both rich in idioms. Here, we have examples:
1.发生了大家认为不可能的事情。Chinese: 太阳从西边出来English: pigs might fly
2某人爱嫉妒。 Chinese: 她真是得了红眼病。 English:a green-eyed woman(韦兰芝,2000)
III. Methods of reducing cultural distinctions
A. Trying to get right information of the culture
We should master good cultural background information or knowledge about the history, geography, economy, politics, literatures, arts, social life, and customs of the English speaking countries. With the knowledge, we are able to grasp the full meaning of the expression by native English speakers in allusions.
B. Knowing the connotation and denotation of words
When we read literature, newspapers and magazines, we accumulate some vocabularies of cultural background, social customs. For example:
He is the last man to do it. （决不会）
He is the last person for such a job.（最不配）（张培基,1998）
C. Adding meanings or notes for a better understanding.
Winston Churchill made a well known remark, “Some chicken, and some neck!” It is hard for a person to understand it if he knows nothing about the background. What Churchill meant is “It is a difficult job to conquer Britain and the British people would fight back violently.” So it is very important for the readers to get the extended meaning. “司马昭之心，固已路人皆知.”Sima Zhao was a prime minister of Wei who nursed a secret ambition to usurp the throne. The emperor once remarked “Sima Zhao’s intention is obvious to every man in the street.” ( 汉英翻译教程,1999 )
IV. Conclusion
Since the process of learning a new language is also the process of learning a particular culture, language learners should be aware that they must mentally prepare to encounter more diversities rather expect more similarities in their cross-cultural communication. In order to enhance cross-cultural awareness learners should gain an insight into the history conventions, customs, habits, and life-style of the target culture. Challenging as it is, it is necessary for us to avoid misunderstandings and arguments among peoples and nations.
References：
[1]Deng Yanchang ,“Language and Culture”.The Press of Foreign Languages and Culture, Beijing [M].1995: 1-16
[2]成丽芳：“吃·eat·文化”《英语知识》[J].大连l大连英语知识杂志社出版2001年12期 2001:5-6
[3]《汉英翻译教程》[M].陕西:陕西人民出版社,1999 :143
[4]韦兰芝 “英汉文化差异比较与翻译举例” 上海: 上海外国语教育出版社《英语自学》[J]2000年第9期2000:9
[5]张培基《英汉翻译教程》[M].上海:上海外语出版社,1998 :37