Compliments and Answers in English and Chinese

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1、外国语学院英语系学年论文摘 要作为言语交际的一部分，恭维语在几乎所有文化中都占有一席之地。作为交际的“润滑剂”，它不仅可以使交流双方达成一致意见，缩短交际者之间的社会距离，而且还可以联络感情，维系社会正常的人际关系。然而在全球化日益发达的今天，来自不同文化的人们对恭维语的理解也不尽相同。在跨文化交际中，交际参与者有时甚至对如何给予或回应恭维感到十分困惑。有鉴于此，本文通过对比英汉恭维语在涉及话题、语言形式、作用以及英汉语中对恭维语不同的反应方略，试图找出二者之间的异同，以避免不必要的交际误解，使跨文化交际得以顺利进行。 关键词：a恭维语；b回应；c反应方略；d交际误解AbstractAs pa

2、rt of verbal communication, compliments can be found in almost all cultures. Acting as propellant of communication, they are not only served to increase or consolidate the solidarity between the speaker and addressee, which contributes to shortening the distance between the participants, but also a

3、good way of promoting personal feelings and keeping formal interpersonal relationships in society. In spite of the increasingly flourishing globalization, peoples views on compliments vary based on their different cultures. In cross-cultural communication, participants even may sometimes feel confus

4、ed about how to make and respond to compliments. For this reason, by contrasting the topics they cover, linguistic form, functions, corresponding responses and communicative strategies in response, this paper attempts to find out the similarities and differences in English and Chinese in order to cu

5、t down the possibility of unwanted communicative misunderstanding and promote success of cross-cultural communication.Keywords: a compliments; b responses; c communicative strategies; d communicative misunderstandingContents摘 要IAbstractIIContentsIII1 Introduction12 Contrast on Topics That Compliment

6、s Cover in the Two Languages22.1 Compliment Ones Appearance and Possession22.1.1 Differences in Complimenting Ones Appearance22.1.2 Reasons of the Differences in Complimenting Ones Appearance32.1.3 Differences in Complimenting Ones Family Members32.1.4 Reason of the Differences in Complimenting Ones

7、 Family Members32.2 Compliment Ones Ability and Achievements42.2.1 Differences in Complimenting Ones Ability and Achievements42.2.2 Reasons of Differences in Complimenting Ones Ability and Achievements53 Contrast on Linguistic Form in English and Chinese Compliments63.1 Syntactic Contrast on English

8、 and Chinese Compliments63.2 Lexical Contrast on English and Chinese Compliments74 Contrast on Functions in English and Chinese Compliments94.1 Functions of Compliments in English94.2 Functions of Compliments in Chinese94.3 Differences in Functions of Compliments in English and Chinese105 Contrastiv

9、e Analysis of Responses to Compliments115.1 Responses to Compliments in English115.2 Responses to Compliments in Chinese126 Conclusion13Bibliography14III1 IntroductionIn every life, there are a number of speech acts we can choose to show positive politeness, such as greetings, friendly address terms

10、 and expressions of concern. “A compliment is one of them, which notice and attend the hearers interests, wants, needs, good”(Holmes: 1988)Compliment is not only a very common linguistic phenomenon and most frequently used speech acts, but an important tool for the harmony in human relations. The wo

11、rd “compliment” in this paper does not mean flattery or praise, it refers to the positive evaluation on someone or something in social communication.When people discuss the differences of compliments in our two countries, it is widely believed that westerners are generous in giving compliments face-

12、to-face and accepting them, They are inclined to show their emotions to someone else, so they are always ready to compliment. While the Chinese compliment each other less frequently than the British do on the whole. they are usually reserved to express their own feelings and weak in compliment other

13、s directly. Furthermore, westerners also make favorable comments on their own children, pets and even husbands, wives, boyfriends or girlfriends. But in contrast, the Chinese seldom make such compliments, and therefore, it is hard for them to understand and accept them.The common ways to respond to

14、compliments are different in the two countries. Westerners tend to accept the compliments, at least in form, whereas the Chinese are used to effacing themselves in words, although they do feel comfortable about the compliments. In other words, the British prefer to convey their thanks directly while

15、 the Chinese like to minimize themselves to achieve the same goal. In some cases, the British would feel embarrassed when their honest compliments are denied. It may give rise to misunderstanding in cross-cultural communication.2 Contrast on Topics That Compliments Cover in the Two LanguagesAccordin

16、g to the viewpoint of American linguists-Wolfson and Hethert, compliments usually cover two aspects of things：one is appearance and possession, the other concerns on ability and achievements. In both English and Chinese, women are frequently complimented for their appearance while men are compliment

17、ed for their ability or achievements in most cases. As compliments cover a wide range of topics, it is difficult to make contrastive study of every aspect. So in this part, we just focus on the topics mentioned above.2.1 Compliment Ones Appearance and Possession2.1.1 Differences in Complimenting One

18、s Appearance In English, making compliments to others appearance or possession is very common, especially to womens appearance. This is considered natural and even highly appreciated by westerners. Ladies may often be praised by people of all social classes. Just as shown in the following examples:

19、A man(to his woman boss): You look so pretty when you smile. You should do it more often.A girl(to another girl): You certainly look elegant today.A stranger in a restaurant(to a lady sitting at the next table): I have been watching you all through lunch. You have a beautiful smile and it lights up

20、the whole room.Apparently, none of the women in the occasions mentioned above would feel offended and they usually feel pleased about these compliments. For their value has been recognized.However, it is another thing in China.男: 啊，你今天看起来很漂亮，又年轻了。女：（脸红了，手足无措）什么呀，别拿我开玩笑了。In China, womens appearance i

21、s also one of the topics of compliments, but not dominant and mostly confined to women themselves. It is embarrassing for a man to make compliments on a ladys appearance directly. The man may be considered light-head or flirtatious. In some cases it is almost a taboo in Chinese traditional culture.2

22、.1.2 Reasons of the Differences in Complimenting Ones AppearanceThis difference can be traced back to the Renaissance Period. Since that, humanism has been prevailing in western countries. To pursue love is regarded as human nature, and to possess physical attraction means to win favor from the oppo

23、site sex. That is why compliments on the physical attraction of the opposite sex are so common in the west. On the contrary, in feudal China, such ethics as “男女有别”“男女授受不亲”have prevailed for hundreds of years, and have influenced and left mark on peoples mentalities and behaviors. Therefore, in China

24、, direct compliments on a females good look from a male is inappropriate.2.1.3 Differences in Complimenting Ones Family MembersIn English-speaking countries, one can praise his family members. It is quite natural and common when you hear an American woman comment that her husband is very capable, he

25、r children is quite smart, or how well they have done in their own fields. To westerners, honesty is the best character. If they really think that their family members are doing very well, they may say so when talking with others.However, Chinese people seldom praise their family members before othe

26、rs, on matter how much they deserve the praise. Because they regard their family members as their extended selves, and to praise them means to praise themselves, thus they consider it a bad taste to do so. For Chinese, modesty is a highly appreciated value.In addition, in American culture, complimen

27、ting others wives is a sort of common polite behaviors, especially for a man. But in China, he may be considered axe-grinding. It may be related to the consistent moral principle they believe in朋友妻不可欺，朋友妻不可赞. Under the influence of the traditional idea “respecting the old and cherishing the young”,

28、the Chinese tend to transfer their compliments into the old and children of the listeners. That is why people with the two languages always have different reactions when invited to have a dinner in a friends house. On this occasion, an American might say “Your wife is very pretty”. Instead, a Chines

29、e would say “Your child is so cute.”2.1.4 Reason of the Differences in Complimenting Ones Family MembersThe difference can be traced to the contrast between individualism and collectivism. Westerners appreciate individualism, while Chinese, collectivism. In an individualistic culture, freethinking a

30、nd creative ideas are encouraged. One is encourage to express his ideas even if he is a child. In a collectivism culture, the best policy is to be modest, or to be the same as others. 2.2 Compliment Ones Ability and AchievementsBoth English speakers and Chinese make compliments on others ability and

31、 achievements. It covers a wide range from finishing a good cooking to a nice performance in a match, sometimes even a great accomplishment in a certain field. The examples are as follows:(in English)You are a good cook. This dish tastes terrific.Youve really done a good job.(in Chinese)今天的菜真是色香味俱全。

32、您真有远见。你真聪明，怪不得数学那么好。2.2.1 Differences in Complimenting Ones Ability and AchievementsFrom the examples above, we can see great similarity exists in complimenting others ability and achievements. However, there are still obvious differences in making compliments on personal ability and achievements. R

33、esearch shows that about one third of Chinese never praise others on their work and about 58% of young males do this to gain their superiors affection. Whereas in America, it is a serious matter. Compliments on others ability and achievements are usually delivered by capable people like superiors or

34、 authorities. Meanwhile, in English speaking countries, people prefer to place their emphasis on complimenting the results which has been made rather than think highly of the pre-requisites, which is just opposite in Chinese. One this occasion, Chinese people tend to make compliments on ones genius,

35、 intelligence, or capability, because they always owe ones achievements to his personal quality. So compliments of Americans are more objective than those of the Chinese. 2.2.2 Reasons of Differences in Complimenting Ones Ability and AchievementsThese differences also reveals a cultural difference b

36、etween Chinese and English speakers in a hierarchy sense. Chinese pay more attention to social status while Americans focus on abilities and different personalities. Such cultural differences can also be seen in complimenting on changes and mobility in America while Chinese seldom do this. They pay

37、more attention on consistency and similarities.Keeping modest and never talking about ones achievements are long established social rules in China. They believe their merits or achievements can be seen or discovered by others, and they neednt mention them by themselves, or they would be deemed to be

38、 conceited. 3 Contrast on Linguistic Form in English and Chinese ComplimentsThough people are free to express compliments towards beauty, ability, or possession, researches have shown that compliment sentences might have something in common in forms in both English and Chinese. 3.1 Syntactic Contras

39、t on English and Chinese ComplimentsAs is shown by Wolfson(1980) and Mains researches on syntax of American compliments, sentence like “ N(noun)/P(pronoun) is really adj.(terrific, beautiful or other adjectives)” has gained a prevailing state over others with a percentage of 53.6 following by the se

40、ntence patterns like “I really love/like N(noun)/P(pronoun)” as the second and P(pronoun) is/verb (really) an adj. N(noun)/P(pronoun)” as the third. For example:1)Your oral Chinese is really very good.2)I really love pop music.3)She is really a good girl.Altogether these sentence patterns make up 85

41、%2 of all the complimentary syntax in American English. Meanwhile, a research on Chinese syntax shows some similar characteristics.E.g.: Your scarf is very beautiful. 你这件毛衣真漂亮。 Your look smart in this dress. 你穿这件衣服看起来很精神。Despite the similarities mentioned ahead, differences between these two languag

42、es can be shown in the form below. As is shown in the form, though Chinese compliments also contain a N(noun)/P(pronoun)+adv.+adj. syntax, Chinese are not used to express their praise in sentences like “I love/like N(noun)/P(pronoun)”. Instead, adverbs are usually used to modify the adjectives to ma

43、ke compliments. Also, in the usage of pronoun, Chinese tend to use second personal pronouns in the sentence like “你手艺正好”. Such kind of expressions make up 60% of pronouns in compliment syntax in Chinese while a 33% of the third personal pronoun or non-pronoun. Only 6.4% of compliment syntax use “I”

44、to express the idea. While in English, researchers have found that the third personal pronouns are used most frequently followed by the first personal pronoun. The second personal pronoun is at the bottom. Compared to syntax in Chinese, pronouns in English used relatively equally to each other. It i

45、s very interesting that when making compliments, both in Chinese and English, males tend to use more third personal pronoun and non-pronoun while women like to use the first or second pronouns more often. 3.2 Lexical Contrast on English and Chinese ComplimentsIn English, according to Wolfson, Main a

46、nd Herberts survey, on one hand, adjectives and adverbs are usually chosen to express positive ideas, especially adjectives like nice, good, beautiful, pretty and great. On the other hand, verbs can also be used to make compliments, such as like and love. While in Chinese, adjectives and adverbs are

47、 most frequently used, which takes up 90% in the conversation. Adjectives should be linked with adverbs in order to compliment. Just as in the following phrases “真漂亮” and “太好看了”. In Chinese, the structure “I love/like” is seldom used when making compliments. If an American compliments the belongings

48、 of a Chinese in this way, the Chinese may misunderstand it as an indirect request for the thing he likes. Here is an example between an American and a Chinese.A: You have an interesting book. I like it.（compliments）C: Thank you. Well, if you like it, Ill buy another one for you.（misunderstanding） T

49、he research shows that the five adjectives and two verbs in English take up 96% in compliments. As a form, they can be easily recognized and aware of. It also proves that English compliments are more systematic than the Chinese.4 Contrast on Functions in English and Chinese ComplimentsIn daily life,

50、 compliment is in fact a multi-duty social speech act. Different functions can be achieved in different social circumstances by making compliments. A appropriate compliment may make the complimented feel comfortable or even promote the relations between the two parts. Just it goes in the Bible, Plea

51、sant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 4.1 Functions of Compliments in EnglishAccording to some American scholars, Herbert, Holines and Wolfsons research, there are two main functions of compliments in America: showing appreciation and negotiating solidarity. Sho

52、wing appreciation usually takes place strangers, especially between males and females and among females. It also happens on occasions in which no negotiating solidarity is needed. As an speech event, compliments cover not only the words as a speech act, but the whole communication process of complim

53、ents. Showing appreciations here may be used to start or develop a conversation. E.g.: A: Hi, Marianne, how are you? B: Fine. A: What a beautiful scarf! B: Oh, thanks, it is, isnt it? Im so embarrassed-Keiko gave it to me and you know that they arent cheap. A: Oh, I know. B: Mm, so how have you been

54、?4.2 Functions of Compliments in ChineseThe functions of compliments in Chinese are different from those in English. It doesnt emphasize on negotiating solidarity. Research shows that only 5% of the Chinese believe that compliments are necessary in keeping a balanced relationship. In fact, the funct

55、ions of making compliments can be mainly divided into three categories: making others feel good, showing ones appreciation on something and trying to make use of certain people. A main purpose for making compliments in China-to make others feel good-is a result of Chinese consistent pursuit of harmo

56、ny. This can also be seen in American culture as in negotiating solidarity.4.3 Differences in Functions of Compliments in English and Chinese The difference of the functions of making compliments lies in a unique phenomenon in Chinese compliments: trying to make use of others. This is a main use of

57、compliments in Chinese and it is usually carried out by people of lower class to their superiors. Through this process, they try to gain the superiors affection. For Chinese extremely emphasize community and relationship. However, in both countries, to totally decline others compliments rarely happe

58、ns in real situation. Americans compliments often make people oriented culture feel uncomfortable. Chinese are not used to the way that Americans make compliments. This will sometimes lead to the difficult time in carrying out a conversation.E.g.: A(American): I really like your scarf. B(Chinese): O

59、h, its nothing. A: No, I really like it. B: Its not new. A: I still like it anyway. B: (smiles) A: Uhh, well, are you going to class?In this conversation, both speakers carry out the conversation from their own cultural point of view. This lead to the communicative cultural gap. What is the differen

60、ce in responses to compliments in English and Chinese? Further explanation and contrastive features will be introduced in the following section.5 Contrastive Analysis of Responses to ComplimentsBecause of different cultural and social background, people in different countries have different thinking

61、 pattern as a whole. So it is with the responses to compliments in Chinese and English. 5.1 Responses to Compliments in EnglishIn English, it is polite to accept a compliment with pleasure(at least in form) unless it is obviously untrue. This is because the English natives tend to seek agreement wit

62、h their partner during conversation. In their opinion, it is polite to accept a compliment graciously so as not to disagree with the person who is talking with him. If you shrug off a compliment or disagree with the speaker, it will show that you think his judgment is poor, and dissuade them from co

63、mplimenting you in future. If one denies a deserved compliment, they is suspected to be fishing for more compliments. For instance, a Canadian woman acquaintance of a Chinese art teacher asked him to look over an article that she had written about Chinese painting. He agreed, but added, “I really kn

64、ow so little about the subject.” The Canadian was almost forced to say something like “Oh, come on. I know you are an expert on Chinese art.”In English compliments can be accepted in many different ways. If the compliment is apparently true and sincere, the complimented may express his pleasure directly.A: This dish tastes terrific.B: Thank you. Im glad you like it.Sometimes a complim