Cultural differences between Chinese and English languages

Cultural differences between China and Britain: I'll embarrass you if you don't value me ~

Nanjing Translation Institute

May 30, 2065 438+09

Cultural differences between China and Britain can be seen everywhere, and there are many differences in language habits, living environment and logical thinking.

If you follow your inclinations in communication and ignore these cultural differences, you will be embarrassed when you get along with foreign friends.

Have you ever encountered the following common differences?

1. Answer the question

China people always use "right" or "wrong" to affirm or deny each other's words when asking questions.

For example:

"I think you are less than 20 years old?"

"Yes, I am under 20 years old." Or "no, I'm 30 years old."

In English, people always use "yes" or "no" when asking questions based on factual results.

For example:

"You are not a student, are you?"

"Yes, I am." Or "No, I'm not."

2. kinship terms

British relatives are family-centered, and each generation is a appellation plate, which only distinguishes between men and women, but ignores the appellation differences between spouses due to gender differences.

For example:

The appellation of parents' peers is "uncle" and "aunt" in English and "uncle, uncle, aunt, menstruation" in Chinese.

Also, "nephew" and "niece" in English refer to the next generation regardless of nephew, and "cousin" refers to the same generation regardless of cousin and gender.

Step 3 consider the theme of the problem

China people like to take each other as the center and consider each other's feelings.

For example:

What do you want to buy?

What books do you want to borrow?

In English, we often start from our own point of view.

For example:

Can I help you?

what can I do for you?

Step 4 greet

In China, people usually greet each other with their situation or trend as the starting point of thinking.

For example:

Where are you going?

Do you go to work or get off work?

Westerners often think that these are purely private matters and can't be asked casually. So when they meet and say hello, they always say:

Hi/hello!

Good morning/afternoon/evening/good night!

How are you?

Nice day, isn't it?

Face praise

The traditional virtue of China people is modesty and prudence. Praise and compliment to others should be a kind of rejection.

For example:

"You speak English very well."

"Where, where, not at all."

"The food is delicious."

"I'm flattered, I'm flattered. I didn't do well. Please forgive me."

Westerners are never too modest, and generally express gratitude for compliments, showing a self-confident belief.

For example:

"You speak French very well."

"Thank you."

"What a wonderful dish!"

"I'm glad you like it."

Therefore, please note that when English speakers praise you, never answer "No, I don't think so." This kind of answer is impolite and even hypocritical to westerners.

Accept gifts

When Chinese people receive gifts, they usually put them aside, believing that they can't wait to open them after the guests leave. Gift-giving bother to say:

"Oh, why are you still giving gifts?"

"I'm really sorry."

"It won't happen again."

"It cost you money."

When westerners receive gifts, they usually open them immediately in front of the guests, and even claim that the gifts are very good:

"Very beautiful! Wow! "

"What a wonderful gift!"

"Thank you for the gift."

After reading these differences, everyone must remember to understand and respect each other ~

If you like, please pay more attention to university translation ~