English Essay on Eastern and Western Festival Culture and Etiquette Culture

In English teaching practice, cultural differences and their interference to students are mainly manifested in the following eight aspects:

1. address format

Among the people upstairs in Lesson 14, Book 3 of JEFC textbook, there is an apology, "Sorry to bother you, comfort." . "Comrade" is a unique title in socialist countries. In English-speaking countries, Sir and Madam are often used to address strangers who don't know their names. If we are commensurate with comrades in English-speaking countries, they will be confused.

Jefc Book 3 Lesson 34 In Uncle Wang's factory, students call a worker "Uncle Wang", which is also a phenomenon that Chinese thinking applies English. In Chinese, kinship terms are often widely used, often among non-relatives: young people call their elders "uncles" and "aunts"; Address peers as "Big Brother" and "Big Sister". But in English, kinship terms are not widely used in social activities. If we call our English-speaking elders "Uncle Smith" and "Aunt Brown", they will feel uncomfortable. In English culture, such kinship terms are only used when they are closely related, instead of surnames, only first names, such as "Uncle Tom".

Another example is that students know that the teacher means "teacher" and call "Miss Wang" Miss Wang accordingly. In fact, English teachers are just a profession; People in China have a tradition of respecting teachers and valuing morality. "Teacher" is not only a profession, but also a kind of respect for people. Because of this cultural difference, students have a simple understanding: Miss Wang = Miss Wang. In addition, "Secretary Tang" and "Nurse Zhang", which are used to address in Chinese, are called Secretary Tang and Nurse Zhang, which sounds incredible to people in English-speaking countries. In English, people usually address themselves as Mr., Ms. and Mrs..

2. Thanks and thanks

Generally speaking, we in China seldom use "thank you" among family members. If you use it, it will sound strange, or there will be a distance between the two. In English-speaking countries, "thank you ..." is used in almost all occasions, between all people, even between parents and children, brothers and sisters. Send a bottle of drink and prepare a delicious meal, and the other party will say "thank you." In public, you should say "thank you" no matter what help others give you. This is the minimum etiquette.

When people ask what they want to eat or drink (do you want something to eat//? Drink? ), we are usually used to answering politely: "no", "don't bother" and so on. According to the custom of English-speaking countries, if you want, you don't have to refuse and say, "Yes, please." If you don't want it, just say "no, thanks". This also fully reflects the different styles of implicit China people and frank English-speaking people.

praise

In English-speaking countries, compliments are often used as the opening remarks of conversations. The content of praise mainly includes personal appearance, appearance, newly bought things, personal belongings, personal excellent work in a certain aspect, etc. Usually, when praising others' looks, they only praise her efforts (dressing up), not her natural beauty. So many people praise other people's hairstyles, but few people praise other people's hair. Compliment others, the most common answer is: "thank you." For example,

Your skirt looks beautiful.

B: Thank you.

4. Privacy

When people in China meet for the first time, they are concerned about age, marriage and income, but people in English-speaking countries are disgusted with this and think that all these involve personal privacy. For example, in JEFC lesson 1 lesson 16, there is a conversation: "Mrs. Reed, how old are you?" "Ah, it's a secret!" Why did Mrs. Reed refuse to tell her age? Because people in English-speaking countries want to look energetic and youthful in each other's eyes, and keep their actual age secret, especially women. For example, China people care about "Where are you going?" Where are you going? ) and "What are you doing?" What are you doing? ) in English, it has become an interrogation of spying on others' privacy and listening to others' words, which is unpopular. All kinds of taboos in Britain and America are due to their individualism. China people have a weak concept of private affairs, which is mainly a relic left by traditional group life. Since China's reform and opening up, people with higher education in big cities and coastal areas have begun to follow the principle of respecting other people's private affairs, instead of being inquisitive and talkative as before. In daily life, China people are deeply influenced by asking questions, leaving messages and gossiping. Therefore, respecting other people's private affairs should be part of the construction of spiritual civilization.

send/give one's regards to

China people are used to asking, "Have you eaten?" Have you had dinner? If you say this to people in English-speaking countries, they will think you want to invite them to dinner. People in English-speaking countries usually talk about weather, health, transportation, sports and hobbies.

6. Physical properties

(1) Eyes and facial expressions

When the British and Americans talk, both sides look each other in the eye. In their view, this is a manifestation of integrity and realism. There is an English and American proverb: Never trust a person who can't look you in the eye. Don't trust people who dare not look you in the eye. In China, when people are talking, they don't have to look at each other from time to time. Some people even deliberately avoid constant eye contact to show humility, obedience or respect. This may be one of the reasons why British and Americans who come to China think that China people are not warm and friendly enough. At the same time, it also explains why British and American people like to talk face to face, while China people tend to talk heart to heart.

(2) Gestures and gesture language

Gestures and gestures can express a variety of meanings, and cultural differences are particularly prominent: for example, British and American people use thumb and forefinger to form a circle, indicating "OK" (good), while China often uses "O" to indicate "zero". There are also differences in sitting, standing, walking, squatting, head movements, voice behaviors, etc., which are not listed here.

7. Introduction

What's your name in the JEFC book 1 The frequency of occurrence is quite high, but it is rarely explained under what circumstances. In fact, people in English-speaking countries usually introduce their names first, for example, "I am …", and the other party will naturally say their names immediately. Even when you need to ask a name when filling out a form, interviewing, etc. You usually just say "What's your name, please?" Or "May I know your name? if

Use "What's your name?" They will have a feeling of being interrogated.

8, festivals

Cultural differences between China and English-speaking countries are also obvious in festivals. Besides festivals in China and English-speaking countries (such as New Year's Day), both sides also have their own unique festivals, such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. In China; English-speaking countries include Valentine's Day, Easter, April Fool's Day, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The customs and habits of Chinese and western festivals are also very different; This has been fully reflected in the JEFC textbook of PEP, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival in Unit 3 of Book 2 and Merry Christmas in Unit 3 of Book 3. During festivals, people in China and English-speaking countries also show different attitudes towards gifts given by others. People in China can only reluctantly refuse and accept it, and generally will not open it face to face after accepting it. If you open it in person and smile, you may be suspected of "greedy for money." In British culture, people usually open gifts from others and praise them in person, and thank them gladly.

9. Cultural connotation of vocabulary

English vocabulary has accumulated rich cultural connotations in long-term use. In teaching, attention should be paid to the introduction of cultural meanings of English vocabulary to prevent students from making subjective evaluations simply from the vocabulary itself. For example, whether in English-speaking countries or in China, the word red is often associated with celebrations or festivals, and there is a "Red Letter Day" in English. Especially in China, red symbolizes the positive significance of revolution and socialism, but the English word "red" also indicates a dangerous state or makes people angry, such as "red flag". And when you see "in the red" in business English, don't think it is a profit. On the contrary, it means losses and liabilities. Another example: the word dog, the image of dog in English is generally good, and it can often refer to "people". As the saying goes, every man has his day. Everyone has his day. You are so lucky.

You are so lucky. A happy dog, an interesting person. But dogs have a bad image. For example, dog-eat-dog means "people kill each other"; Similarly, the dog in the manager means "occupying the toilet and not defecating". In Chinese, although it is also a pet in some places, the image of a dog is always indecent, so it is often derogatory when used to refer to people. Such as "dog bites dog", "Baha 'i dog", "running dog", "dog hits people" and "mangy dog". Words with similar usage are too numerous to mention.

physical behavior

(1) Eyes and expressions. When the British and Americans talk, both sides look each other in the eye. In their view, this is a sign of integrity and honesty. There is an English and American proverb: Never trust a person who can't look you in the eye. Don't trust people who dare not look you in the eye. In China, when people are talking, they don't have to look at each other from time to time. Some people even deliberately avoid constant eye contact to show humility, obedience or respect. This may be one of the reasons why British and Americans who have just arrived in China think that China people are not warm and friendly enough. At the same time, it also explains why British and American people like to talk face to face, while China people tend to talk heart to heart.

It is a habit for both sides to look at each other squarely, but they hate that kind of staring, because in their view, it is a very rude behavior, as if they are "things" rather than people, that is, "dehumanization." 10 years ago, when China just opened the door to reform and opening up and welcomed a few foreigners, the British and Americans found China up and down like a "rare animal" and stared at them intently, which made them feel very annoyed. Many English speakers who come to China are dissatisfied with this. However, the Chinese meaning of staring is sometimes just curiosity and surprise, not rudeness.

It is said that (Gao, 199 1: 55) when people see interesting or favorite things, their pupils will be dilated; When you see something you don't like or don't like, your pupils will shrink. This phenomenon is said to have been noticed by jewelers in ancient times. They can know whether customers are interested in goods from the change of pupils, and then decide whether to raise or lower the price. If this is true, there is no cultural difference, but there is a cultural difference who is more familiar with it. For example, it is said that American businessmen will wear sunglasses when dealing with jewelers in China, so as to avoid pupil changes being seen by savvy jewelers in China.

(2) sign language. Gestures can express a variety of meanings, especially cultural differences:

-China people count from "1" to "5" continuously, that is, open their palms first, and then bend their fingers towards them; On the contrary, the British and Americans clenched their fists first, and then stretched out their fingers one by one.

British and American people form a circle with their thumb and forefinger, which means "OK" (good), while China people's "0" gesture is often used to mean "zero". So when a China student asks the American teacher about his exam results, the American teacher replies with the "OK" gesture, which surprises China students: Did he get a zero? !

-Display the number "3". In China, the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger are connected in a circle, and the other three fingers are open and straight (if bent, it means "zero", similar to the "OK" gesture in Britain and America); The British and Americans, on the other hand, erect the index finger, middle finger and ring finger, and grasp the thumb with the little finger.

-China people say that "6", "7", "8", "9" and "10" can be handled with one hand, as shown below;

The British and Americans say that "6", "7", "8", "9" and "10" cannot be handled with one hand, so they have to cooperate with each other, as shown in the following figure.

-China people shave with their forefinger to show that they are not ashamed, which is really shameful; And the British and Americans express this meaning is to laugh at the object, with a stone hand index finger on the left index finger once flat cut in the past (cut off):

In Britain and America, people make a V-shape with their forefinger and middle finger, indicating victory (victory, success or peace), while in China, this gesture is equivalent to "two". Nixon also made a three-v gesture.

-When British and Americans ask for a lift, they clench their fists with their right hands and shake their thumbs in the direction of their right shoulders in the face of oncoming vehicles (note: in Australia and New Zealand, this is a lewd action); In China, when people take the elevator, they face the vehicle, extend one arm horizontally to one side, palm forward, make a "stop" gesture, or raise their right hand or hands to greet the driver.

-China people waved to people close to them, palms down; The British and Americans are very happy. A professor from China went to an American family to give a present to a child. When he waved to the child, the child backed away. It turns out that the downward wave of China's palm is similar to the American action of making people walk away.

The above examples are either similar to those in China and Britain, but have different meanings; Either the meaning is the same, but the gestures are different.

The following are the unique unarmed movements of the British and Americans:

-Cross your arms around your waist and then stretch down along your sides, indicating "finished" and "hopeless".

-the arm moves up and down in front of you, outlining a woman's body, indicating "beauty".

Shrugging: Frowning, raising eyebrows and shrugging, bending elbows, spreading palms up, even slightly bending legs, etc. I don't know, what can I do, this situation is hopeless, and I can't do anything.

-pat the back shoulder with your hand to show "complacency".

There are many unique gestures in China, which are difficult for British and Americans to understand:

When someone pours tea or wine for himself, Cantonese people use their forefinger, middle finger or multiple fingers to nod on the table to show their gratitude. Now this action has spread to many places in China. If it is not polite to use this gesture, China's traditional expression is to put one or both hands next to the cup.

-Give something to others or show respect by holding something with both hands.

-Hold out two erect index fingers and slowly approach in front of you, indicating that "men and women love each other" and "deserve a good marriage".

Open your hand and cover your mouth when you speak, indicating that you are saying "secret words."

There are many special sign languages at home and abroad, which have to be omitted due to space constraints.

(3) Sit, stand, walk and squat. Qiu Wensheng (1994: 20) said: "In the west, people standing are usually longer than those sitting in position, age or status, and play a leading role in conversation. Therefore, one party to the conversation takes a standing posture or walks back and forth, which means that he or she has the right to decide the course of the conversation. And in China; The situation is just the opposite. Generally speaking, the younger generation or people with lower status are in a passive position with standing as a courtesy and listening to opinions; Elders or respected people often sit and are in a dominant position. " There is some truth in this generalization, but it is better to analyze the specific situation. For example:

In Britain and America, when visiting someone's home, if the guest is a lady, most men in the living room will stand up when she enters the living room. British and American ladies of all ages like this etiquette, although fewer people in the younger generation follow this traditional custom than in the past.

-In class, China's teacher asks questions, and students usually stand up to answer questions; In America, students usually sit and answer questions from American teachers.

Western culture emphasizes "ladies first", so it is polite to ask ladies to sit down first. Before a woman takes a seat, the man has the obligation to help her pull out the chair, and then the woman sits down, which is also a sign of education and civilization. China's traditional culture emphasizes the order of generations, and emphasizes that elders, superiors and venerable persons sit first. After they sit down, some younger generations, subordinates and lower-ranking people don't sit down immediately, but wait for their elders, superiors and respected people to "sit down" and then "thank you". When entertaining guests, before the host and guest sit down, the more traditional people still maintain the traditional etiquette of "giving up their seats" and "thanking them", but it is not as formal as before, but in any case, "little people" always sit down after "big people". People in China are afraid to sit in comfortable seats. Please look at the following dialogue (Ouyang Fasu, see Hu Wenzhong, 1988:36):

W: (shows C the sofa) Please sit down.

No, no. I want to sit here. (walks to the chair)

W: Oh, please sit on the sofa over here.

C: No,no.. There is nothing wrong with this chair.

There are also cultural differences in sitting posture:

The traditional sitting posture of China people is "sitting like a clock". It is always required that the upper body is at right angles to the thigh, thigh and calf, the waist should be straight and the knees should be tightened. This is the so-called "doing nothing". The traditional chair in China is a fauteuil chair. The chair surface is at right angles to the back of the chair. It is unlikely to sit on your back, otherwise people will slide to the ground. The plush chair is the material that caters to China's "standard" sitting posture.

-British and American people are not used to "doing nothing". Pressing one ankle on the other thigh is a typical American leg lifting method, which is called "four-legged method". In World War II, the German Nazis judged someone as an American spy because of his "four-legged" figure and arrested him.

-Americans are uncomfortable with the four-legged frame. Sometimes when you talk to people, you actually put your feet on the table. When I was about to leave America for home, I went to an American bank to cancel my account. During the conversation, the bank manager actually put his feet in leather shoes on the table, which was very domineering. After returning to China, I have been worried about this matter, thinking: maybe my bank deposit is pitiful in the eyes of this manager, and he disdains it. Besides, I am China with yellow skin, so this white rich man can "condescend" to put his feet on the table and talk to me. Later, I learned: "Americans put their feet on the table, which is a relaxed and informal expression, often showing respect for each other." But for some people in Latin America and Asia, this behavior is rude or pretentious (Zhan Sen, see Hu Wenzhong, 1990: 13 1).

-British and American people like to sit on the carpeted floor at home; On the streets or in public places in America, I also see many people sitting anywhere. After arriving in China, some British and American people also sit anywhere, and China people feel unsanitary when they see it. When Chinese people have to sit underground, they often find a newspaper or spread it on the ground with a handkerchief. The British and Americans think this is unsanitary, because in their view, how can handkerchiefs be put underground? Littering scraps of paper is not hygienic in itself, and it is against public morality.

-American teachers in class, some actually sit on the podium, China students are greatly surprised, think this is a vulgar behavior, but American teachers do it in order to reduce the tension in the classroom and narrow the distance with students, which is an informal expression.

"Sit like a bell, stand like a pine, walk like the wind and lie like a bow" is the orthodox requirement of China culture, but in today's real life, the practice of China people is quite far from this tradition. It says "sit", and then I will look at the cultural differences of "standing", "walking" and "squatting".

-Mr. China spends most of his time standing in the center of the platform except that he can just see the blackboard in class, while the British and American teachers are particularly active and always walk back and forth in the classroom. It seems that they can't stand standing still. So the British and Americans think that the class in China is too conservative, too formal, too rigid, and even makes people sleepy. China people sometimes think that British and American teachers are too casual and even disturb the class order. Similarly, in the general report meeting, China's speakers generally stand motionless on the podium, calm and solemn, serious and "rigid"; British and American speakers, on the other hand, kept walking back and forth in front of the audience and even walked beside them to enhance their appeal. The speaker moves frequently, leans forward and leans back, stands on tiptoe, and even turns his back on the audience for some effect, which is "too active" and "not solemn enough".

-British and American people stand and stamp their feet to show impatience; People in China stamp their feet to express anger, worry, frustration and regret.

-British and American people walk with their heads held high, so the former Soviet Union once said, "Americans walk as if the land under their feet belongs to them, and British people walk as if they don't care who owns the land under their feet"; Some China students say that the British and Americans walk "as if the whole world belongs to him". In a word, the standing posture of British and American people and walking posture are the standing posture of athletes and soldiers and walking posture; In the eyes of British and American people, the standard of China people is the attitude of scholars and civilians.

-China people can squat for a long time, with their feet on the ground and their toes pointing out. British and American people not only find this posture difficult to do, unable to maintain balance, but also generally taboo. The typical squat posture of British and American people is two toes touching the ground, or one toe touching the ground with one foot, but it is this "balanced" posture; They won't last long, so if they want to have a rest, they'd rather sit on the ground. I found that squatting in public toilets in China is a reflection of squatting in China. In many domestic airports, the toilets in domestic flight lounges are all squatting except for a "disabled-only" sitting toilet; In the restroom of the international flight terminal, all the seats are sitting toilets.

(4) Head movement. China people, like British and American people, nod their heads in agreement and shake their heads in disapproval. However, due to the differences in thinking patterns mentioned in the previous section, head movements are sometimes inconsistent. For example, "You shouldn't be found." Mom said to us. We all pat our heads.

Mother said to us,' Don't lose heart'; The latter sentence literally means "we all shook our heads". If we use words instead of nonverbal expressions, it should be "No, we won't be found." . However, if this sentence is translated into Chinese, No should be translated into "Yes" and the whole sentence should be "Yes, we will not lose heart". The nonverbal action of China people corresponding to No here should be "We all nod"; If you communicate with the British and Americans in English, the way of thinking and the nonverbal behavior restricted by it should conform to the habits of the British. In this case, shaking your head means "yes". For example, both China and Britain and the United States hold their heads up and point in the direction with their chins. The difference is that China is often accompanied by pinching lips, while Britain and the United States pinch lips and smack their lips to express "blowing kisses"!