|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
... Later he told me that in western culture it was impolite to be so silent when they are challenged with questions. ...
Then what is culture? ... Bock, ¡°culture, in its broadest sense, is what makes you a stranger when you are away from home.¡±
As we all know that cultures differ from one another, that each culture is unique. ...
Part One Cultural Difference in Language
Language is a part of culture and plays a very important role in it. Some social scientists consider it the keystone of culture. Without language, culture would not be possible. On the other hand, language is influenced and shaped by culture; it reflects culture.
¡°Learning a foreign language well means more than merely mastering the pronunciation, grammar, words and idioms. It means learning also to see the world as native speakers of that language see it, learning the ways in which their language reflects the ideas, customs and behavior of their society, learning to understand their language of the mind.¡±(Language and Culture, 1991)
I. ... Chinese frequently compliment foreign friends on their language skills, knowledge of Chinese culture, professional accomplishments, and personal health; however, we are as loathe accepting a compliment, as they are eager to give one. ... But if my friend had simply said ¡°thank you¡±, or if Peter had known something about Chinese culture, things would not have gone like that. ... Idioms, proverbs and sayings
Idioms, proverbs and sayings are an important part of the language and culture of a society. ... make the language richer and more vivid. ... Body language
There is a sentence in Shakespeare¡¯s work, ¡°There is language in her eye, her cheek, and her lips.¡± (Troilus and Caressed) It means that there is another type of language besides verbal language. ... This ¡°body language¡± is also a part of our culture. But does all body language mean the same thing in different culture? ... So in order to communicate with foreigners politely and effectively, we should know something about the body language that is particular in the target culture. ... ¡± (Language and Culture, 1991) But, of course, being too far away from the listener will be impolite, too.
Secondly, the appropriateness of physical contact varies with different culture. ... But this can be quite embarrassing and awkward for western mothers; such action in their culture would be considered rude and offensive and could arouse a strong dislike. ...
Thirdly, eye contact is another important aspect of body language. In conversations with people who know each other, in American culture, they will look at each other occasionally. ...
Part Two Difference in Religion
Like language, but in a different way, religion confers identify. ...
Taoist philosophy later mingled with medical knowledge, popular religious beliefs and other elements of folk culture. ... For example, when we introduce ourselves in our native language, we give our surname first and then our first name. ... In English language there is a saying, ¡°A man¡¯s home is his castle. ... In Chinese culture, a sense of duty and obligation, especially to parents and family, tends to be overweight. ... They help shape a particular culture. ... Chinese urban culture reached a peak in the late Tang and then in the Song Dynasty. However, while civil culture throve, China¡¯s military strength declined. ...
In a word, culture is a very complex and meaningful dimension of the human condition. ... So in order to compete in a global economy it is important to understand the difference between countries¡¯ culture, and we should try to find out what it is for the particular cultural situation and not to violate the formality.
Approximate Word count = 6239
Approximate Pages = 25
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|