Abstract
Address terms are words used to address others and oneself. It plays an important role in discourse, for it indicates the discourse afterward as well as gives the counterpart a good impression by using the appropriate forms. The correct and appropriate use of address terms closely relates to culture. There is a certain gap between Chinese culture and western culture, which contributes a great deal to Chinese and English languages. However, a polite utterance with appropriate addressing always facilitates successful communication in all cultures. Therefore, in order to make a smooth communication in the discourse, usually starting with addresses, it is quite significant to understand politeness in the use of address terms. Based on cultural different politeness theories in both China and west, .this paper analyzes the different use of Chinese and English address in discourse under different circumstances. Only through fully comprehending the cultural featured politeness can address terms be used appropriately and serve successful communication.
Highlights
Language equivalence and awareness of culture differences are essential in communication between different languages
Address terms are frequently used in discourse and the indispensable part of discourse, whatever speech, letter, announcement, conversation, etc
Address terms should obey the rule of politeness as well as cultural customs to insure the success of intercourse
Summary
Language equivalence and awareness of culture differences are essential in communication between different languages. Address terms are frequently used in discourse and the indispensable part of discourse, whatever speech, letter, announcement, conversation, etc. Appropriate address always contributes to efficient and successful intercourse. Politeness, as a common rule guiding people’s daily conversation and behavior in the culture, is important in the process of cross-culture communication. Address terms should obey the rule of politeness as well as cultural customs to insure the success of intercourse. Though politeness seems a unified common guide, it shows some extent of differences in different languages and cultures .If one doesn’t pay enough attention to the differences of politeness in the appropriate use of address terms, he or she may suffer pragmatic failure, or even offend others. The author compares Chinese and western people’ addressing ways under various circumstances from the aspect of politeness theory, As for the politeness theory, Leech’s theory and Brown and Levinson’s face in west and G Yueguo’s theory in China are theoretical cornerstone in this paper
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