The Comparison in Polite Language between Western Culture and Chinese Culture

Abstract

First, different cultural backgrounds of China and western countries are introduced in this paper. Then, the cultural differences between Chinese and English in the use of polite language are illustrated through the examples, including the differences of salutation, greetings, appreciation language, praise language, taboo language and other polite language. Finally, we summarize the various differences between Chinese and Western culture in the use of polite language, so we can eliminate the cultural interference, avoid the cultural conflict, seek common ground while reserving differences and create a good communicative atmosphere to promote the cross-cultural communication.