中美身势语对比分析
毕业论文关键词: 身势语；中美文化差异；跨文化交际
Abstract Body language, also known as kinesics, is an important part of human language. Due to the different cultural backgrounds between China and the United States, body languages in these two countries are very different. However, the difference of body language had not been paid enough attention to for a long period of time. This paper first introduces the definition and functions of body language, and then makes a comparative analysis of the differences between Chinese and American body language from different aspects. Finally, it explores the deep-seated causes of these differences, so as to help people to better understand the differences between Chinese and American body language and their cultural roots, enhance their communicative abilities in cross-cultural communication and thus to achieve the purpose of promoting cultural exchanges between China and the U.S.
Key words: body language; Sino-American cultural differences; cross-cultural communication
A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and American Body Language
Contents
摘 要.i
Abstractii
I. Introduction1
II. Definition and Functions of Body Language2
2.1 Definition of Body Language 2
2.2 Functions of Body Language 3
III. Comparison Between Chinese and American Body Language. 4
3.1 Eye Contact4
3.2 Facial Expressions.5
3.3 Gestures.6
3.4 Postures8
3.5 Touch 10
IV. The Causes of Differences Between Chinese and American Body Language.11
4.1 Different Religious Beliefs of the Two Nations11
4.2 Different Cultures of the Two Nations 12
V. Conclusion 13
Bibliography 15
Acknowledgments 16
I. Introduction
Human communications usually can be pided into two categories: verbal communication and non-verbal communication. In daily life, verbal communication is often considered as the most important form of communications. However, it is undeniable that body language like facial expressions, gestures and eye contact also plays a vital role in communication. When we communicate with others, body language usually conveys a large amount of emotional information. Besides, body language is also an indispensable factor for us to consider when communicating with the outside world.
As we all know, different nations have their own ways of non-verbal communication. Some communication behaviors of body language are common in many disparate cultures. But, their rules still influenced by culture. Sometimes a very common behavior in a culture possibly appears to be extremely distasteful and alternative in another culture. Differences between the two kinds of cultures may bring misunderstanding to non-verbal communication. This is no exception in the United States and China, and there is a big difference in these two countries on body language. This is the reason why the intercultural communication students should learn body language of the west especially American culture on purpose. In order to avoid differences caused by misunderstanding, we need to understand the associated knowledge, and thus truly to make cross-cultural communication more practical and effective. With the increasingly close economic relations between China and the U.S, the mutual understanding between the two countries becomes more and more important. Therefore, understanding the differences in the two kinds of body language is particularly important for the establishment of a harmonious relationship between the nations.