中英道歉言语及文化差异

Differences between Apology Languages and Culture in Chinese and English

道歉是最常用的一种行为,是承认不适当或有危害的言行的主要方式,承认言行对人无礼或使人委屈,同时表示遗憾,做出礼节性的行动和反映,以征得对方的理解和原谅。中国人和英国或美国人一样十分注重道歉的社会功能和社会行为,就需要致歉的事情来说,中国人与英美人的理解几乎是一致的,然而英汉文化不同、交际方式和价值取向的不同,因此道歉策略的选择上也有所不同。本文将从文化的特点,认知上的差异,道歉的频率及道歉形式的选择等方面来阐述汉语与英语道歉语言的差别及文化的差异。

Apology is the commonest way to commit one＇ s faults or harms and beg the others＇ understanding and forgiveness. Chinese, Englishmen or Americans value the social functions and behaviors of apologies. Chinese, English and Americans have almost the same views on what should be apologized. However, various culture communication and value orientation decide the strategies they choose. The essay just states the differences of apologies and culture between Chinese and English on the feature of euhure, cognition, rate and forms.