Names, A Window To See Through Culture

In this paper, the author makes comparative studies on the similarities and differences in Chinese and English personal names and their culture connotation. Both dynamic and static studies are made. The comparisons are made in the forms of Chinese and English personal names, the origin of Chinese and English family names and the development of Chinese and English given names. These reveal the influence of deep-going culture connotation and different social cultures on Chinese and English names. The cultural generality in Chinese and English culture leads to the similarities in the different name systems of Chinese and English, i.e. totemism, worship of names, consciousness of root-seeking, psychological suggestion, sex difference of culture. The different cultural connotation, for example, the ancestral idea, Confucianism, hierarchy, group orientation, the pursuit of aesthetic and the assimilation of han culture are all reflected in Chinese names, while the religion, individualism orientation and emphasis of personality are also reflected in English names. The development of names can show the changing of society in different times. The development of culture also influences the process of naming and leaves its marks on names. So names are windows to see through different cultures.Analyzing the cultural similarities and differences in Chinese and English personal names, we can get the following conclusion: the development of personal name system synchronizes with the improvement of society and the development of culture; the cultural generality is the cause ofsimilarities in Chinese and English names, while the variety of culture leads to the differences in personal name systems.The comparative study on Chinese and English names and culture connotation helps the communication of Chinese culture and western culture. It helps us make a better understanding of English people and their culture, thus the intercultural communication can be more effective.