A Comparative Study Of Chinese & English Names From A Cross-Cultural Communication Perspective

With the globalization and China's entry into WTO, people from different cultural backgrounds have more and more opportunities to interact with each other. Communication usually begins with the exchange of names. However, as far as names are concerned from a cross-cultural communication perspective, things become confusing and complicated. Chinese and English names may bring about different responses from Chinese and Western people.Based on Benedict's theory "cultural relativity", the thesis probes into the origins of Chinese & English surnames, the features of their given names and the central stocks of both Chinese and English names. It analyzes and discusses the cultural differences and similarities reflected in Chinese and English names, which may help English or Chinese language learners to avoid blindness, arbitrariness or even embarrassment when they are to choose foreign names.By illustrating specific examples both in English and Chinese cultures, this thesis has confirmed what Mr.& Mrs. Scollon, and Robert L. Shook stated in their works: name is a sign as well as an information window, through which people may better perceive a society and its culture in various aspects.This thesis also proves Benedict's belief: culture shapes one's experiences and behaviors. One's name, as a carrier of his cultural heritage, is born with him, companies him and may influence his career as well as his life.Name study touches a wide range of disciplines while a comparative study of names from the cross-cultural communication perspective covers even more. This research contributes a very small part to this broad issue since names concerned in this thesis are limited to the very general phenomenon in China and Britain. This research, hopefully, will encourage a further study in this field.