Collectivism And Individualism Underlying Differences In Polite Language And Socio-Pragmatic Failure Between The Chinese And The American

Polite language is universally used in each culture, but is used in culturally-specific ways. In extensive cross-cultural communications with Americans from the individualistic culture, polite language used by us Chinese doesn't always convey a message of politeness and respect. Terms of address, greetings and reception of guests all involve politeness; however, the Chinese with the collectivistic characteristics of modesty, harmony and guanxi-orientation use them in distinctive means from the Americans with the individualistic characteristics of personal freedom, privacy and self-reliance. In cross-cultural communication, socio-pragmatic failure is almost inevitable due to the deep-rooted different cultural values. Culture is found to be a major source of socio-pragmatic failure. It can't be overcome only by acquiring rich information about individualism, for second-hand knowledge may be stereotypes possibly misleading people in particular intercultural situations. However, stereotyping indeed plays a positive role in cross-cultural communications. A successful intercultural communication involves more than having a good knowledge of one's culture; empathy also counts. Empathy is not that difficult for us Chinese as a whole, because the Chinese collectivistic culture features consideration, tolerance, compassion as well as benevolence, all of which are necessary in a lasting and successful empathy.