On The Dynamic Features Of Value System In Intercultural Communication

Contextualized in Sino-American intercultural study, this paper mainly discusses the dynamic features of value system in intercultural communication. It is well known that differences in value systems are the root cause that is responsible for communicative barriers. However, value system is a dynamic variable that changes as societies respond to changing conditions; the paper elaborates changes in both Chinese and American value systems in order to highlight the dynamic features of value systems in intercultural communication. Based upon this, the paper holds the view that the process of intercultural communication should also be dynamic; hence it puts forward approaches to effect a successful intercultural communication.To begin with, this paper analyses the structure of culture. The structure of culture is of great significance in terms of intercultural study, for it makes known what the focus of research is and where it lies. In accordance with the "Iceberg Theory", culture can be divided into an overt part and a covert part. Like an iceberg, the majority of culture is immersed in the sea with only a small fraction above the surface of water. It is value system that lies at the core of the covert part of culture. Values are, according to Rokeach(1973:161), "a learned organization of rules for making choices and for resolving conflicts. These "rules" or "guideposts" are normative and teach us what is useful, useless, good, bad, right, wrong, what to strive for, how to live our life, or even what to die for."Secondly, the paper expounds the dynamic features of Chinese value orientations. China has a long-established feudal society; its value system is deeply influenced by Confucianism that bears the hallmark of Collectivism, Harmony/Guanxi, and High Power Distance/Hierarchy. However, nowadays China is standing in a transitional period from backwardness to modernization; correspondingly, its value system is also standing in a transitional period characteristic of the transition from Collectivism to Heterogeneity, from Harmony to Creation, from Hierarchy to Equality/Competition. Therefore, the Chinese value system is a dynamic variable.