Pragmatic Functions And Translation Of Chinese Address Forms

Different address forms exist in different languages with different cultural background and indicate the close relations between language use and society. In communication, people choose proper address forms according to certain social rules so as to show the relationships and social status between both sides. The study of address forms from the angle of sociolinguistics is important and necessary. One of the most important conclusions reached by sociolinguists about address usage is that it is governed by rules stating which forms are used in which circumstances. The studies of address forms are concerns of scholars both at home and abroad. But many of these studies are restricted to static descriptions, which apparently are not in accordance with the characteristics of address forms. The rise of pragmatic studies undoubtedly opens up people's views and becomes vigor of the study of address forms.The system of Chinese address forms is undoubtedly one of the most complicated address systems in the world and Chinese address forms are with certain pragmatic functions. Having good understanding of the pragmatic functions (functions in use) of Chinese address forms can make our communication more effective and successful. Furthermore, making proper use of these functions, special communication purposes will be achieved. This thesis mainly focuses on the pragmatic functions and translation of Chinese address forms with an attempt to make people have better understanding of Chinese address forms and their uses, furthermore, to achieve the equivalent pragmatic functions in translating Chinese address forms into English.