The Influence Of Power And Solidarity On The Use Of English And Chinese Address Terms

Address term is a word or a combination of words people use in addressing each other in verbal communication. It shows the role people play in communication, suggesting interpersonal relationships between them. Every language and culture has its own system of address terms. Address terms are not only an identity of a person, but also cultural marks. The selection and use of them have a lot to do with socio-cultural factors.Many scholars have explored the address terms from sociolinguistic, conversational analysis and pragmatic perspectives. Although they often covered in their discussion the influence of power and solidarity on the use of address terms, such studies are usually linguistically based. The present thesis is a tentative attempt to enquire into such influence from cultural perspective.The thesis investigates the influence of power and solidarity on the use of English and Chinese address terms and makes an intercultural comparison.It is found that culture of English-speaking countries is oriented towards individualism, equality and independence, solidarity is the guiding principle that usually dominates the choice and use of address terms. Consequently, T-form address terms are often adopted in communication. In contrast, Chinese culture treasures courtesy and honors power hierarchy. Such a value manifests in address terms selection and uses. As a result, the rigid hierarchy system can be observed. Power semantic is much more preferential and V-form address terms predominate.