Cultural Differences In Employing The Phrase "Thank You" Between Chinese And Americans

The continuous advancement of globalization, close economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and the US provides vast and various platforms for intercultural communication activities between the Chinese and Americans at both governmental and non-governmental levels. Although the phrase “thank you” is usually employed by people, there are few researches on it at home and abroad, especially in intercultural communication field. Meanwhile, as the phrase “thank you” exerts great influence on intercultural communication between Chinese and Americans, it is necessary to conduct a deep study on cultural differences in employing the phrase “thank you” between Chinese and Americans.This thesis aims to illustrate the specific manifestations of the cultural differences in employing the phrase “thank you” between Chinese and Americans in business, family, education, and health settings. Then it focuses on analyzing the underlying reasons for the specific cultural differences in employing the phrase “thank you” between Chinese and Americans in detail from the perspective of Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions. It also analyzes some changes in employing “thank you” between Chinese and Americans as both Chinese and American culture are undergoing profound and enduring changes. Finally, it sets forth some feasible and targeted suggestions concerning cultural differences in employing the phrase “thank you” between Chinese and Americans in order to enhance their intercultural communication awareness and improve their intercultural communication competence.