The Convergence Of Intercultural Communication:a Case Study Of Kung Fu Panda

Nowadays,with the increasing enlargement of globalization,different cultures are emerging,clashing and interacting frequently.As a result,studies of intercultural communication continue to develop.People from different cultural backgrounds show many differences in languages,values and thinking modes,which makes it difficult for people to communicate smoothly with each other.Therefore,most researchers of intercultural communication focus their eyes on cultural differences instead of similarities.On account of this,the study aims to analyze the convergence of Sino-American cultures in Kung Fu Panda films.Cultural Convergence Theory,as an extension of Convergence Theory,states that cultures are open systems that exchange input and output with each other.This interaction has become essential for their survival in the background of globalization.In the process of interaction,different cultures appear to converge in some ways.Nevertheless,cultural convergence we mention here doesn't mean all cultures in the world tend to be the same but different cultures seek harmony in diversity.In 2008,the American animated film Kung Fu Panda swept around the world,gaining both fame and wealth.It was well received in the overseas market especially Chinese market.The sequels Kung Fu Panda 2(2011)and Kung Fu Panda 3(2016)undoubtedly have gained huge popularity at home and abroad.What makes the film series so popular and successful is that Dream Works sets the stories background in ancient China and presents kung fu and panda reflecting typical Chinese culture on the one hand.On the other hand,Hollywood films inevitably devote to conveying American values and spirits.It can be said that Kung Fu Panda series is an almost perfect model of Sino-American cultural integration and convergence.Taking Kung Fu Panda films for example,this thesis analyzes comprehensively the convergence of intercultural communication between China and America under the guidance of Cultural Convergence Theory,Hofstede's cultural dimensions and Transculturation.The author firstly expounds Sino-American cultural elementsemployed in films.Then how Sino-American cultures are integrated and converged successfully in films are analyzed in detail.According to the analysis,major findings are presented as follows:1)The almost perfect manifestation and integration of Sino-American cultural elements in Kung Fu Panda films contribute to the success of the film series.Chinese cultural elements come on the scene such as cultural symbols including kung fu,panda,dragon,architecture;Tai Chi(??),Yin(?)and Yang(?),wuwei(??)in Taoism and Ren(?),treating students equally,teaching students in accordance with their aptitude in Confucianism.Equality,freedom,democracy,diligence,courage,resolution included in American Dream as well as negative aspects of it are presented in films.2)The thesis discusses the convergence of Sino-American cultures from three perspectives: Chinese language expression and American humor,collectivism and individualism,high and low uncertainty avoidance.Firstly,Chinese Pinyin is frequently employed in films especially role names and something with Chinese characteristics.In addition,lots of dialogues in films reflect Chinese philosophies.Meanwhile,characters' actions and ways of saying embody American humor.Secondly,Chinese people attach great importance to etiquette,filial piety(?),family and interpersonal relationship while Americans advocate freedom,equality and independence.Both Chinese collectivism and American individualism are displayed in films.Finally,the film series integrates the Chinese respect for traditions and fear of the unknown with American spirits of seizing the present and taking risks.3)Referring to the hit of Kung Fu Panda films,there is a long way to go before we achieve the goal that Chinese culture “goes out” successfully.The study strives to throw out some cultural strategies for the spread of Chinese culture.The critical step is that we should dig out the common ground as a bridge and then promote Sino-American communications.Putting excellent national cultures widely accepted by most people into films is an effective way of promoting intercultural communication.Besides,the arrangement of plots and techniques of expression are expected to be advanced.We should break through the limitation of single subject and achieve the integration of localization and internationalization,striving to tell good Chinese stories in world languages.Finally,studying the difference or convergence of different cultures is not the ultimate aim.However,learning from others' strong points to offset our weakness is the final destination.The author puts forward some feasible strategies for the dissemination of Chinese culture to the world.Besides,several limitations of the present study and suggestions for future studies are provided.