On the Differences of Address Forms Between English and Chinese

◆Abstract：Address forms is the reflection of traditional culture and historical accumulation.Different appellation embodies different national culture.As an important part of address forms，kinship appellation is frequently used in daily life.This paper explains address terms from different aspects and further analyzes the reasons for this phenomenon.With the development of internationalization，it is necessary and meaningful to study the differences between Chinese and Western address forms.

As for daily communication，it plays a vital role in how to use address terms appropriately to build a stable social system.Appropriate use of address forms can enhance daily international communication.And learn the differences between English and Chinese cultures through proper use of address forms.Address forms are the main means of daily communication，so it is important to let others feel our goodwill.

Through the study of address terms in English and Chinese，the author tries to find out the factors that influence the differences of address terms and the more suitable address terms for international communication.

This study can help us to have a new understanding of individual concept，hierarchy concept，collective concept and attitude towards family in English-speaking countries.

◆Key words：Address form；Culture Communication；Culture Difference

Chapter 1 The Classification of Address Forms

The classification of address forms in English and Chinese can be divided into family address，social address and zero address，and there are some differences among them.In Chinese，the composition of a name is usually the surname before the first name； In English，the first name，followed by last name.Zero appellation means to greet each other with “Hello”，“Please” and other daily expressions，or to call each other with reference to the work or ongoing activities of the listener，such as “cycling”.For the fist time，there are also generic terms of address.

Chapter 2 The influence of cultural symmetrical address

In Chinese culture，Confucianism occupies a dominant position，and its essence is “benevolence” and “courtesy”，which have influenced almost every corner of Chinese social life.“Benevolence” refers to the hearts and minds of people.It refers to the selfless and noble quality we pursue.“Ritual” refers to the scale of human behavior and social norms of behavior.From ancient times，there is a saying in China：“There is righteousness in the upper and lower，nobility in the lower，equality in the elder and the younger，and wealth in the poor.”This makes the Chinese people have a strong sense of ethics and family.

Westerners advocate individualism and pursue individuality and freedom.They are self-motivated，self-fulfilling，ambitious and talented.All this stems from the religious influence of Western society.Western Christianity advocates natural human rights，equality of human beings，individual advocates and equal interpersonal relations.In interpersonal communication，morality，competitiveness and means of communication play a leading role.Its communicative principles are often equality，freedom，independence，self-interest，confrontation，competition and so on.They regard life，freedom and happiness as their rights and interests and are not bound by conventions.

As a result，Chinese address forms have a strong sense of hierarchy，while western address forms are relatively simple and free.

Chapter 3 Appropriate Use of Address Forms

In fact，there is no unified mode of address.Different regions nationalities and linguistic traditions may lead to different habits of address，and people of different occupations，positions，genders and ages have the same needs and expectations for symmetrical address.This leads to the complexity and diversity of interpersonal address，and increases the difficulty of proper address.But there is one thing in common，that is，to respect others and treat others politely，so that the other side will have a sense of pride and satisfaction.in turn，the other side will be willing to contact you，take the initiative to communicate with you，which makes the communication have a good start.

References

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作者简介

刘江梅，性别：女；民族：汉；籍贯：贵州安顺；学历：大学本科；毕业院校：贵州大学明德学院；研究方向：英语。