Chinese-Western Cultural Differences

夏芳菲

Abstract： This paper delves into the cultural differences between Chinese and western world and their significant implications for translators. While English and Chinese seem like distinct language systems， they are deeply intertwined with cultural values and norms. This paper aims to establish an understanding of these cultural differences and explore how they impact the work of translators.

Key words： cultural differences; mindsets; religious beliefs

1.Geography and Economic Environment

China is a continental country， and before the modern era， it relied mainly on agriculture for its livelihood. Therefore， there are many agricultural proverbs in the Chinese language （example 1）. On the contrary， Britain is an island country with a well-developed seafaring industry， so many phrases are related to seafaring （example 2）.

Example 1：

留得青山在，不怕没柴烧。

（While green mountains exist， there is no need to worry about firewood）

种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆。（As a man sows， so he shall reap）

Example 2：

Between the devil and the deep sea （进退两难）

In a calm sea， every man is a pilot. （海面平静，人人都可当舵手）

2.Religious Beliefs

The West is generally Christian， and the Christian spirit has deeply influenced the cultural life of the Westerners. A large part of modern English is related to the Christian Bible， such as idiomatic expressions （example 3）. The main religion of the Han people is Buddhism， so there are many Buddhist expressions in Chinese language （example 4）.

Example 3：

The spirit is willing， but the flesh is weak. （心灵愿意，肉体却软弱了）

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. （含泪的播种人将在微笑中收割）

Example 4：

放下屠刀，立地成佛。

（As soon as one lays down his cleaver， he will become a Buddha）

救人一命，勝造七级浮屠。

（To save a person's life is better than to build a seven-story pagoda）

3.Customs and Habits

Chinese people always like to speak highly of each other when talking about each other's things， so there are many respectful expressions in Chinese， such as： “大作、贵府、贵姓”. Unlike the Chinese， one of the core values of Western culture is that “All men are created equal”， so individual freedom and dignity are inviolable， which is reflected in the lack of honorifics in the language.

4.Mindsets

The differences in mindsets are the most fundamental difference between Chinese and Western cultures. Oriental people attach importance to synthesis， induction， implication and implication. Occidental people pay attention to analysis， subtle twists and turns， excavating lest it be endless， describing lest it be improper.

5.Conclusion

By studying the cultural differences between China and the Western world， translators can bridge the gap between two distinct cultures. They can accurately convey the intended meaning while ensuring that cultural nuances are properly respected and preserved. This helps to foster effective communication and understanding between people from different cultural backgrounds.

Works Cited：

[1]曹润宇.中西思维形态差异对汉英语言的影响观察[J].学术探索，2012（04）：152-154.

[2]张法.由中西印哲学而来的语言差异谈中国的文化自觉——中西印哲学思想和语言特质比较（下）[J].探索与争鸣，2018（02）：16-23+141.

[3]ZAIXI T .THE CHINESE AND WESTERN TRANSLATION TRADITIONS IN COMPARISON[J].Across Languages and Cultures，2001，2（1）：51-72.