08级考试资料《跨文化交际》

跨文化交际课程期末考试复习资料I. Give a brief definitions of the following terms (名词解释)1. Non-verbal communicationIt refers to communication through a whole variety of different types f signal come into play, including the way we more, the gestures we employ, the posture we adopt, the facial expression we wear, the direction of our gaze, to the extent to which we touch and the distance we stand from each other.2. privacyprivacy: It could be understood as the right of an individual to self-determination as to the degree to which the individual is willing to share with others information about himself that may be compromised by unauthorized exchange of such information among other individuals or organizations.3. slangWords and expressions which are regarded as very informal and so are not considered suitable for formal social situations or serious writing.4. collectivist cultureCollectivist cultures place little value on individual identity and great value on group identity. They have been labeled as “we” cultur es because basic unit is thein-group or collective.5. culture shockculture shock：It is a psychological phenomenon that is experienced most often by those who, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, in the process of adjusting themselves to a new culture.6. proverbProverbs are those popular short sayings containing words of advice or warning—are an important part of the language and culture of a society.7. intercultural communication.8. Individual CultureIndividuals tend to define themselves by the extent to which they are different from, rather than similar to other. People are encouraged to display self-confidence and assertiveness, disclosure of personal thoughts and feelings.9. CultureCulture means:(a) The arts, customs, and habits that characterize a particular society or nation.(b).The beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life.10. ProxemicsProxemics refers to the study of spatial relations. The study of proxemics includes three aspects of space: (a) fixed features of space. (b) semifixed features of space, and(c) personal space11. NormsNorms refer to rules for appropriate behavior, which provide the expectations people have of one another and of others. Norms are the outward manifestations of beliefs and values.12. IndividualismIndividualism refers to the doctrine that the interests of the individual are or ought to be paramount, and that all values, right, and duties originate in individuals. It emphasizes individual initiative, independence，individual expression, and even privacy.13. ParalanguageThe set of nonphonemic properties of speech, such as speaking tempo, vocal pitch, and intonational contours, that can be used to communicate attitudes or other shades of meaning.14.Low-context cultureCultures in which little of the meaning is determined by the message is encoded in the explicit code are labeled low-context.II. Answer the following questions(简答题)1.Give some basic rules of boys or girls interaction2. Describe the different ways in showing hospitality between Chinese culture and western cultureChinese guests always refuse offer of drinks or food to demonstrate politeness in seeming not to wish to put their host to any trouble.Sometimes an offer is not a real offer but a polite remark. After we say 'no', we usually wait for the second and third offer. If the host just brings the food or drink and ignores 'no', we ill accept it. Chinese like to press their guests to drink or eat to show their hospitality. While westerners always accept or refuse offer of drinks or food very genuinely.Their refusal is accepted as genuine.Westerners don’t to press. To press people to have food or drink after they have refused is frowned upon and can cause embarrassments.3. What are the differences on receiving gifts between Chinese and westerner?In the West, it is regarded as polite to open gifts as soon as they are given to express appreciation. In China, the situation is quite the reverse. Normally we Chinese feel that if you open the gift as soon as it is given, you might embarrass the person who gives the gift and you might be thought greedy. Therefore, Chinese people tend to open the gifts after the visitors have left.In China, many people send gifts without wrapping them, and if they wrap them, they usually tell the receiver what is inside, and the receiver will thank the sender and put the gift aside without unwrapping them since they already know what is inside. English receivers open the gifts in front of the senders of the gifts.4. Explain the term “intercultural communication competence” and its three components.The intercultural competence refers to the ability to understand and adapt the target culture. Intercultural communicative competence involves cognitive, affective and operational aspects, which are inseparable in reality. The interrelatedness of cognitive, affective, and operational components is very important in the improvement of the communicator‟s intercultural communication competence. There are also three aspects in terms of affective components: adaptation motivation, Identity flexibility and esthetic co-orientation, The cognitive aspects of intercultural communication competence are the mental capacities of comprehension and ability to understand the meanings of various verbal and nonverbal codes. Operational components are that Individuals‟ capacity to express cognitive and affective experiences outwardly is shown through specific behaviors.1. The obstacles of studying Intercultural communication2. Why do many Chinese people tend to ask about age, martial status, and even salary when first meeting one another?To them, these are open conversational topics. Knowing a person‟s age helps them use appropriate terms of address. And Chinese people pay a lot of attention to family life, so naturally talk of family members features as a common topic. As to salary, since there is a national system of salarie s, people usually don‟t consider it a secret and they talk about it openly.3 . Analyze the cultural variations in selecting negotiators in America and Japan4. What would you do if a stranger pronounced your name incorrectly?5. What are the five basic themes in individualist culture?1) There is a tendency for foreigners to treat strangers as equals, seen in the politeness with which foreigners treat out-group members and their willingness to follow public rules and laws that guarantee the rights of all. 2) There is a desire for independence and separateness, found in foreigners' needs for their own privacy and autonomy and in the freedom they give to children. 3) There is a lack of inhibition on the part of foreigners in terms of expressive behaviors, seen in their lack of concern about drawing attention to themselves and their willingness to disclose feelings and emotions. 4) There is a lack of understanding if the reciprocal bonds and duties that regulate in-group members, found in foreigners' casual attitudes towards hospitality. 5) There is a lack of concern at public displays of physical or sexual intimacy.6. Analyze the characteristics in Masculine communication culture7. What are the differences between Chinese and English Kin Terms?In Chinese culture, people refer to people strictly according to the kin terms. It is completely unacceptable to refer to one's parents by using the names. When children address relatives, Chinese kin terms tell whether they are older or younger than their father or mother. Chinese kin terms tell whether the relatives are from the mother' or father's side and whether one's brother, sister or cousin is older or younger than he/she. Chinese kin terms are also to other people who are not one's relatives; kin terms are widely used to address known or unknown peopleWhile in English culture, in some families in Western countries, some childrenaddress their parents directly by their first names. In Britain, children are expected to address the parents' brother and sisters with the title of Uncle or Aunt plus their names and sometimes simply address them by first name without a title. English kin terms don’t tell whether the relatives are from the mother' or father's side ,and there are not distinct kin terms for elder brother or younger brother. Kin terms are not as frequently used as in Chinese. In all kinds of social situations, either formally or informally, people won't use kin terms to address each other if they are not relatives.8. State six principles for effective cross-gender communication.9. What is the significance of Nonverbal Communication?Nonverbal behavior is a significant area of communication study for at least three reasons.Nonverbal behavior accounts for much of the meaning we get from conversations.Nonverbal behavior spontaneously reflects the subconsciousness.We cannot avoid communicating through nonverbal signals.Besides, nonverbal behavior is significant because nonverbal communication can be open to many interpretations.10.Describe the U.S. cultural patterns with the five value orientation categories.People in the United States generally believe in a supreme God or universal spirit and believe that they can control nature. They have a lot of faith in science and technology and are materialistic. They get a sense of identity from work and generally separate work from play. People, in the United States are efficient, practical, and see progress and change as a good thing. They place a high value on time and have a future time orientation, although they often divide it into short-term goals.People in the United States do not agree about whether humans are naturally good, bad, or a mixture of both. However, two beliefs related to human nature—rationality and mutability--- are still believed by many in the United States. One of the most fundamental beliefs of people is individualism. Associated with this belief are the ideas of self-motivation, competition, and responsibility for one‟s own actions. People in the United States also have an unshakable belief in equality. They do not believe that everyone is the same, but they do believe that everyone does or should have the same opportunities as everyone else. Last, people in the United States are conformist—it is important to stay in touch with the latest fashion in hair, clothing, and so forth.11. What does "gilding the lily" mean?12.What are the communication differences between high-and low-context cultures?13.What are the social functions of compliments14. List some study area in nonverbal communication.15. What would you do if someone asks you a question that you feel too personal?16. Explain high-context culture and low-context culture.Cultures in which little of the meaning is determined by the message is encoded in the explicit code are labeled low-context. Cultures in which less has to be said or written because more of the meaning is in the physical environment or already shared by people are labeled high context .17. Explain the definition of “collect ivist culture”a. Collectivist cultures place little value on individual identity and great value on group identity. They have been labeled as “we” cultures because basic unit is thein-group or collective.b. kindness to visitors: friendly, welcoming, and generous treatment offered to guests or strangersc. Individualism is the moral stance, political philosophy, ideology, or social outlook that stresses "the moral worth of the individual". Individualists promote the exercise of one's goals and desires and so independence and self-reliance while opposing most external interference upon one's own interests, whether by society, or any other group or institution.18. How do people from different cultures understand “silence”?The use of silence in communication is different from culture to culture. Silence can communicate agreement, apathy, awe, confusion, contemplation, disagreement, embarrassment, obligation, regret, repressed hostility, respect, sadness, thoughtfulness, or any number of meanings. In eastern cultures, silence has long been regarded as a virtue. While in western cultures, silence has generally been considered socially disagreeable. To most people in the United States, silence means lack of attention and lack of initiative. To the Chinese, silence means agreement.19. Analyze the characteristics in Feminine communication culture20. Why do we need to study intercultural communication?(1). Technological developmentThe development of new transportation and information technologies has connected all nations in ways that were possible before this century only in the imagination.(2). Widespread population Migrations(3). The changes in the international business community have compelled China to reexamine her business.(4). Development of Multiculturalism. Cultural diversity or multiculturalism will become the norm; not the exception. The public must acknowledge and adjust to difference but build on commonality.21. What are the characteristics in naming Chinese Given Names?There have existed differences in naming given names to male and female throughout the Chinese history. If we get down to the classifications of the Given Names according to the different sexes, it is not difficult to see that the differences may lie in two categories, that is, in meanings and forms. Traditionally, male given names usually suggest steel and great strength, showing great concerns about the fate and future of the nation, while female given names impress people on their beauty, elegance, fragrance, loveliness, and gentleness. Shown in the following are the ten classifications of both the sexes showing different characteristics in given names:22. State two typical situations to send flowers in business and social situationsThere are two typical situations in which flowers can be useful to businesspeople. One is to help establish a good relationship with a secretary. The other is when anexecutive is invited to someone's house. It is still more customary - all over the world - to give flowers to women rather than men, who in most cultures only receive flowers when ill. Here are some flower-giving guidelines which should keep you from falling foul of local taboos.Part III Case Analysis (You are required to state cultural phenomenon in each case)(3*20’)Case 1Xiao LI and Xiao Wang were colleagues. Xiao LI gave a lot of help to Xiao Wang financially and socially. Recently Xiao LI would get married. But he forgot inviting Xiao Wang attend his wedding. Later Xiao Wang got information about Xiao LI‟ wedding and sent RMB 500 Yuan to Xiao LI.Question: What cultural phenomenon can be reflected? Why?In Chinese culture influenced by Confucianism, if someone does a favor for you, you should return the favor to them. This is very common for Chinese people..In the philosophy of Confucianism Reciprocity are the base of relationships. Gratitude and indebtedness are important parts of Chinese culture. If a person feels uneasy to be indebted of someone, payback is necessary to achieve balance in the relationshi p.Case 2An English guest: Each time a new dish arrived his parents would lean over and load my plate with tasty morsels. As they had taken all the trouble to cook it I just had to polish it off. As soon as my plate was empty they would put more on. Of course, I felt duty-bound to eat that too.A Chinese guest: Can you imagine how many dishes I had? Only one -- a stew with meat and vegetables. The meat was over done and too hard to eat; green vegetables were no longer green. They never put food on your plate but just ask you to help yourself. If you, as a guest, are shy or modest, waiting for the food to be put on your plate, you will remain half-starved.Question: Are there any differences in hospitality between a Chinese and English? What are the reasons?Yes. The Chinese student felt disappointed at British hospitality because she used the Chinese way of showing hospitality to judge the British one. In the story taking place in China, the westerner couldn't imagine that there should be sixteen dishes prepared for her. When she ate from the eight cold dishes, she couldn't eat anymore. It is because a Western meal normally severs one main course plus a starter and sweets or desserts. The fact is that different people in the world show their differenthospitality in different ways.Case 3Li Lan had an American friend Susan. They usually had lunch together and Li Lan often asked Susan for advice on problems she faced adjusting to American society. Susan gave Li Lan a lot of advice and helped her to improve her English. Once Li Lan needed urgently a big sum of money to pay her tuition fee. Since she has no other friends in the States, she turned to Susan for help and promised that she would return the money soon.To Li Lan‟s great disappointment, this time Susan didn‟t seem happy to lend the money to her. Though Li Lan returned the money as she promi sed, they didn‟t get along well from then on.Question: Why did Li Lan feel unpleasant?Li Lan asked to borrow money from her American friend Susan, which is rarely part of Western friendship. Li Lan and Susan have different expectations of friendship.In the West, people prefer to be independent and equal rather than dependent, so they don't feel comfortable in a relationship in which one person gives more and the other person is dependent on what is given. Among friends they mostly provide emotional support to each other and spend time together, so they rarely borrow or lend money to each other. They would ask for a loan from the bank rather than from their friends.While in China, people expect their friends to be loyal to each other, and they even take risks for their friends. So they would give not only emotional support to each other but also concrete help to each other, such as helping to find a job, solving a problem, or even giving money to help one out over a long period of time. So when a friend is in need, the first person he or she wants to ask for help is naturally his/her friend.Case 4In 1997, a Danish woman from Copenhagen left her 14-month-old baby girl in a stroller outside a Manhattan restaurant while she was inside. Other diners at the restaurant became concerned and called New York City Police. The woman was charged with endangering a child and was jailed for two nights. Her child was placed in foster care. The woman and the Danish consulate explained that leaving children unattended outside cafes is common in Denmark. Pictures were wired to the police showing numerous strollers parked outside cafes while parents were eating inside. Question: What cultural phenomenon can be reflected?This case reflects one of the barriers to the effective intercultural communication----assuming similarity instead of difference. In American culture, it isillegal for parents to leave their baby alone. Whereas it is commonplace for parents to leave their baby alone in Danish culture.The Danish woman had assumed that Copenhagen is similar to New York, that what is commonly done in Copenhagen is also commonly done in New York.Case 5Describing the differences of verbal communication Styles between Chinese people and American people. Take examples to explain it.The Chinese shout be loud when talking about everything. Direct eye-contact is rare when speaking person to person. Counting on your fingers is different. Instead of just holding out the number of fingers on two hands as in America, the Chinese have specific finger signs for numbers one to ten.To indicate yourself, Americans tend to use their thumb or forefinger and point at or touch their chest. Chinese people usually point at their nose with their index finger to do so. Chinese people feel no compunction against staring at other people for long periods of time. Young people, both boys and girls up to the age of 21, engages in all manner of rough-housing, often hitting each other. Women often walk arm and arm down the streets. Men and men hold hands or embrace shoulders as they walk outside. Nothing is wrong with that if they are friends.Case 6Xie Li and Tom have been working on a scientific experiment at a British university for some months. It has not been totally successful. They are discussing the situation in the laboratory.Xie Li: I don‟t know where it went wrong!Tom: Don‟t feel so bad. Cheer up; you‟ve done your job.Xie Li: But our experiment has turned out to be a failure.Tom: Relax for a couple of days. I‟ll face the music.Xie Li: Tom, we are not playing children‟s games here. This is a scientific experiment. Tom: I‟ve never taken the experiment as child‟s play and I‟m playing the game.Xie Li: You say you‟re playing the game! It‟s a rather important experiment!Xie Li walks out of the laboratory angrily. Tom is puzzled.Question: What‟s the problem in this case?Idiomatic phrases are often misinterpreted.In English, face the music means: face reality and take the consequence and play the game means: abide competition rules. Here Xie Li misinterpreted two idiomatic phrases Tom used. First he thought that Tom didn‟t take the failure of the experiment seriously and wanted to escape from it, because he would “face the music”; secondly, he misinterpreted Tom‟s “playing the game” as that he hadn‟t done the experiment seriously, which might lead to its failure.A young Chinese officer, together with his wife, was meeting an American consultant at an airport. After phatic communication, the consultant complimented him on his wife out of politeness, “Your wife is beautiful!”The officer felt embarrassed and said, “Where! Where!”（哪里！哪里！）“Where! Where!”the consultant was puzzled and had to say,“From head to foot.”Question: What went wrong in the case and Why?In this case, the words of the Chinese conveyed a message quite different from what was intended. The Chinese officer would be suspected of “fishing for compliments”even though the remarks might have been quite sincere because the consultant was almost forced to say “Your wife is beautiful from head to foot.” Forced compliments like this can leave a bad taste in the mouth.Because as far as the responses to praise and compliments is concerned, there are great difference between Chinese people and native English speakers. Native English speakers, especially Americans tend to verbalize their compliments and accept them, whereas the Chinese tend to efface themselves to show modest. In contrast, native English speakers, in the same situation, will say Thank you or Thank you for saying so or Thanks a lot, etc. to acknowledge and accept the thanks as a kind of recognition of their individual efforts. Case 8A young Chinese woman in U.S was complimented by an American woman for the lovely dress she was wearing: "It's exquisite. The colors are so beautiful!" she was pleased but somewhat embarrassed. In typical Chinese fashion, she replied, "Oh, it's just an ordinary dress I bought in China."Question: What went wrong in the case and Why?Case 9A married couple are going to visit a friend. They have been driving around for some time looking for the street.B is angry because A refuses to stop and ask direction of someone.Question: What cultural phenomenon can be reflected?This case reflects the masculine emphasis on maintaining autonomy and not appearing weak or incompetent. Men are less likely than women to seek directions from others. Part of the reason for this may well lie in sensitivity of men to issues of status. From the perspective to ask for information and help from others implies that the person asking is inferior. From a woman's point of view, however, sharing information is a way of cementing bonds.Dedrick and Melita have been dating for two years and are very serious. To celebrate their anniversary Melita wants to spend a quiet evening in her apartment where they can talk about the relationship and be alone with each other. When Dedrick arrives, he's planned to dine out and go to a concert. Melita feels hurt that he doesn't want to talk and spend the evening alone with her.Question: could you explain the differences in communication between men and women?Case 11A Filipino couple was vacationing in England. While they were strolling along one of the main streets of London with a British acquaintance, they met another Filipino who had been residing there for some time. He was a good friend from the past, who has not seen for several years. They greeted each other warmly and continued their conversation in a loud and animated fashion using their native language. After a while the British became noticeably agitated, and turned his head away and sighed. TheFilipinos noticed the reaction, and then resumed their conversation but in a quieter tone.Question: Why did the British become agitated?Case 12An American went to Chinese home. He was offered some tea. Just when the first cup was about to finish, more tea was added. The visitor drank the second cup. Then the cup was filled the third time. Then he drank it, then…until the visitor was quite full.Question: Why did the American get quite full?The culture for treating visitors varys from country to country.In China, the Chinese host often constantly puts foot on the visitors' plate, which is an expression of hospitality. The visitors refusals are usually ignored. Westerners, on the other hand, usually leave the guest to help himself/herself and do not keep urging him/her to eat more. in China it is acceptable to leave unwanted food on the plate, whereas according to Western custom, it is impolite to do so. As result, misunderstandings occur. In this case, the American kept finishing all the tea in his cup to show his politeness. Therefore, the American got quite full.Case 13An American tourist and a Chinese couple met for the first time. They are introducing themselves like this:American tourist: It was so nice to meet you both here. I'm Lucy Webster. Thank you very much.Chinese woman: It's a pleasure. I'm Li Hong, and this is my husband. Welcome to China, Miss Lucy.American tourist: Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Li. Would both of you like a cup of coffee?Chinese couple: No, thanks.Question: What went wrong in the case and Why?1)The American tourist thinks that Li Hongs surname is her husband's surname, because she is unaware of the fact that in China women still use their own surnames after marriage.2) Li thinks that "Miss" is a respectful term of address for any female English speaker, but unaware of the fact that in America it is not used before someone's first name. She also mistakes the given name "Lucy' for the surname.Case 14Lee, an overseas student from China, once had a talk with his American classmate Tom.Lee: It really puzzles me that you Americans thank people all day long: When the teacher answers your questions, when your mother buys you a book that you need, when a wife brings her husband a cup of coffee and so on.Tom: Well, when I finished my tour in China, I said "thank you" to the interpreter who accompanied me during the tour. The interpreter replied, "It's my duty to do so."I can't help thinking what he means, "I had no choice but to do it, because it is my duty. Otherwise I would not have done so."Questions: What makes Lee puzzled and why? Is the interpreter's reply appropriate in the English context?1) A Chinese student would always thank his/her teacher for the latter's help, but would seldom do so to his/her parents because Chinese people don't usually say "Thank you" to those who are very close. They would rather choose some implicit ways to show their gratitude and concern, such as saying something like "leile ba?"(累了吧) "Xingku le."( 辛苦了) "kuai xiexie ba," (快歇歇吧)etc. But one traditional Chinese concept holds that it is the duty of the young and the junior to do something for the elderly and the senior, and so the latter don't have to say thanks.2) Saying "Thank you" is very common in America, even between parents and children, husband and wife for very small and ordinary things. So they thank all day long. They use words like "Please", "Excuse me", "Thank you" in daily conversation, whether between intimates or between strangers.。