中美面子保全策略的对比研究-以《大圣归来》和《功夫熊猫》为例_英语论文

A Comparative Study on Chinese and American Face-Saving Strategies  Exemplified by Monkey King:Hero is Back and Kungfu Panda

摘要

已有的研究主要就外交发言人的演讲、教师课堂反馈语和中国古典文学中的面子挽救策略进行了分析，而中美文化中面子挽救策略的对比研究不多。本文基于面子理论，以《大圣归来》和《功夫熊猫》为语料，对比分析了中美面子挽救策略。研究表明，中国经常使用答非所问、善意的谎言、恭维语和体态语等挽救面子；美国使用答非所问、直言不讳、委婉语、冗长的陈述和体态语等挽救面子；两国的相同之处在于都使用了答非所问和体态语，不同之处在于美国更倾向于个人面子的维护，而中国则倾向于维护他人面子。这主要是因为中美两国的价值取向和文化背景不同。本研究能帮助人们进一步了解中美文化差异，以便更好地融入异域社会，协调人际关系，和谐沟通。

关键词：面子理论；面子挽救策略；《大圣归来》；《功夫熊猫》；比较

Abstract

The researches on face-saving strategies have been mainly carried out in political speeches, teachers’ feedback and the Chinese classical literature. While the comparative studies of face-saving strategies in Chinese and American culture are few. Based on the face theory, this thesis analyzes the similarities and differences of face-saving strategies between China and America on the basis of Monkey King: Hero is Back and Kungfu Panda. This thesis indicates that the Chinese often use irrelevant answers, white lies, compliments, body language and paralanguage to save face. While Americans often use strategies like irrelevant answers, straight talk, euphemism, lengthy statements and body language to maintain face. The similarities between the two countries are the use of irrelevant answers and body language. The differences lie in that the Americans tend to maintain their own face, while the Chinese tend to maintain the face of others. This is mainly because that the values and cultural background of China and the United States are different. This thesis can not only help people further understand the cultural differences between China and America but also help people get along with foreigners. Besides, it can also help people coordinate interpersonal relationships and achieve a harmonious communication.

Key words:  face theory  face-saving strategies  Monkey King:Hero is BackKungfu Panda  comparison    

Contents

Acknowledgments I

Abstract II

摘要 III

Chapter One Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction to Face-saving Strategies 1

1.2 Reasons for the Present Study 1

1.3 Significance of the Study 1

1.4 Structure of This Thesis 2

Chapter Two Previous Studies on Face-saving Strategies 3

2.1 Face-saving Strategies in Political Speeches 3

2.2 Face-saving Strategies in Teachers’ Feedback 3

2.3 Face-saving Strategies in A Dream of Red Mansion 4

Chapter Three Face-saving Strategies in Monkey King: Hero Is Back 5

3.1 Introduction to Monkey King:Hero Is Back 5

3.2 Linguistic Strategies 5

3.2.1 Irrelevant Answers 5

3.2.2 White Lie 5

3.2.3 Compliment 6

3.3 Nonverbal Strategies 6

3.3.1 Body Language 7

3.3.2 Paralanguage 7

Chapter Four Face-saving strategies in Kungfu Panda 9

4.1 Introduction to Kungfu Panda 9

4.2 Linguistic Strategies 9

4.2.1 Straight Talk 9

4.2.2 Irrelevant Answers 9

4.2.3 Euphemism 10

4.2.4 Lengthy Statements 10

4.3 Nonverbal Strategies 11

Chapter Five Comparison of Chinese and American Face-saving Strategies 13

5.1 Similarities 13

5.1.1 Use of Irrelevant Answers 13

5.1.2 Use of Body Language 13

5.3 Differences 13

5.2.1 Use of Straight Talk in American Culture 13

5.2.2 Use of Compliment in Chinese Culture 14

5.2.3 Use of Paralanguage in Chinese Culture 14

5.4 Reasons for Differences 14

Chapter Six Conclusion 16

6.1 Findings 16

6.2 Suggestions for Further Study 16

References 17