Comparisons and Cultural Implications between Chinese and English Surnames 英语专业毕业论文.docVIP

Comparisons and Cultural Implications between Chinese and English Surnames Abstract Surname is a personal symbol as well as an information carrier; through it people can perceive a society and its culture in various aspects. Thus Chinese and English surnames should be treated not only as a sign system for identification but also as a social and cultural phenomenon which reflects the similarities and differences between the eastern and western nations. This paper attempt to probe into comparisons and culture implication reflected through Chinese and English surnames so as to enhance cross-cultural awareness and improve communication and mutual understanding Key words Surnames similarities differences cultures implications communication 1 Introduction As one of the most stable personal identity of human beings, a personal surname is the symbol of the distinction of blood relationship, which is closely related to the religion, history and tradition of a nationality and a component of the language and culture of a country. In the course of human history, different nationalities have their own characteristics, but they may have something in common. By comparisons and contrasts, we will have a general understanding of national cultural psychology which will help us in cross-culture communication 2 Literature review Name is an old topic which has been discussed several times. There are many research concern about names, for example, name and culture, female discrimination in name, the changing of English name. However, comparing with the booming of name study, the study of surname was much less, mostly were just mentioned a little when talking about names. And the discussion was limited in a few perspectives, such as the origin of surname, or the relationship between surname and name, which was neither professional nor comprehensive. In fact, compared with name, the inheritance of surname is more stable, and can reflect the characteristics of a group better. The developm