中英拒绝语言的对比分析_英语论文

A Comparative Study of Chinese and English Refusal Language

摘要

语言能够直接反应一个人的思想和文化层次。在日常生活中，我们会遇到别人的邀请和建议，不分情况的一律采取接受的态度是不现实的，适当的拒绝是对彼此的尊重。恰当、合适的拒绝语不但能够避免伤害，更有利于维护彼此之间的关系。中英文作为世界上使用人数最多和应用最普遍的两种语言，难免有拒绝的现象。对于英语学习者，了解两种语言在拒绝语上的差异，对于学好英文是非常必要的。

本文基于一些学者对于中英拒绝语的研究和分析，详细的对比两种语言在拒绝语方面的相似和不同点。从拒绝语的方式来看，两种语言都存在直接和间接拒绝，并且倾向于间接拒绝。从礼貌原则和面子原则来看，两种语言在拒绝策略上都倾向于给出理由或借口。但是，在给出的理由方面，汉语更笼统和模糊，而英语给出的理由具体，明确。在拒绝策略上，汉语更注意针对不同层次的人，运用不同的语言。英语中就少有这种情况，对一般的人极少用头衔或敬语称呼。其差异的根本原因在于中英不同的文化背景和生活环境。

本文共分四个部分。第一章主要阐述本文的目的和意义，以及国内外的研究现状。第二章是介绍本文的理论框架并阐述拒绝语和拒绝策略的基本概念。第三章是对中英拒绝语的比较分析，并总结出两者的相同点和不同点，而且初步分析了原因。第四章是对本文的总结。

关键词：拒绝语；拒绝策略；间接拒绝；礼貌原则

Abstract

In daily life, we will receive various invitation and suggestions, but it is impossible for us to accept all these without any refusal. In this sense, appropriate refusal means respect for the other. Polite refusal cannot only avoid hurting other people’s feelings, but also doing a great favor to develop relationships. Chinese and English both contain refusal in its own language system. Grasping the difference and similarity between these two languages’ refusal expression is necessary for Chinese learners of English.  

Based on the analyses on the comparison between Chinese and English refusal, this thesis expounds the differences and similarities in detail. The similarities are that both languages have direct and indirect refusal, and both prefer the latter one. From the point of politeness principle and face theory, both languages give the reason of refusal. The differences are that Chinese is more general and vague reason for refusal, while English tends to give a specific reason. In the refusal strategies, different Chinese words and sentences with the same meaning are used for different people, while title is less used in English. The principal reason for that situation lies in the diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. 

This thesis consists of four parts. The first part expounds this thesis’ purpose and significance and this study’s current related situation; the second part introduces the basic structure of this thesis and the main concept of refusal and refusal strategies; the third part analyses the differences and similarities between Chinese and English refusal and gives the reason of the difference and similarity; the last part is the conclusion.

Key Words: refusal  refusal Strategy  indirect refusal  politeness principle