Abstract:

This paper focuses on the similarities and differences between Chinese and western figures. Firstly, the author discusses both Chinese people and westerners’ preferences to number three and eight. Secondly, the author analyzes the differences of Chinese and western figures from even numbers preferred by Chinese people, odd numbers preferred by western people and figures on taboo. Finally, the causes of such differences are analyzed from views of religion, history and cultures and linguistic features. Through the study on Chinese and western figures, this paper aims to help people understand Chinese and western cultures better and thus make cross-cultural communication smoother.

Key words: figure; differences of figures; figures on taboo; cross-cultural communication

摘要：

本文探讨中西方数字的异同之处。首先论述了中西方都偏爱数字三和八。其次，从中国人偏爱偶数、西方人偏爱奇数及禁忌数字三方面分析了中西方数字的差异。最后，笔者从宗教、历史与文化、语言特色等方面分析了造成此种差异的原因。本文旨在通过研究中西方数字，帮助人们更好地了解中西方文化，从而更顺利地进行跨文化交际。

关键词：数字；数字差异；数字禁忌；跨文化交际

1. Introduction
At present, with more and more international exchanges being held among countries all over the world, the tendency of globalization in aspects of economy, cultures and politics has accelerated. Because of different histories, cultures and social customs, each country has formed its own specific cultural background, which results in different social regulations, social values and thinking patterns in different cultures. All these factors build up the blocks in the way of achieving successful international communications. As a result, it is necessary to study the differences and similarities between two cultures.
Figures exist everywhere in our daily life. One nation’s numeral culture can also reveal its religion, history and other cultural background. After the study on Chinese and western figures, we can understand each other’s cultures better, so as to further push ahead the cross-cultural communication and cooperation between two cultures.