Abstract
This paper is to study both Chinese and English epitaph. Research starts with analyzing different features of Chinese and English epitaph texts. Then, it combines examples with theories of life value and cultural comparison, and compares the differentia between them, and further discusses the reasons. Finally, it draws conclusions of the explanation of differentia in consciousness of life value between Chinese culture and that of the English.
Keywords   Epitaph   Consciousness of Life Value   Cultural Comparison
 
 本文通过对汉英墓志铭的分析，分别总结了汉英墓志铭在形制、格式、语言、内容等的特点，并结合实例进行对比研究。以生命价值意识、中西哲学、文化等为理论框架分别对中西方人对于生命价值的观点、看法进行了研究，并对产生差异的文化方面原因进行对比和阐释。
关键词  墓志铭    生命价值意识   文化比较

Epitaph is a unique and indispensible type of writing in the human literature treasury, and is always the simplest overview and brief comment of one’s life. Epitaph cherishes very high literature value. Moreover, as a deep historical precipitation of culture, it shows the impact of traditional culture on values of individual and sense of life and death. Epitaph literature is the condensed expression of life consciousness (Zhang, 2012). Thus, research on epitaph will reveal different consciousness of life value among certain circles of people.

To reach a better understanding between different cultures and a more effective international communication, the key is to find the gap, while, different understandings of consciousness of life value is just the core of the gap. To bridge the gap, one should begin with finding differences in consciousness of life value, thus, it contributes to understanding different cultures and better international communications.