Abstract: The study aims to investigate the differences of polite language in the communication between China and Western countries. Then, it intends to compare some of the important pragmatics differences on polite language in the intercultural communication from the point of addressing, greeting, social intercourse, congratulation with its response and topics. This paper expounds the different rules of communication shall comply with the language environment by analyzing the different Chinese and Western cultural background. Understanding the differences can avoid the pragmatic failures and achieve success in intercultural communication．It also helps English learners to develop and improve their pragmatic competence.

Key words: pragmatic differences; polite language; intercultural communication

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework1

2.1 Definition of Politeness

2.2 Speech Act Theory

2.2.1 Locutionary Act

2.2.2 Perlocutionary Act

2.3 Politeness Principles of China and Western Countries                  

2.3.1 Politeness Principles of China 

  2.3.2 Politeness Principles of Western Countries 

3. Differences of Politeness in Cross-Cultural Communication.5

3.1 Addressing

3.2 Greeting

3.3 Social Intercourses

3.4 Congratulation and Response

3.5 Topics

4. Conclusion9

Bibliography10

Acknowledgements.11