Abstract: This thesis aims to investigate table polite language and cultural differences between China and Britain. Firstly, comparisons of table polite language between China and Britain are carried out in terms of address, praise, humility, privacy and gratitude. Secondly, the reasons of these differences are analyzed on the basis of different values, ethical concepts and ways of thinking. Lastly, this paper expounds cultural differences between China and Britain reflected from table polite language through the relationship between cultures and politeness and different cultural patterns.

Key words: polite language; table polite language; polite principles; cultural differences

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.1

  2.1 Definition and Functions of Polite Language

  2.2 Analysis of Polite Principles

  2.3 Definition of Table Polite Language

3. Differences of Table Polite Language between China and Britain 3

3.1 Address

3.2 Praise

3.3 Humility

3.4 Privacy

3.5 Gratitude

4. Causes of Differences of Table Polite Language between China and Britain .6

4.1 Different Values

4.2 Different Ethical Concepts

4.3 Different Ways of Thinking

5. Chinese and British Cultures Reflected from Table Polite Language7

  5.1 Relationship between Cultures and Politeness

  5.2 Different Cultural Patterns

6. Conclusion9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgments11