Abstract: Address terms are word systems that used frequently to address a person or object in social communication. It can reflect the speaker's role, family, social status and relationships. What’s more, Address terms are to some extent dependent on the development of society, history, background in different cultures between English and Chinese and every language has its own address terms. This study aims to discuss the different usage of address terms in English and Chinese and the causes of these differences so that making it easier and more convenient in cross-cultural communication between east and west.

Key words: address terms; contrast between English and Chinese; national culture; cross-cultural communication

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction.1

1.1Literature Review

1.2Purposes and Aims of the Study

1.3Introduction of Address Terms

2.The Contrast of Address Terms Between English and Chinese.2

  2.1 Synchronicity

2.1.1 Strangers, Common people, Intimate persons’ Address Terms

2.1.2 Name Terms, Kinship Terms, Titles

2.1.3 Importance and Reasons for the Choice of Address Terms

  2.2 Diachronicity

    Diachronic Study of Some Particular Words 

3. Reasons for the Choice of Address Terms6

  3.1 Different Social Formation

  3.2 Different National Culture 

  3.3 Different Education and Religion  

4. Conclusion8

Acknowledgments.10

Bibliography 11