Abstract: This study aims to investigate the influence of the similarities and differences between Chinese and English Social Addressing. The main comparison lies in formation, meaning and functions of social addressing. Language is a part of culture and appellation is a part of language. To some extent, social addressing terms play an important role in language. The similarities of the two addressing systems will do a favor in cross-cultural communication. However the differences may be embarrassing in some circumstances. Nowadays it is of great importance to know how to use the address terms appropriately in different situations. Some suggestions are given at the ending of this study.

Key words: social address term; difference; communication

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework..1

2.1 Definition and Classification of Address Terms

2.2 Definition and Classification of Social Addressing Terms

3. Pragmatic Function of Social Addressing....6

3.1Function of Social Deixis

3.2 Politeness Function

3.3Illocutionary Function

  3.4Cultural Function

4. Contrastive Studies of Social Addressing between English and Chinese7

4.1 Similarities

4.2 Differences

   4.2.1. Different Formation Rules

   4.2.2. Different Usage of Post and Ranks

   4.2.3. Different Usage of First Name

   4.2.4. Some Unique Chinese Social Addressing

5. Findings and Suggestions.. 9

  5.1 Historical Perspective

  5.2 Cultural Perspective

  5.3 Ethic Perspective 

  5.4 Axiology Perspective

6. Conclusion11

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements14