Abstract: This study describes the differences in various aspects of interpersonal communication between Chinese neighborhood and American neighborhood on the basis of the analysis of the vivid plots which show the lives of four beautiful housewives with different characters in the US TV series Desperate Housewives. Then it analyzes the differences between American and Chinese interpersonal communication. This paper concludes that understanding of cultural differences should not be confined only to their distinctive practices. Instead, delving into the natural as well as the historic and social environments in which these cultures are rooted is vital to a better understanding of the cultural differences. 

Key words: US TV series; styles of interpersonal communication; cultural differences between China and the U.S.; causes of cultural difference

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

1.1 Introduction of Desperate Housewives

2.Definition of Interpersonal Communication1

2.1 Definition

3. Different Types of Interpersonal Communication.2

  3.1 Ways of Greeting or Farewell

  3.2 Appellation

  3.3 Attitude towards Respective Territory Division

  3.4 Attitude towards New Neighbors

  3.5 Credibility

4. Analysis of Differences..4

  4.1 American Individualism vs. Chinese Collectivism

  4.2 Attitudes towards Distance of Power 

  4.3 Degree of Avoidance of Uncertainties

  4.4 Masculinity vs. Femininity

5. Conclusion..8

Bibliography ....10

Acknowledgment ....11