A Comparative Study of English and Chinese Apologies (英语论文).doc

A Comparative Study of English and Chinese Apologies 1. The Comparison of the Apology Strategies From this table, we may draw some conclusions about the similarities of these apology strategies. Both English and Chinese use Strategy (3), giving an explanation or account frequently, and both English and Chinese seldom use Strategy (6), promise of forbearance. Similarities As for the first similarity, we may relate it to the “face” problem, which is explored by many scholars in history. George Yule (2000) states his opinion in his book Pragmatics, “As a technical term, face means the public self-image of a person. It refers to that emotional and social sense of self that everyone has and expects everyone else to recognize”(2000:60). Some scholars divide the concept of “face” into two aspects: the “positive face” and the “negative face”, and put forward the “face-saving theory”. The “positive face” means the need of being accepted and approved by the collective. The “negative face” means the need of freedom, independence and not be bothered by other people. When one’s behavior threats the “face” of the other person, the offender should take the face-saving action to make the remedy. Therefore, saving the “face” of the offender himself or herself, and giving the “face” to the listener at the same time are the principles both Chinese and English apologies obey. When we are in a situation that we have to apologize for our faults, giving an appropriate explanation is the most decent way for both sides. It will not only remove the unhappiness, but also take the “face” problem into account. Differences Compared with the similarities, there are many differences between two languages, which deserve much of our attention. From the survey above, we may find obvious contrast on some specific strategies, especially on Strategies (1), (4), (5) and (7). Choosing the certain apology strategy is affected by lots of elements, such as the culture, the social value, and the mode of th