Abstract
The name is a special language and cultural phenomenon. As we all know, everyone born in this life will have a specific name for themselves. Thus as a unique cultural phenomenon, names reflect many aspects of human society, for examples, language, history, geography, religion. To be truth, all kinds of names are complicated and colorful, so it is amazing and meaningful to discover the similarities and differences between Chinese names and English names.
Name is a symbol. It is a sign that people distinguish each other in the society. Every one of us will get a name since we were born. From then on, the name will be accompanied by our life and death, honor and disgrace, some people express their wishes with their names, some give it a certain spirit, and some use their names to symbolize something. Therefore, the name is bound to be a profound cultural brand. Owing to the influence of different ethnic cultures, history, religion, language and geographical environment, the names of Chinese and English have both similarities and differences. With further research, we will have more impressions on western culture, so it is beneficial for English learning, promoting the development of international culture exchange.
Keywords: Names; Chinese culture; Western culture; Differences
Contents
Abstract I
Contents II
1. Introduction 1
2. Differences in name structure between Chinese and English 2
2.1 Composition of Chinese names 2
2.2 Composition of English names 2
2.3 The cultural differences reflected in the composition of Chinese and English names 2
3. Differences in name sources between Chinese and English 4
3.1 The origin and meaning of Chinese names 4
3.2 The origin and meaning of English names 4
3.3 Cultural differences reflected in the names and meanings of Chinese and English names 5
4. Cultural differences reflected in names 6
4.1 Differences in clan idea 6
4.2 Differences in religious view 6
4.3 Some unique cultural differences between Chinese and Western cultures 7
5. Conclusion 8
References 9
