An Analysis about the culture connotation of Chinese and English names based on Hofstede’s theory
Abstract: Naming is a special social and linguistic phenomenon related to culture extensively. Name is a sign as well as an information window, through which people may better perceive a society and its culture in various aspects. The differences between Chinese and English name cultural attributes are complicated and subtle. This paper tries to explore the perspective between Chinese and English names within the cultural dimensions of Hofstede. It attempts to probe into cultural differences and implication reflected through Chinese and English names so as to help improve culture communication and mutual understanding.
Key words: name culture; Hofsted; cultural dimensions; cultural implications
从Hofstede理论分析中英文姓名特点和文化内涵
摘 要:命名,是一个特殊的社会和语言现象,其中涉及到广泛的文化。姓名是符号，同时也是一个文化窗口，它折射出一个社会，及其文化的诸多方面。关于中西姓名文化的研究很多，该论文将通过霍夫斯泰德文化理论来分析中英姓名特点和文化内涵，还是一个比较新的尝试。比较研究中英姓氏差异和文化内涵有助于跨文化交际中达到更好的的沟通和交流。
关键词：名字文化；霍夫斯泰德；文化维度；差异性；文化内涵
CONTENTS
Introduction1
1 A General Presentation about the Theory of Hofstede and a preview of the name Culture……………………………………………………1
1.1 The Value Theory of Hofstede.1
1.2 Chinese and English-speaking Name Culture…………………………………3
1.2.1 Chinese Name Culture.3
1.2.2 English Name Culture4
2. The Value differences Shown in the Name Culture of China and English-speaking countries……………………………………………5
2.1 Individualism and Collectivism6
2.1.1 The Amount and Origins of Chinese and English Names.6
2.1.2 The Structure of Chinese Names and English Names.8
2.1.3 The Meaning of Their Names8
2.2 Power Distance10
2.2.1 The Power Distance Reflecting from the Surnames’ Origins of China and English Speaking Countries.10
2.2.2 The Change and Development of Surnames of China and English-speaking Countries.11
2.2.3 The Usage of Chinese and English Names12
2.3 Masculinity and Femininity13
2.3.1 The Meaning of Chinese and English Names13
2.3.2 The Application of Chinese and English Names.14
2.4 Uncertainty Avoidance14
2.4.1 The Structural Differences and Principle of Chinese and English Names……………………………………………………………………15
2.4.2 The Changes of Chinese and English Names.16
2.4.3 Names Used in Communication.17
3. Conclusion17
Bibliography.20
