数字七在中西方文化中的差异.docVIP

The Differences of Number Seven in Chinese and Western culture [Abstract] Language is the carrier of culture. All languages in the world are rooted in some specific cultural contexts, reflecting the specific cultural background and national emotions. Numbers, as the indispensable elements of all languages, definitely play an important role in people’s daily life. The way people use numbers belongs to a nation’s specific culture, containing ethnic and cultural implications. It is clear that numbers have different origins and meanings in the different culture backgrounds. As for the number seven, Chinese people give the number both positive and negative emotions and meanings. While in Western countries, the number seven is a beloved number, representing holy, luck and happiness. The differences of the number seven in different cultures would be discussed in this paper. And the reasons that lead to these differences would be explored as well. Based on the analysis of different cultural backgrounds, it is easier for us to use numbers appropriately and avoid misunderstanding in cross-cultural communication. [Key words] Number; Seven; Nation; Communication; Meaning 数字七在中西方文化中的差异 [内容摘要] 语言是文化的载体，世界上任何一种语言都是植根于特定的文化之中，反映着特定的文化背景和民族情感。数字作为语言中不可或缺的组成元素，在人们日常生活中扮演着重要的角色。人们使用数字的独特方式是特定文化的产物，包含着其民族性和文化底蕴。在不同的文化背景中，数字有着不同的起源和寓意。对于数字“七”，中国人赋予它双重的情感和意义，有凶有吉，有好有坏。而在西方国家，人们对“七”情有独钟，它代表着圣洁，好运以及幸福。本论文旨在研究数字“七”在不同文化下的含义，分析造成这种区别的主要原因。在理解包容不同文化背景的前提下，方便人们恰当使用数字沟通，避免在跨文化交流中引起误会。 [关键词] 数字；七；民族；交流；含义 I. Introduction 1.1 Background Numbers have been slowly developed since the birth of human beings. They are the results of human beings’ exploration for better communication and better way of living. Tu Chaolian and Chen kun think that “Numbers are created to meet the needs of society with the help of symbols, signs and semiotics when human beings develop to a certain stage” (TU Chao-lian, 2011: 276). There is no denying that numbers