Unit2英汉对比.ppt

Cultural Differences between Western Countries and China Different customs Different associations Different beliefs and values Different etiquette English vs. Chinese: Ten Pairs of Features 1.Synthetic vs. Analytic English is a synthetic language marked with inflexions (曲折变化形式) while Chinese is an analytic language without any inflection, which is usually implied in the context or explicitly shown in such words as “着、了、过”etc. For example: During the wartime, years like these would have meant certain death for many people. Many would have become beggars and others would have been compelled to sell their children. 战争期间碰到这样的年景，很多人肯定会死去，很多人会逃荒要饭，很多人会被迫卖儿卖女。 5. Impersonal vs. Personal In an English sentence, the choice of its subject often falls on the inanimate or the thing that is not living. For example, it would be preferable to say “There are eight people in his family.” than “He has eight people in his family.” This special feature of English is especially shown in writings in formal style such as news reports or scientific essays. On the other hand, we Chinese tend to pick up animate things or persons to function as the subject of a sentence. 5. Impersonal vs. Personal English uses more impersonal structures than Chinese does, as shown in the following examples: What has happened to you? 你出了什么事了？ An idea suddenly struck me. 我突然想到一个主意。 A strange peace came over her when she was alone. 她独处时感到一种特别的安宁。 Not a sound reached our ears. 我们没有听到任何声音。 Alarm began to take entire possession of him. 他开始变得惊恐万状。 Excitement deprived me of all power of utterance. 我兴奋得说不出话来。 6. Passive vs. Active As we have mentioned in the previous units, the passive voice is extensively used in English, while Chinese sentences are usually active. A few years ago it was thought unusual that programs could ever be called up by viewers to be displayed on their TV screens at home. 几年前，人们还认为，观众居然能够打电话要求在自己家里的电视屏幕上播出节目是一件稀罕事。 The volume is not measured in square millimeters. It is measured in