Abstract：Addressing term is an inseparable part of human verbal communication. One can not only use appellations to call the attention of others, but also to show the relationship between them. Addressing terms are kinds of linguistic routines of politeness which reflect customs and conventions of a speech community. They have long been considered as a salient indicator of interpersonal relationship. Addressing term is a word or a combination of words people use in addressing others during the specific interpersonal relationships in verbal communication. It shows the social and cultural or interpersonal relationship in specific language environment. People in the society can have many social identities and always play different roles in communication. With the change of the communication goal, people also can change the role they play. The addressing term is the product of a particular culture and interpersonal cultural symbols. Language is the carrier of culture, which is an important part of culture. From intercultural point of view, this paper makes a comparison between Chinese and English addressing terms and analyses the social and cultural elements behind the differences on the basis of family structures, values and sense of hierarchy and so on. |
