The Cultural Differences between Chinese & English in Communication | The Cultural Differences between Chinese & English in Communication

1. Introduction

Once a group of Chinese was visiting the home of an American. As they were shown around the house, they commented, "You have a very nice home. It's so beautiful." The hostess smiled with obvious pleasure and replied in good American fashion "Thank you" ---- which caused surprise among some of her Chinese guests. Later, while conversing at the dinner table, the host remarked to the Chinese interpreter, a young lady who had graduated not long ago from a university, "Your English is excellent. Really quite fluent." To this she demurred, "No, no. My English is quite poor" ---- an answer that he had not expected and found a bit puzzling.

Was the American hostess' reply immodest, as it seemed to some of the Chinese"

Was the young Chinese interpreter's remark insincere, as it sounded to...
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