Abstract

As an important aspect of non-verbal communication, transmission of time has deep cultural connotations. Differences in the tradition of the Eastern countries and the Western countries result in the people’s different time concepts. In cross-cultural communication, communicative barriers or errors occur frequently due to the differences in time concepts. This thesis attempts to discuss and make some comparative studies on time concept between the American and the Chinese, and also gives the readers a general idea of cross-cultural communication barriers. Discussing the influence on cross-culture communication based on the time concept is conducive to deeper understanding and to grasp the Chinese culture and time orientation. It is hoped that it will be helpful to develop people’s communication abilities and avoid contradictions and conflicts in intercultural activities.

Key words: the concept of time; cultural conflicts; comparison; 

          intercultural communication

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2.Literature Review-1

3. The Differences in Chinese and American Time Concept-2

3.1 The line-type time outlook and the round-type time outlook-2

3.2 Mono-chronic time and poly-chronic time-4

3.3 Past-time orientation and future-time orientation-6

4. Conflicts Caused by the Differences of Time Concept-8

4.1 Presentation on time.8

4.2 Invitation before visit 8

4.3 Help for old people-9

5. Illumination for Cross-cultural Communication-9

5.1 Understanding the differences and face them bravely-9

5.2 Learning and drawing lessons from others.10

6. Conclusion.12

Works Cited-13