Abstract: Nowadays, with China’s growing economic strength and enhancing international status, Chinese culture is playing an increasingly important role in the world arena. In recent years, “Chinese elements” gradually emerges in American TV series, representing various images of China. This paper aims at analyzing the Chinese elements in American TV series from the perspective of intercultural communication. With the study and analysis of some specific cases, the author summarizes the main features and manifestations of the Chinese elements in American TV series and interprets the images of China in these American TV series in this paper, while explores the inspirations for the communication and construction of Chinese culture at the same time.  

Key words: Chinese elements; intercultural communication; American TV series; globalization

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Theoretical framework 1

2.1. Definition of Chinese elements

2.2. Classifications of Chinese elements

2.3. Characteristics of Chinese elements

3. Chinese elements and China’s image in American TV Series4

3.1. The visible concrete images

3.1.1. Characters and language

3.1.2. Food

3.1.3. Chinese people

3.2. The invisible abstract spirits

3.2.1. Chinese thoughts

3.2.2. Traditional Chinese medicine

4. Intercultural communication of Chinese elements in American TV series8

4.1. Reasons for emergence of Chinese elements in American TV series 

 4.1.1. Political reasons

 4.1.2. Economic reasons

 4.1.3. Cultural reasons

4.2. Inspiration from intercultural communication of Chinese elements

5. Conclusion11

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements14