AContrastiveAnalysisofBodyLanguageinBetweenChineseandAmericanCulture

毕业论文（设计）other hand,Chinese people's gait may be thought as shy and timid.The differences are caused bythe simple reason that Americans need more space than Chinese do.Besides,there is anotherunderlying reason:Chinese culture stresses modesty,so it is improper to swagger.Standing witharms akimbo is common in America with neutral meaning.Such a posture may be adopted both bymen and women.Women adopt this posture to show their impatience.However,such a posture isregarded as a threat in China..13Sitting posture is a constant source of cultural misunderstandings.For example:Americans feelvery relaxed at home and in their private offices.They may sometimes sit on the carpeted floor orthe ground.This is taken as a dirty habit in China.When Chinese have to sit on the floor or theground,they invariably spread a handkerchief or a newspaper.Americans in turn would interpretthis to be a dirty habit because to them,handkerchiefs should not be used to mop the floor,norshould newspapers be littered here and there.When American teachers sit on the desk in class tocreate a light atmosphere,Chinese students are often shocked by that.Besides,an American in hisprivate office may lean far back in his chair or even put his legs up on desk when talking on thephone or to other people.To them,it is a sign of being relaxed.A male leader may put his legs upon the desk to show his amicability and friendliness.Nevertheless,such a posture is extremelyoffensive to Chinese..14From these differences,we may note the values,norms,and beliefs of Chinese and American ofculture,which is reflected in the nonverbal codes.In the United States,the emphasis is uponinformality,but Chinese emphasize the good manner reflected in standing or sitting.A well-knownsaying may prove it:(we should)stand as straight as a pine and sit as upright as a bell.............1526 DiStanCe153.The similarities of body language in between Chinese and American culture........................164.Conclusic0n.….172