On the Differences and Similarities of Marriage between China and America英语专业毕业论文.docx

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1、On the Differences and Similarities of Marriage between China and America摘 要古今中外, 人的本性都是一样的, 都有七情六欲, 都表现喜怒哀乐, 都产生爱与恨的心理。但由于地理环境、历史背景、发展过程及其他方面的不同, 各个民族又各有其特性。与具有五千多年悠久历史的中华民族相比, 美利坚民族仅仅走完二百多年的历史征程, 中美文化自然会有相去千里的个性。美国社会张扬“个性”, 重视个人的权益和自由; 而中国社会注重伦理生活, 注重人与人之间的相互依存关系。其中较能体现中美民族文化特性的婚姻观念在中美文化中都占有一定的比重。

2、从对比中可以发现中美婚姻观念有其特有的异同之处，对进一步分析中美文化有着重要的意义。诚然, 随着社会的发展和中西文化的交流融合, 人们对中美婚姻的认识也在发生着某些细微的变化。但是根本的观念仍然未变, 因为一个民族要想长存于世, 不但要有适应时代潮流的能力和与其他民族共存共荣的心胸和气魄, 而且更重要的是坚持自己文化的根本, , 保持自己社会的特色。本文旨在对中美婚姻的异同进行研究。一种婚姻模式的形成源于多种因素，毫无疑问，文化是其中最重要的一个方面。本文从跨文化的角度来探讨婚姻差异背后的文化因素。通过对造成婚姻差异因素的深刻理解，作者展开对文化融合问题的进一步讨论。全文共分为四个部分，第一部

3、分是对婚姻的概述。通过对婚姻的定义、作用的简单阐述来对婚姻作一个叙述。第二部分是对中美婚姻相似点与不同点以及婚姻中美文化交融的论述。通过对中美婚姻的对比分析，揭示存在的相似点和不同点及文化融合现象。第三部分阐述了中美婚姻存在差异的原因。通过对中美文化的比较，透析中美婚姻存在差异的原因。第四部分，总结全文。本文重点是对中美婚姻异同进行系统研究。关键字：婚姻；文化融合；传统；观念Contents.Introduction.1.The Similarities and Differences of Marriage between China and America.1 2.1 The Simila

4、rities of Marriage between China and America22.1.1 A Dinner in Honour of Relatives and Friends.22.1.2 The Pursuit of Love.22.1.3 Husbands Pressure.22.1.4 Consuming Concept2 2.2 The Differences of Marriage between China and America22.2.1 Engagement.32.2.1.1 Engagement in China.3 2.2.1.2 Engagement in

5、 America32.2.2 The Differences of Wedding Objective.32.2.3 Clothing.42.2.4 Music.4 2.2.5 The Sense Family.52.2.6 The Education of the Children.52.2.7 Views on Divorce52.2.7.1 Rare Divorce in Ancient China.62.2.7.2 Rare Divorce in Traditional America.7 2.3 The Cultural Combination through Chinese and

6、 American Marriage.7 2.3.1Wedding dress.82.3.2 Church Wedding.92.3.3 Honeymoon.92.3.4 Civilization Marriage in China.10. Reasons of the Differences in Marriage Cultures between China and America11 3.1 Gender Roles of Marriage in Traditional America and Ancient.113.1.1 Traditional Roles of Wife in An

7、cient China.113.1.2 Traditional Roles of Husband in America.133.2 The Effect of Educational Traditions.133.3 Influences of Economical Factors in Marriage .143.3.1 Affluent Economy in China.143.3.2 Affluent Economy in America.143.4 Tolerance Levels.153.4.1 Better Ability of Tolerance in Chinese Marri

8、age.153.4.2 Less Marriage Tolerance in America.15.Conclusion.15Bibliography.17 I. Introduction Marriage as a human institution exists in all major civilizations since the dawn of time. The Mystery of Holy Matrimony draws its sacred foundation from the creation of the first man and woman, whom God ma

9、de in His own Image and Likeness and told to be fruitful and multiply? In Orthodox tradition, marriage and monasticism goes hand in hand, and are both considered holy in its calling in the service of God and His People. Most weddings contain wedding vows and a proclamation of marriage, usually by th

10、e officiant. Most weddings also involve wearing traditional clothes (i.e., kilts, white gown, red sari, etc.). A wedding is often followed or accompanied by a wedding reception.Other elements may include music, poetry, prayer or scripture. Some elements of the traditional Western wedding ceremony sy

11、mbolize the brides departure from her fathers control and entry into a new family with her husband. In modern Western weddings, this symbolism is largely vestigial.The common element in a wedding is the assumption of husband and wife roles as well as the roles of the future parents. The wedding is a

12、 special moment that marks the beginning of a new generation, a new family and a life together. This moment is recognized with traditions, ceremonies and rituals including engagement and wedding ceremonies.II. The Similarities and Differences of Marriage between China and AmericaThere are many simil

13、arities in marriage cultures between China and America. Who all give a dinner in honour of relatives, husbands all have heavier pressure than wives, and they all love each other very much.Westerners of marriage with the Chinese concept of marriage are also extremely different. Because they believe t

14、hat: marriage is purely private matter, no one can interfere at the same time the marriage does not belong moral issues. The right to choose a person and his / her favorite people to live together once found that the existing marriage is a mistake, he / she shall have a second choice. If one of the

15、couple fell in love with a third party, by any party will not be condemned. In their view: forced two people who do not live together in love is cruel. Chinas traditional concept of marriage, happiness can give their life. In Western eyes, love is love, is very simple. 2.1 The Similarities of Marria

16、ge between China and AmericaAlmost every culture has rituals to signal a change in ones life. Marriage is one of the most basic life changes for people of all cultures. So its no surprise to find many similarities traditions about getting married, even in China and America.2.1.1 A Dinner in Honour o

17、f Relatives and FriendsThey are very generous carefully at the invitation of their arrival.2.1.2 The Pursuit of Love Give parents the freedom of choice at the same time, the consequences of choosing to provide evidence that they provide special attention choose friend, betrothal, marriage the conseq

18、uences of such choices, entirely too many children that first impression or intuitive act. Parents encourage their children to “put into action”, “do it”, “to try,” and believe in practice to shorten the distance between cognition and behavior.2.1.3 Husbands PressureMen do not need to exchange ideas

19、 is not, but they are more willing to exchange and male friends, so that women are not strong woman, the man threatened. Chinese men need display of their own powerful in the face of these women, women need to be respected, so it must be a woman than his low. China in the failure of men, they need f

20、or a womans comfort.2.1.4 Consuming ConceptOwing to the modern simple wedding forms, in the modern days, many young people try to skip most of these rituals or ceremonies. They do that either because they think that new generations should not be confined by these old traditions or some do so just be

21、cause of economical reasons of trying not to spend as much money as possible. They think the expending will be paid on a better place in the future life. From a long-eye angle, it is an economic method. For example, the new couple can have a sweet moon travel with it, etc.2.2 The Differences of Marr

22、iage between China and America“Custom is the great guide of human life”, wrote Scottish philosopher David Hume. Knowing the customs of a country is, in effect, a guide to understanding the soul of that country and its people. As a foreign language leaner, we should know the culture in our target lan

23、guages country. Only in this way, we can really learn the language well. People express their culture through traditions in food, clothing, recreation, and ceremonies; through the education system and institutions of learning, including museums and libraries; and through the arts, encompassing the v

24、isual, literary, and performing arts. As a result, we will talk about the differences from some aspects.2.2.1 EngagementNo matter which part of the country, to a happy marriage is a lover at their engagement ceremony is a process to go through. However, due to various reasons, and there are China an

25、d the United States engaged in more different.2.2.1.1 Engagement in China Before getting married, young people have to pay a formal visit to each others parents. When visiting the girls parents, the boy has to bring with him the betrothal gifts in order to show sincerity. When the gifts are received

26、, then both the boy and the girl are engaged. When the girl visits the boys parents, the parents have to prepare a formal gift for the future daughter-in-law.2.2.1.2 Engagement in AmericaTraditionally, a young man asks the father of his sweetheart for permission to marry her. If the father agrees, t

27、he man latter proposes to her. Often he tries to surprise her by “popping the question” in a romantic way. Sometimes the couple just decides together that the time is right to get married. The man usually gives his fiance a diamond ring as a symbol of their engagement. They may be engaged for weeks,

28、 months or even years. As the big day approaches, bridal showers and bachelors parties provide many useful gifts. Today many couples also receive counseling during engagement. This prepares them for the challenges of married life. 2.2.2 The Differences of Wedding ObjectiveIn the Chinese ancient time

29、s, the people thought that they wanted to get an heir through wedding and raise the clans reputation. If a man wants to marriage with a woman, he must obey with his father and mother, because the wedding is an important thing for the mans family. Therefore, the man would get marriage with a woman, b

30、ut he did not love her.In the western, the marriage is private thing. Man and Woman will marry, because they love each other.2.2.3 ClothingInstead of the typical white color used in western cultures signifying purity, Chinese and even Russian bridal attire has been traditionally red. The prominent u

31、se of red is evident in Chinese culture for any joyful festivities while white is used in memorials and funerals denoting death. In Orthodoxy, red denotes martyrdom and any union between a man and a woman is a true martyrdom or death of the self for the love of one spouse and for Christ. As the cere

32、mony begins, you may follow along beginning on pg. 166 in the Red Service Book found in the pew. 2.2.4 MusicMusic is an essential part of marriage in both China and America, all of this, and not all the same.Music often played at western weddings includes a processional song for walking down the ais

33、le (ex: Wedding March) and reception dance music.Music played at Western weddings includes:1. The “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, often used as the processional and commonly known as “Here Comes the Bride” - Note: Richard Wagner is said to have been Anti-Semitic, and as a result, t

34、he Bridal Chorus is often not used at Jewish weddings.2. Johann Pachelbels Canon in D is often used as an alternative processional. 3. The “Wedding March” from Felix Mendelssohns incidental music for the Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Nights Dream, often used as a recessional. 4. The “Toccata” from C

35、harles-Marie Widors Symphony for Organ No.5, also used as a recessional. 5. Segments of the Ode to Joy, the fourth movement of Ludwig van Beethovens Ninth Symphony, sometimes make appearances at weddings; its message of unity is suitable for the occasion. 6. At wedding receptions, Der Ententanz, a 1

36、950s Swiss Oom-pah song known more commonly in America as The Chicken Dance, has become a popular part of the reception dance music. Chinese music plays an important role in creating a happy, friendly environment during the wedding ceremony. A band of musicians with gongs and flute-like instruments

37、accompanies the bride parade to grooms home. Similar music is also played at the wedding banquet. 2.2.5 The Sense FamilyIn the West, people have not been what the shackles of traditional moral values, therefore, a marriage without love, come to an end. In China, because of various reasons, even if t

38、here is no love marriage, but also continue to exist because of marriage there are many things.2.2.6 The Education of the ChildrenChinese parents know very much “in the education of children at the same time, but also in education, and examine their own personality”, parents should educate their own

39、 good quality to children who, it must strictly comply with their inner beliefs. Power forces of the moral values of children in the form of play, “moisten things silently” effect. American parents teach their children which is the key to open the door. Basically, the United States there is a consen

40、sus of the education sector, that is, parents, teachers should educate children to a certain established norms, each person can be in accordance with their respective values to choose, the important function of education is to guide them on how to choose, “to them the key to open the door they enter

41、ed the room than with a more suitable”.2.2.7 Views on Divorce“Marriage is a wise trade, in marriage order is not that maniacal, but getting more impenetrable.”(meng tian,2006:239)If people consider marriage as a trade, then when they couldnt get their profits or when then needs couldnt be content wi

42、th, which causes divorce. However, marriage is not just a trade.In a marriage wives are made to love, want to love, and expect love. Many husbands fail to deliver. Husbands are made to be respected, want respect, and expect respect. Many wives fail to deliver. The result is that find out of ten marr

43、iages land in divorce court.This craziness happens when the couples keep doing the same things over and over with the same sick effect. Marriage seems to be fertile ground for this kind of craziness. Reason for divorce is different, but mostly, it is because of the different way of delivering messag

44、es and integrating messages. “What I say is not what you hear, and what you think you bear is not what I mean at all.”(Eggerichs, 2004:39)2.2.7.1 Rare Divorce in Ancient ChinaIn the old time, a male could have several wives and only the man has the right to divorce his wife. A woman could only be ob

45、edient and loyal to her husband. The right of divorce only belongs to the man in old China; they call it “has a rest for the wife.” The freedom of marriage includes the freedom to divorce. In traditional society, marriages were very stable, and each partner would marry only once and for life. For se

46、veral thousand years Chinas divorce system did not allow women to divorce. The division of labor between mans duties outside and womens duties at home was so obvious that man owns the land, which means power and authority and wife need to obey the authority.Although woman did not have right to divorce for their weak background, which to some point lover down the percentage of divorcing, that doesnt mean man had the complete control of marriage. That society, in which man need to feed up woman. Confucius approbated that man have the priority absolute and control