论文总字数：31955字

摘 要

央视英语新闻频道是中国唯一一个二十四小时英文播报的频道，旨在为全球观众提供一个更好了解中国的平台，同时从中国视角对国际时事新闻做出分析。随着中国与国际的联系越来越紧密，一些文化差异问题变得突出起来。基于对央视英语新闻频道文化快讯栏目新闻稿的研究，本文试图从跨文化角度，尤其是词的内涵意义等方面比较分析这些语言现象。同时，在文末也为更有效地进行沟通提出了几点意见 。

关键词：央视国际；语言现象；跨文化交际；文化内涵词

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Literature Review 1

2.1 The Study of Intercultural Communication in China 1

2.2 The Research of External Communication via TV in China 2

3. The Analysis of Linguistic Phenomenon on CCTV-News 3

3.1 The Development of CCTV Foreign Language Programs 3

3.2 The Influence of CCTV-News in the World 4

3.3 Four Categories of Cultural Connotation Words 5

4. Some Possible Suggestions for CCTV-News 12

5. Conclusion 13

Works Cited 14

1. Introduction

“Let the world know China and let China enter the world” has been the foundation of CCTV-News. This channel gives priority to news and news programs, and special subjects, culture and art shows as supplement. It is the only 24-hour English Channel in China. It reports news and current affairs timely, accurately and objectively both at home and abroad. It also introduces the Chinese history, geography, culture and natural scenery, etc.

CCTV-News spreads Chinese culture in English and gives people at home the opportunity to learn English. It is an important channel connecting overseas Chinese, and opens a window for the Chinese people to understand the world. It has a higher rating in the overseas Chinese. What’s more, Chinese students like this channel, because it can improve their English and let them know the world better.

Because the target audiences of CCTV-News are well-educated college students and foreigners working in China, they prefer the English media, and thus have a higher demand on the quality of the programs. Based on this, this essay tries to broadcast traditional Chinese culture, introduce basic western culture concepts and show current Chinese cultural mainstream, which will help find out how this channel functions as a bridge between China and the West. However, during the study of the transcript of Culture Express, some imperfections have been found, including the lack of explanation of some Chinese culture, the lack of background information and the ignorance of today’s China. From the perspective of an ordinary English-major student, some suggestions are put forward for better communication.

2. Literature Review

2.1 The Study of Intercultural Communication in China

Intercultural communication seeks to understand how people from different countries and cultures behave, communicate and perceive the world around them.

In his book, Intercultural Communication from Theory to Practice, Chen Zhian, Li Li and Liu Chengyu have reviewed the study of intercultural communication in China (Chen, Li and Liu,2005：4). They believe that intercultural communication study began with Xu Guozhang’s article “cultural-loaded words and English Language teaching” (1980). He Daokuan for the first time introduced in detail the contents of the study, its theoretical bases and development abroad in his article “Introducing a new subject—intercultural communication” (1983).

From then on, more and more groups of scholars become interested in this field and a lot of academic works have been published ,such as Deng Yanchang and Liu Runqing’s “ Language and Culture”(1989), Gu Jiazu’s Language and Culture (1990), Guan Shijie’s International Communication (1995), Hu Wenzhong’s Language and Communication(1994) and International Communication and English Learning(1997), An Introduction to International Communication(1999), Jia Yuxin’s International Communication (1997), etc. Moreover, the National Intercultural Communication Conference is held every other year since 1995.

2.2 The Research of External Communication via TV in China

External communication via TV is an essential part of China’s external communication cause, which has played an important role in transmitting Chinese culture, shaping our nation’s image as well as strengthening our international power of discourse. At the same time, it is also an integral component of the whole television broadcasting business, presenting a new, fast-changing landscape.

In the recent twenty years, the development of our nation’s TV broadcasting business not only lies in the increasing channel numbers, but also in the change of broadcasting concepts, models and the methods. In particular, the broadcasting concepts have transformed from “propagandizing” to “publicizing”.

Li Yu, a professor in Peking University, has done a lot in the field of external communication. During his study, he found that although we have accumulated abundant experience in external communication in practice, as to the theoretical research, it may lag far behind the fast-speeding development of real work. Moreover, so far, there is not a systematic and theoretical work on external communication via TV only. Instead, the external communication as a whole has witnessed the publishment of a large number of works, including Contemporary External Communication (《当代对外传播2003》) by Guo Ke, A Brief Study on External Communication (《对外传播学初探》2004) by Duan Lianchen, External Communication from Theory to Practice ( 《对外传播的理论和实践》2004) by Shen Suru, The Spread of China’s Image (《国家形象传播》2006) by Zhang Kun , and International Communication :Exploration and Construction (《国际传播：探索与构建 》2009) by Wang Gengnian，etc. In addition , a national seminar on international communication is held every other year（Li Yu ,2013: 4）.

3. The Analysis of Linguistic Phenomenon on CCTV-News

3.1 The Development of CCTV Foreign Languages Programs

Before setting up a specific foreign language channel, there were just some foreign language programs in China. CCTV-News, a program intended for diplomats, businessmen and overseas students in China, was once broadcast on CCTV-2 since 1986 and then was shifted onto CCTV-4 in 1993. Later on, CCTV plays a greater role in the external publicity: the establishment in 2000 of the English news channel CCTV-9 is followed by the creation in 2007 of CCTV-E and CCTV-F, the news and entertainment channels in Spanish and in French, respectively. In 2009 the portfolio of CCTV’s international channels is enriched by the creation of two news channels, one in Arabic and one in Russian. All the above initiatives mark the internationalization of China’s mainstream Chinese media in the framework of the “going out” strategy, aiming to make the Chinese language, culture, and media more visible internationally. The use of foreign languages is considered as a priority in this strategy as serving as a bridge to strengthen communication and understanding between China and other countries (Li Yu, 2013: 141).

CCTC-NEWS, China’s only 24-hour English language channel was once called CCTV-9. After the revision on 26 April, 2010, it focuses on the Asian issues and tries to voice our own opinions. What’s more, CCTV-News strives to change its broadcasting methods and the setting of programs to meet the demands of overseas audiences (He Yujie, 2010:74).

3.2 The Influence of CCTV-News in the World

China’s English-language channels have entered a new era of development ever since the country’s opening-up policy. Up to now, there have been three Chinese English-language channels broadcast in the United States. They are: China Central Television (CCTV), China Xinhua News Net Work Corp (CNC) and Blue Ocean Network (BON). They have developed at an even faster pace since the 21st century (Li Yu, 2013: 287). It is mainly symbolized by China’s first 24-hour-channel CCTV-9 across the country in 2000. It is worthwhile to study this relatively successful channel since it has certain influences on Chinese culture and help make the audience better English learners.

According to a recent survey on the influence of CCTV-News in Asia, some problems have been found（Zhai Xiufengamp; Zhou Zhimin,2012: 81）. In this survey, three groups of people have been involved: they are Asians, Africans as well as the Europeans with access to CCTV-News. For them, the Internet is their first choice when it comes to obtaining information, while television and interpersonal communication comes to the second. Also, 52% of the Asian audiences have watched CCTV-News before, with Asia Today as their favorite program. As to the contents, international news is their priority, especially with some profound analysis.

In addition, about 56% of the audiences in this survey believe that Chinese media represented by CCTV-News have a relatively great effect all over the world. The most trusted media by the Asia audiences are ：BBC World News, CNN, FOX News，NHK World TV and CCTV-News. As a channel with a history of two years, such a rating is undoubtedly a compliment to this channel.

Within the three groups of audiences, Africans trust CCTV-News most, while Asians the second and Europeans the least. For Europeans, the influence of European and American media and the negative publicity of China contribute to their lack of confidence in Chinese media. Some key words have been put forward by the foreign audiences, and they are: language barrier, free speech, objectivity, etc.

In a word, CCTV-News has achieved a good identity in Asia, and will open avenues for greater international influence and identity.

3.3 Four Categories of Cultural Connotation Words

Since China has played a greater role in the world economy, it has a stronger say respectively, which can be seen from the success of CCTV-News. As a result, lots of people have been studying this channel at a syntactic or a textual level rather than at a word level.

Of all the elements that consist of a language, words are the most essential part and the cultural differences can be seen at a word level. The explanations of words can reflect the nation’s ethnical and cultural differences.

In China, according to Jia Yuxin (Jia Yuxin, 1997: 235), words can be divided into four categories from the perspective of their cultural connotations, they are: the total-colliding words, the half-colliding words, the total-loss words and the half-loss words. In the following parts, some examples are put forward to find out whether the literal meanings of the expressions on Culture Express match the cultural connotations. Through the study of the transcript of Culture Express on CCTV- News from Sep 20 to Oct 20, 2013, some examples are found to support the statement.

3.3.1Total- colliding Words

Total-colliding words are the words which have the same literal meaning, but with totally different connotations. In the western world, a bat is a kind of wicked animal, which is closely related to evils and the forces of darkness. However, in China, the connotations of bats are totally different. Because in Chinese, 蝠（bats）and 福（happiness）are homophonic, a bat is always regarded as a symbol of happiness. A red bat always means “the most favorable auspices”, for 红蝠（red rats）and 洪福 (the most favorable auspices) share the same pronunciation (Zhang Xingzhen,2007: 99). A similar example is the word “peasant”. It has a derogatory or negative connotation in English-speaking countries but in China it is usually a neutral word, as the government promises to “解决三农问题” (农民，农村，农业，i.e. to take measures to develop economy in the farming areas and help peasants to improve living conditions and social welfare)（Zhang Ningguang,2010: 215）. An example from Culture Express is as follows:

Kunqu Opera “A Dream of Red Mansions” up for top award (Kungqu Opera “A Dream of Red Mansion”, source: cctv.com|10-17-2013 09:05BJT)

A Dream of the Red Mansion is a masterpiece written by Cao Xueqin in Qing dynasty. The color word “red” will be discussed as well as the underlying meaning of the title.

The color red is a positive word in the Chinese language and we usually use red to convey some special meaning, such as 红榜 (honor roll), 红包 (red pocket containing money as a gift), 红娘 (matchmaker), 红利 (bonus), 红火 (flourishing), 满堂红 (all-around victory), etc. Also, in some words like 又红又专（social-minded and professionally competent）, red can also symbolize revolution or being loyal to the party. Similarly, the word red can also mean revolution in the English but with some negative meaning. Moreover, in some English phrases, red may remind us of violence, like a red battle, have red hands, etc ( Deng Yanchang amp; Liu Runqing, 1989：58).

As to “red mansion”, it is the literal meaning of the word “红楼”. Even though it was translated by the great translator Yang Xianyi, it may not cover the true meaning of the author. For “红楼”and “朱门” refer to the residences of the ancient aristocrats rather than a red mansion only. Here, “红楼”contains the meaning of a place where single girls live before they get married. However, it still differs from “boudoir” in the English language, for “红楼” also contains a kind of closure. Girls in ancient China live in an isolated life, where talking or speaking to an unknown man is forbidden by their fathers and brothers. In this sense, we can translate the title into “A dream of girls”, because it is girls’ dream of love and freedom that the author wants to express in this novel.

3.3.2 Half- colliding Words

Half-colliding words refer to the words that have the same literal meaning but the cultural connotations are partly the same. Here are some examples: in most English-speaking countries, “intellectuals” include only people with high academic status such as college professors. In Chinese culture, however, “知识分子” generally include people who have had a college education; and in some rural areas, even senior high school students are referred to as “知识分子”. So the Chinese “知识分子” covers a much larger range of people than its counterpart in English (Deng Yanchang amp; Liu Runqing,1989：25). Another example is “drugstore” and “药店”. A “药店” corresponds to a “drugstore” in American English or to a “chemist’s shop” in British English. In a “药店”, medicines and some kind of medical apparatus are sold. In a “drugstore” or a “chemist’s shop”, however, medicines, toiletries, and various other small articles (soft drinks, cosmetics, magazines, etc) are sold. One can buy most kinds of medicine in a “药店”. In a “drugstore” or a “chemist’s shop”, one can buy only a few kinds of medicine without a doctor’s prescription. Here is an example from CCTV-News.

Exclusive: “A Touch of Sin”: a modern version of wuxia (Exclusive: “A Touch of Sin”: a modern version of wuxia |10-09-2013 08:22 BJT Special Report)

Wuxia is a broad genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists. Although wuxia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms such as Chinese opera, films, television series and video games. It is a component of popular culture in many Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

Internationally, the celebrated director Ang Lee made the concept of wuxia a hit to the West through the film Crunching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Typically, the heroes in wuxia fiction are often from the lower social classes of ancient Chinese society. Wuxia heroes are usually bound by a code of chivalry that requires them to right wrongs, fight for righteousness, remove an oppressor, redress wrongs and bring retribution for past misdeeds. As a unique art form in China, wuxia does imply some differences from the chivalry of the medieval Europe and the America’s gunslingers.

Since the day the word “wuxia” appeared, it belongs to the grass-rooted class. The essence of the wuxia ethic is a moral standard to regulate interpersonal relationships among the common people. It has captured the essence of Confucianism, the Taoism as well as Zenism, and is considered as a classic symbol of the Oriental culture.

As to the combination of “wu” and “xia”, it can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Han Feizi (BC281—BC233), the founder of the Legalism, made it clear that “literary intellectuals are Confucian scholars while warrior humans are xia.” The statement may at first strike one as extreme, but it revealed the truth that “wuxia” and Confucianism are of the same origin. The two compete with each and influence each other. Moreover, wuxia and Confucianism become more integrated with each other. “Wu” can make you fit, which coincidences with the self-cultivation in the Confucianism and Zenism and the immortality in Taoism.

At this point, “wu” is not only a combat with skills and weapons in the ancient times. It has ascended into an ethic, a culture and even a symbol of a nation. It has become a unique collectively unconscious personality cult, a national complex of the pursuit of a perfect personality.

Now, we live in a society with more and more fierce competition. However, wuxia, which emphasizes on righteousness, fraternity and mutual benefit, provides a most convenient way to return to a “utopia” in a traditional sense. It has already become a Chinese moral paradise, maintaining a strong lasting vitality (Liu Feiamp; Li Kaiping, 2008：131).

3.3 .3 Total-loss Words

The total-loss words are those that are exclusive in one culture. They just exist in one culture, while you can not find it in another culture. China is a country with a long history, which has a great effect on different sides of our lives. For example, we have some unique traditional festivals, such as the Spring Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-autumn Day, and so on. Also, Chinese fashion and accessories are also very different from those in the west: we have Cheongsam, Tangzhuang, as well as the Chinese Knot. The traditional Chinese medicine is also an important source of the Chinese language. We can see acupuncture, tuina (massage), and qigong in Chinese only (Liu Fei amp; Li Kaiping, 2008：131). What’s more, Chinese folk legends and ancient idioms also contain a lot of unique expressions, such as “万事俱备，只欠东风” (All is ready except what is crucial) and “完璧归赵” ( return something to its owner in perfect condition), etc (Deng Yanchang amp; Liu Runqing, 1989：73). Here are some examples from Culture Express to support the statement.

He carries off the “Jing” or the primary painted-face role in “You and Me” with impeccable precision and fervor.（Zhang Yimou dabbles in Peking Opera，source：cctv.com|10-02-2013 11:14 BJT）

According to Liu Fei and Li Kaiping (Liu Fei amp; Li Kaiping, 2008：157), Beijing Opera, more commonly known as Peking Opera to the west, is deemed the national opera in China. The accompanying music, singing and costumes are all fascinating and artistic. Since it enjoys a higher reputation than other local operas, almost every province of China has more than one Beijing opera troupe who is called “piaoyou” (票友) in Chinese. This kind of opera is so popular among Chinese people, especially seniors. There are four main roles in Beijing Opera:sheng (生)，dan（旦）， jing（净）and chou（丑）. Sheng is the main male role, dan the main female role, jing the painted face male and chou is the comedy role. Often playing the part of a high-ranking army general, the Jing actor with his painted face can also be seen as a warrior or official. His robust, gruff, bass voice and grotesquely painted face together with his swaggering self-assertive manner all combine to make him the most forceful personality in most scenes in which he appears. In the piece of news, some foreigners who are not familiar with Peking Opera may not understand the “paint-face role”. If we add an attribute to “jing”, which will help them know the meaning of “jing” better. For the news, we can use this sentence instead: He carries off the “Jing” or the primary warrior role in “You and Me” with impeccable precision and fervor.

Another example is “Peony Pavilion” and “Broken Bridge”.

The characters he played are still highly acclaimed by opera fans at home and abroad, such as those in “Peony Pavilion” and “Broken Bridge”. (New theatre opens in honour of opera legend Yu Zhenfei，source：cctv.com|10-10-2013 11:07 BJT )

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