摘要本文通过对汉英墓志铭的分析，分别总结了汉英墓志铭在形制、格式、语言、内容等的特点，并结合实例进行对比研究。以生命价值意识、中西哲学、文化等为理论框架分别对中西方人对于生命价值的观点、看法进行了研究，并对产生差异的文化方面原因进行对比和阐释。67142

毕业论文关键词  墓志铭    生命价值意识   文化比较

毕 业 论 文 外 文 摘 要

Title  Chinese and Western Differentia in Consciousness of Life Value via Chinese and English Epitaph

Abstract

This paper is to study both Chinese and English epitaph. Research starts with analyzing different features of Chinese and English epitaph texts. Then, it combines examples with theories of life value and cultural comparison, and compares the differentia between them, and further discusses the reasons. Finally, it draws conclusions of the explanation of differentia in consciousness of life value between Chinese culture and that of the English.

Keywords   Epitaph   Consciousness of Life Value   Cultural Comparison

Table of Contents

1  Introduction 1

1.1  The Previous Studies...1

1.2  Research Methodology..2

2  Epitaph ..2

2.1  Definition of Epitaph2

2.2  Features of Chinese Epitaph3

2.2.1 Definite format and strict rules 3

2.2.2 Lyric in language and writing style  3

2.2.3 Settled content, lengthy and emphasis on family clan and social evaluations  5

2.3  Features of English Epitaph5

2.3.1 Writing with Free style without rules5

2.3.2 Concise and character oriented6

2.3.3 Love, respect and warning to the livings 7

3  Different Consciousness of Life Value Reflected from Differentia between Chinese and English Epitaph...8

3.1 Consciousness of Life Value.8

3.2  Different Consciousness of Life Value.9  

3.2.1  Obedience to Authority VS. Submission to Personal Desire9

3.2.2  The Golden Mean VS. The Flamboyant9

3.2.3  Ideology VS. Pragmatics10

Conclusion 12

Acknowledgements14

Bibliography15

1 Introduction

Epitaph is a unique and indispensible type of writing in the human literature treasury, and is always the simplest overview and brief comment of one’s life. Epitaph cherishes very high literature value. Moreover, as a deep historical precipitation of culture, it shows the impact of traditional culture on values of inpidual and sense of life and death. Epitaph literature is the condensed expression of life consciousness (Zhang, 2012). Thus, research on epitaph will reveal different consciousness of life value among certain circles of people (circle means within the range of a country, a geographical department, a nationality, etc.). 

To reach a better understanding between different cultures and a more effective international communication, the key is to find the gap, while, different understandings of consciousness of life value is just the core of the gap. To bridge the gap, one should begin with finding differences in consciousness of life value, thus, it contributes to understanding different cultures and better international communications.

1.1 The Previous Studies

Epitaph is of great importance and high value in many academic and social aspects. As a result, researches on it have never stopped. Chinese scholars take epitaph as evidence for archaeology, or template of calligraphy, or materials for literary studies, nevertheless, only a few use English epitaph to study cultural differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Yang (2005) classified English epitaph into different types. Yi (2007) acknowledged the importance of epitaph in the study of death culture. Zhang (1999) discussed British epitaph literature and then how it is affected by British culture. Afterwards, Shen (2010) and Cao (2009) showed their views on features of English epitaph as well as opinions after comparing Chinese and English epitaph.