2。4 On Number

In western culture, number 13 cause fear and anxiety even to an irrational level。 For example, the residential buildings use 12B instead of the number 13 as possible。  In accordance with Bible, Judas, one of the 12 disciples, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, made him to be nailed to the cross。 In the eve of Jesus’ arrest, Jesus invites his disciples to dinner banquet, Judas happened to sit on the thirteenth seat, so the Christians vent to the number 13 with the coincidence。 But in Buddhism, 13 is a fortunate number。 Buddhism was introduced into China, sectarian for 13 cases, on behalf of perfect virtue。 For example, the Potala Palace is thirteen storeys high, so is Tianning pagoda。

Figure 6 is unpopular in western culture, and people count it as fierce。 For example, “at six and sevens” means mess, “six pennies” means valueless。 Different from English speaking country, Chinese think that the number 6 is an auspicious figure。 For example, Sui and Tang dynasty set six ministries, court’s army called six troops, the Queen’s chambers called six Palaces。

In China the number 4 is a taboo, for “four” and “death” are homophonic in Chinese。 People do not want to talk about or see the thing which related to 4。 So whether it is in the house number, phone number, or license plate number, we can see 4 rarely。 The number 8 is a lucky number in Chinese, because it is homophonic with the Chinese character “rich”。 For example, the opening time of Beijing Olympic Game is at 8:00 August 8th 2008。来,自.优;尔:论[文|网www.youerw.com +QQ752018766-

2。5 On Topics

1）About the word “old”

“Old” is a very important word taboo in intercultural communication。 In China, the “old” is the symbol of qualification, dignity and authority。 Such as these proverbs, “Do not listen to the old words, and suffer in at present”, “The older, the wiser” etc。 Therefore, the word “old” is relevant to the meaning of respect。 But westerners are “dissatisfied with the old”。 In China, respecting the elder is seen as a virtue, youngsters are encouraged to help the old。 In Western countries, if a young man helps an old man without permission, it is likely to annoy him。