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The Semantic Formula
English compliments: Adjectives Verbs This was a great meal. You look so nice today. You did a good job.
I like your haircut. I love your glasses. I really enjoyed your class
同事，这两位男士竟先后冒出以上赞美之词。
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“I’ve been watching you all through lunch. You have a beautiful smile. It lights up the whole room.”（几位女士正在用餐，一位中年男性，
颇有中产阶级的绅士风度，走上前来，对其中一位说 道。）
C: It is taken as a kind of flirtation if a
man compliments a woman
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■ Chinese people compliment each other
much less frequently than westerners do. ■ Chinese people try to draw a line between compliment and flattery. ■ Chinese people interpret other’s positive compliments as a request for possessing something. Discussion: 1. Can you think out any compliments with Chinese characteristics? 2. Are you courageous enough to express compliments to a female about her appearance? (Ask a boy student)
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Chinese: ■ You V ADV You did the job well. ■ NP is ADJ Your coat is really beautiful. ■ PRO is ADJ NP That’s a wonderful wall calendar. ■ PRO V O You deserve being honored. ■ I like NP I like this picture.
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II. Compliments
pliment and compliment responses B. Social functions of compliments C. nces between Chinese compliments and English compliments (semantic formula and syntactic formula) D. Common response formulas in English and Chinese
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Case 2. The Cancellation of the Dinner Party Comment: 1.In New Zealand, a friend can openly provide constructive criticism. If Stan did not make such suggestions to a friend in his country, the friend would be angry that Stan did not help him when he had the chance. 2.In Philippines, a person cannot be a friend and a critic at the same time , or at least not in public. Stan should find some other way (acceptable to the Filipinos) to voice his comments.
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CONTENTS
I. Warm-up cases II. Detailed Study:
Compliments ★ Compliments and compliment responses ★ Social functions of compliments ★ Differences between Chinese and English compliments ★ Common response formulas of English and Chinese compliments ★ cultural assumptions Expressions of gratitude and apology in English and Chinese
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The Syntactic Formula
NP ADJ PRO V ADV English: NP is/looks really ADJ(53%) Your blouse looks beautiful. You are so efficient. O
I really like/love NP I really like your hardwood floors. That’s really a beautiful car.
室走去，迎面过来一位男同事，劈头盖脑地来一句赞 美。） “You certainly look elegant.”（一位女生 对一位女教师说道。）
“I’m very impressed with your figures.” “I’m very impressed with your figures, too.” (两位女士走进一家餐馆吃饭，恰好遇见两位男
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Response Formulas of E and C compliments
American English A: This is really a nice sweater. B: I’m glad you like it. A: You did a good job. B: Thank you/Thanks. Chinese: A: Your sweater is very good. B: I bought it only for ten yuan. A: You did the job very well. B: That’s the result of joint efforts./There’s still much room for improvement.
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Chinese compliments: Adjectives adverbs verbs Your skirt is very pretty. This room is really good. You’re really an experienced teacher. You did the job very well. You treat people sincerely. I especially like the color of your blouse. You deserve being praised.
“But these flowers are beautiful” “ I wish I could do as well!”
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Fishing for compliments
“ I really know little about the subject.”---“Well, I certainly don’t know anybody who knows more than you do!”
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Case 3 Why should they do like this?
Comment: 1.The British people maintain their etiquette and social manners even when they are very excited. 2.The Filipino couple did not introduce their Filipino friend to him.
III. Case Study IV. Summary V. Assignments
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I. Warm-up cases
Case 1. An Invitation to Dinner
Question : If you were the director and chosen to mediate this situation, what would you do to ensure not to offend either party? How would you explain Bart’s behavior to Manual? How would you explain Manual’s to Bart?
4.When immigrants meet in a foreign country, they tend to take no notice of their surroundings/people around, which is considered to be rude and requires attention.
3.The Filipinos were talking in their own native language. No doubt the British felt left out, which is unacceptable and rarely occurs on social occasions in Britain.
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Social functions of compliments