2.2 The Key Points of the Case
In the case, through comparing the original and translated name of the same American drama, we may have a concrete idea of the two different thinking models. Generally speaking, western thinking model is subject-object dichotomy while Chinese thinking model is the harmony between man and nature. (Wang, 2006) By virtue of the otherness between two different thinking models, it leads to the different meaning of the translated name from original one. Subject-object dichotomy determines that we are tend to care about human abundant psychology, thus we can seek the human stain and the meaning of life. Dissimilarly, the thinking model of the harmony between man and nature result in throwing light upon traditional good morality and disclose misdeeds. Accordingly, the translated name differing from its original name makes sense for us.
3 Reasons for Different Thinking Models
Concerning different thinking models, the definition of the two different models must be clarified. To start with, subject-object dichotomy means an obvious distinction between subjectivity and objectivity. When we talk about something, we should distinguish each part i.e. substance and consciousness. By contrast, the harmony between human and nature implies man is an integral part of nature. Besides, substance and consciousness have identity. (Lin, 2010) After being informed of the definition of thinking models, we have to investigate the reasons which lead to different thinking models thoroughly. The following factors and reasons can account for the differences.
3.1 Thinking Starting Point
Cognizing the world through heart and brain are two totally different thinking models. Chinese attach significance to heart, and emphasis on acquiring deep and emotional cognition and experience. Out of this, it may come into being a direct and understandable model. (Pan, 2011:254) However, western lay stress on the brain. As a consequence, nous is the key word of western thinking model. It makes a distinction between subject-object, emotion-rationality and sex-love. Everything should follow the prescribed order. (Pan, 2011:254)
3.2 The function of heart and brain
After comprehending the starting point of the two thinking models, de facto, the function of the starting points, heart and brain, also make a difference. For Chinese, the heart is different from the meaning of western medicine. Heart dominates the whole function of human body including brain. Heart is the core of everything and heart embodies all the things in the world. But for western, brain is the central organ which controls feelings and rational activities. Only through brain can we obtain rational thinking. Having compared the function of heart and brain, we can arrive at a conclusion that the distinction between the two central parts lead to different methodology and epistemology. Meanwhile, our thinking model is mainly decided by methodology and epistemology.
3.3 Knowledge Morphology
The formation of thinking model is affected by various aspects and knowledge morphology is one of the material aspects. For quite some time, we Chinese are heard of being flexible with intention . (Pan, 2011:256)Chinese morphology prefers experiencing the world straightly and casually. For example, as the saying goes, a man dismembers an ox as skillfully as a butcher , and this illustrates Chinese knowledge morphology clearly. Everything can be addressed by heart for Chinese. Intention forms Chinese knowledge morphology, whereas western knowledge morphology is technology. In this morphology, they recognize objective reality and law and stress on identity. Thinking is not progressive without technology i.e. we must find out and obey objective law.
4 Conclusion
After the analyses above, a further comprehension of the differences between Chinese and western thinking models unfolds before our eyes. And it can also explicate why huge differences exist between Chinese translated name and original American drama’s name. Different thinking starting points, distinct function of heart and brain between two cultures and dissimilar knowledge morphology are the main factors accounting for the otherness. As far as I’m concerned, only by knowing the reasons of differences can help us address conflicts occurred during intercultural communication. Furthermore, we are also able to get along with westerners well. (1181 words)
Reference
1. Lin, Keji. The Significant Perspective of Chinese and Western Philosophy. Beijing: Social Sciences Academic Press , 2010
2. Pan, Yihe. Transcend Cultural Differences-Cases and Discussion of Cross-cultural Communication. Hangzhou: Zhejiang University Press, 2011
3. Wang, Qian. An Introduction to the Comparison between Chinese and Western Culture. Beijing: China Renmin University Press, 2006
