Abstract:As a major research topic in the field of cross-cultural studies, the study of classification and application differences between Chinese and English culture reflected in connotation of dragon is far from content. The cultural misunderstanding and the fail in intercultural communication caused by the word “dragon” have always been drawing worldwide attention. What is the most suitable solution to the cultural conflict of the connotation of dragon between different countries is a field of research which researchers strive for a breakthrough in(吉成名. 2002). The present study aims to discuss the cultural differences in dragon between China and western countries, most importantly, to suggest a series of solutions to the cultural conflict by finding out the reasons for the differences. Those above studies will be completed by means of literature methodology.
The results implicate that the differences between Chinese dragon and western dragon mainly lie in image, connotation and origin; while the reasons for the differences are people’s ways of thinking, values and ideologies. Basically, different living conditions have determined the differences in dragon culture. To settle the cultural conflict reflected in the connotation of dragon, I suggest integrating those elite parts from exotic culture and study more not only about our own culture but also about the exotic culture. What’s more, we have to disclose our culture appropriately to others. Finally, as Chinese, we should not only hold firm on the position in Chinese culture of dragon but also carry forward the Chinese culture of dragon by portraying amiable image of Chinese dragon.
Key words: intercultural communication; cultural conflict; cultural differences in dragon; reasons for the differences
摘要:作为跨文化研究领域的课题之一，从“龙”一词的文化内涵看汉英文化的差异这方面的研究仍然十分薄弱。“龙”这一冲突词汇所产生的误解，甚至所导致的跨文化交流破裂受到中外的关注，如何就“龙”一词的文化内涵所产生的文化冲突找到合适的解决方法，是学界一直希望有所突破的领域之一。
本文以中国龙和西方龙为研究对象，以文献研究法为主要手段，通过探讨中西方龙文化差异及造成差异的原因提出一系列解决中西方文化冲突的方法。
研究结果给这一课题的启示是：中西方龙文化的差异主要表现在形象、文化内涵和起源三大方面；产生龙文化差异的原因是由于中西方人的思维方式不同、价值观不同、意识形态不同，而所有的差异最终都归因于中西方人所居住的环境条件不同；解决类似龙文化这样的文化冲突，主张以整合的态度对待，了解双方文化，适当地“自我暴露” ；面对龙文化，向内应坚定中国龙文化的地位，向外应通过龙的艺术形象弘扬中国龙文化。
关键词：跨文化交流；文化冲突；龙文化差异；造成差异的原因
