Cultural Difference of Paralanguage Use between Chinese and American TV Talk Show Hosts

摘要

Study of cultural difference of paralanguage use between Chinese and American TV talk show hosts is important for intercultural communication. The result shows that American TV talk show host uses more paralanguage signals than her Chinese counterpart. And American host uses more types of paralanguage signals than her Chinese counterpart. The difference of paralangue use indicates the cultural difference between China and America on the values of equality vs. hierarchy and individualism vs. collectivism. The study is significant in that it helps us to understand the hidden cultural values in TV talk shows and promotes nonverbal communication.