语言相对论对中国对外传播的启示——Through the Language Glass书评

The Implications of Linguistic Relativity for China’s Foreign Communications—A Book Review of Through the Language Glass

摘要: 本文概述了语言绝对论和语言相对论，着重探讨了Guy Deutscher的著作Through the Language Glass中的观点。Deutscher深入研究了语言和思维的相互影响，通过案例展示了语言的相对性。文章指出，语言不仅是交流工具，还塑造了思维方式，如颜色编码、时态和空间感知等。Deutscher还探讨了语言变迁、历史演化和语言习得等方面，强调不同语言对思维的不同影响。在跨文化传播中，忽视语言和文化的差异可能引发争议。为提升中国对外传播效果，本文建议深入了解不同文化差异，增强文化理解和尊重，促进文化融合和交流。针对不同受众，制定个性化传播策略，采用符合受众口味的内容，避免枯燥政策阐述。建议运用外国网红的视角讲述中国故事，巧妙融合中外元素，提升中国故事的吸引力和说服力。

Abstract: This article provides an overview of linguistic relativity, focusing on ideas from Guy Deutscher’s book Through the Language Glass. Deutscher delves into the interplay between language and thought, demonstrating the relativity of language through case studies. The article points out that language is not only a tool for communication, but also shapes ways of thinking, such as colour cod-ing, tense and spatial perception, etc. Deutscher also explores aspects of language change, historical evolution and language acquisition, emphasizing the different effects of different languages on thinking. In cross-cultural communication, ignoring differences in language and culture may lead to controversy. In order to enhance the effectiveness of China’s foreign communication, this paper suggests in-depth understanding of different cultural differences, enhancing cultural understand-ing and respect, and promoting cultural integration and exchange. Personalized communication strategies should be developed for different audiences, and content that meets their tastes should be used to avoid boring policy elaboration. It is suggested to use the perspective of foreign netizens to tell China’s stories, cleverly integrating Chinese and foreign elements to enhance the attractive-ness and persuasiveness of China’s stories.