Research On Tu Youyou's Identity Construction In Chinese And American Newspapers

Objectives:This study analyzes 17 news reports on Tu Youyou's winning Nobel Prize in Chinese and American newspapers based on pragmatic identity theory.Using discourse analysis as the main research method,this study makes a detailed comparison of the types and processes of Tu Youyou's identity construction,analyzing various opinions and attitudes of Chinese and American press towards Tu's winning of the Nobel Awards.The aim of this study is to enrich the content of international communication research and provide references for the dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Methods:1.A total of 17(China,9 and the US,8)English-language news reports on October 5 and6 concerning Tu Youyou's winning of the Nobel Awards in 2015 was retrieved from 2 major Chinese newspapers(China Daily,Global Times)and 3 American newspapers(The New York Times,Washington Post,The Los Angeles Times).2.Discourse analysis was used to examine Tu Youyou's identity construction based on the pragmatic identity theory from macroscopic point of view.First,according to the address terms for Tu in the news reports,categories of Tu's identity constructed by Chinese and American media were clarified.Then Tu's identity construction was analyzed in detail through the expression of narrative and quotation discourse.3.Based on the analysis of the types and processes of Tu Youyou's identity construction by Chinese and American media,this study compared the standpoints and attitudes of Chinese and American media,summarized their similarities and differences,and analyzed the underlying reasons or purposes behind the media discourse.Results:To begin with,Tu Youyou's identity constructed by both Chinese and American news media could be categorized into that of a scholar,a winner and a female.Both Chinese and American media discussed Tu's contribution to human health through the construction of the winner identity.But Chinese media emphasized more of Tu's representative role among Chinese scientists or Chinese women,while American media highlighted Tu's scholar identity.In terms of the construction process of Tu's identity by the two countries,Chinese media focused on the significance of Tu's awards,whose narrative perspective was relatively narrow.American media,in contrast,paid more attention to describing Tu's scientific research experience.In addition,both Chinese and American news media quoted comments from Chinese high officials.Chinese news media constructed Tu's identity to convey national pride.The American news media,nevertheless,reported the reflection on the current scientificresearch in China.Finally,the Chinese media were inclined to indicate that Tu's award-winning was inseparable from the inspiration of TCM,while the American media was reluctant to show their attitude towards TCM in an explicit manner.Conclusions:The differences in the focus of the reports result from the cultural and political disparities between China and the United States.From the perspective of social cultural factors,Chinese news reports emphasize Tu Youyou's group identity as a representative of Chinese scientists or Chinese women because of the admiration of collectivism.With a social culture that has more respect to personality,American media focus on Tu Youyou's personal identity as the realization of self-worth.In addition,from the perspective of political factors,media,as a tool of spreading opinions of governments and authorities,are usually unable to remain neutral and objective.In this case,Chinese media and American media show different attitudes towards TCM and scientific research in China.Chinese media tend to put the event in a unified context of national honor,the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the promotion of excellent traditional Chinese culture.American media tend to give more historical narrative,presenting a more complex context.In order to establish a harmonious and friendly international discourse environment,we might need to change our way of expression and to avoid the homogenization of news reports in the process of international communication.We might attempt to report news figures or events from multiple perspectives.This would be conducive to international readers' understanding of and identification with Chinese culture.In order to promote Chinese traditional culture to the world,we should be flexible in using discourse strategies to report celebrities and news events by adhering to the political and cultural self-confidence.