A Pragmatic Analysis On The Golden Mean Phenomenon Of Chinese Language

The present study focuses on the Golden Mean phenomenon of Chinese language. It mainly belongs to a qualitative study based on the data collected from literary works, TV series, and daily conversations. The conceptual framework is constructed on the basis of affiliation motivation of social psychology. The investigation aims to probe the social psychological basis of the Golden Mean phenomenon in the Chinese language.The Golden Mean thinking that proposed by the Confucian School plays the predominant role in the traditional Chinese culture. Its profound connotation possesses the rich physiological value and practical significance. Furthermore, the connotation of the thinking of the Golden Mean develops at the same pace with the society, which makes it keep energetic all the time. The thinking of the Golden Mean is full of dialectical law. Hence, it is not only the guideline to instruct people properly deal with problems and contradiction, but also the theoretical basis for constructing the harmonious society of scientific socialism. As a matter of fact, the thinking of the Golden Mean has great influence on every aspect of people's daily life. It advocates people to take actions properly and moderately. It encourages people to solve problem according to specific occasion and object. Chinese language which reflects the thinking of the Golden Mean is characteristic with implicit, vague and flexible. Specifically, Chinese people tend to indirectly express one's emotion, attitude, opinions and so forth. Based on all the factors, the definition of the Golden Mean phenomenon of Chinese language can be summarized as following. It is a linguistic practice that aims (1) to get the harmonious communicative effect by expressing indirectly and comprehensively; (2) to get the best communicative effect by satisfying the psychological needs of both sides; and (3) to keep unanimous and interpersonal relationship by expressing modestly. In other words, the Golden Mean phenomenon of Chinese language can be classified into three aspects, namely, the indirectness, modesty and the holistic speech. The process of thinking is also a process of using language unconsciously in one's mind. The problem of how to speak and how to properly express is closely related with psychological factors. Through investigation, the social psychological basis of the Golden Mean phenomenon in the Chinese language can be interpreted as the affiliation motivation.