Influences of Thinking Differences Between English and Chinese People on English Writing

Abstract

There exist distinct differences between English and Chinese modes of thinking. These differences make negative influences to Chinese learners who learn English as a foreign language in their English writing. This paper points out these differences affecting English writing at the level of the word, sentence and discourse from different thinking modes: such as linear vs. spiral thinking, analytic vs. synthetic thinking, abstract vs. concrete thinking. It aims to help Chinese learners have a better understanding of influences of thinking differences between English and Chinese on English writing and thus to find out corresponding ways to get rid of these negative influences to the minimum.