Abstract:

Language is a key factor in discourse construction and discourse in turn reflects the application of language. Language has the functions and features such as directiveness, dissemination, description, logics and ethnicity. If these functions or features are ignored in the application, “problematic discourses” may occur. For a long time, a major issue in the dissemination of Chinese culture is: What kind of discourse can be used to persuade the world? Obviously, China has got its unique discourse. The paramount purpose of Chinese discourse is to persuade the world. The key point is in what way or how to use language to persuade the world. Generally, there are two kinds of knowledge in social sciences, that is, local knowledge and universal knowledge. On the one hand, an oriental state has a long-term task of localizing social sciences since universal knowledge mainly comes from the West. On the other hand, local knowledge must be transformed into universal knowledge otherwise it cannot be accepted in the world. The dissemination of Chinese culture is also the process of transforming local knowledge into universal knowledge. For that reason, Chinese discourse must be suitable for dialogues, understandable and acceptable. In addition, we shall also avoid self-obsession, solitariness, paranoid and antagonism so as to master the skill of using replaceable cultural signs to conduct the dialogues and create a sound language environment.

Key words: language, discourse, dissemination of Chinese culture, local knowledge, universal knowledge