英汉动物谚语的对比研究

1、PAGE PAGE 19毕业论文题目：英汉动物谚语的对比研究Title: A Comparative Study of English and Chinese Animal Idioms2009 年 5 月 20日Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere gratitude to a number of teachers and friends at the Foreign Language Department for their help and encouragement in the writing of this thes

2、is. Special thanks should go to Ms. Lu Li, my respected supervisor, who gave me so much constructive instruction and insightful guidance throughout my research work. With great care, She read the whole manuscript and offered much invaluable criticism. Her great help makes this thesis a better one th

3、an it would otherwise have been.I am also indebted to my affectionate parents, and the rest of my family. Throughout the development of this paper, they have been there always giving me continuous support, encouragement and understanding. Their love and support encourage me to pursue progress all th

4、e time.Abstract Culture study has been a heated subject; hence many scholars focus their attention on the field of intercultural study. Idioms are a very impertant part of Chinese and English languages, and Chinese and English languages abound with animal idioms, which reflect respective culture. Th

5、e thesis attempts to make an intercultural study of animal idioms to track down the similarities and differences in cultural aspects and cultural features expressed in animal idioms. In short, in exploring the essence of culture, animal idioms shining with cultural flavor and cultural connotations w

6、ill contribute to the understanding of different cultures, it also can promote the communication between Chinese and Western culture.Key words: Chinese and English animal idioms ; associated meanings ; cultural connotations ; translation 摘 要在文化研究成为热门话题的今天，许多学者把视角锁定在跨文化领域。谚语是汉英语言及文化的构成部分之一。其中动物谚语能最丰富

7、地体现汉英语言文化，本文从跨文化角度入手，对含有动物形象的汉英谚语进行对比研究，透过文化底蕴、联想意义以及翻译方法三个层面研究汉英动物谚语，着眼于动物习语反映出的中西文化相似与差异之处。总的来说，研究文化以及这些谚语所反映的文化内涵可以加深人们对两种不同文化的理解，促进中西文化的交流。关键词: 汉英动物谚语；联想意义；文化底蕴；翻译ContentsIntroduction.1I. Different Cultural Backgrounds between Chinese and English Animal Idioms.21.1 The Concept of Animal Idioms21

8、.2 Cultural Connotations2II. Unique Animal Idioms in Chinese and English9 2.1 Unique Animal Idioms in Chinese.9 2.2 Unique Animal Idioms in English10III. The Translation of English and Chinese Idioms113.1 Suggested Ways of Translation.11Conclusion .17Bibliography18 PAGE 1Introduction Language is a p

9、art of culture and palys a very important role in it. Meanwhile, language is also a cultural carrier and serves as the principal means to cross-cultural communication1:45. As a particular part of language, idioms are no exception indicating the distinctive features of a culture. Idioms are small pie

10、ces of human wisdom that have been handed down from generation. They express ideas in short and recognizable sentences. What might have taken an entire paragraph to explain is expressed metaphorically in these idioms, which contain in a nutshell the philosophy of the common people. Idioms also embod

11、y a concentrated reflection of various rhetorical means and serve as a mirror of the historical and cultural conceptions of a social community. Idioms are existent in various peoples languages and in circulation by formulaic phrases in spoken language as what comprehensively transmits experiences an

12、d lessons for a struggle in existence2:72. Different people share with each other such features as idiomatic forms and contents, because they share practical experiences and wisdom for human beings in order to survive. Idioms are nevertheless rooted in the soil on which the people live and are reali

13、zed as formulaic phrases in its language system. Therefore the character of the people is clearly branded in its idioms. By comparing idioms of different people with each other, we can find that each peoples characteristics, history, economic life, cultural tradition, mentality, morality, sense of v

14、alue, geographical environments and other aspects are fully expressed in its idioms .Consequently, in order to understand idioms, we should observe them in relation with such conditions as its religion, history, culture, customs, geography , etc. I. Different backgrounds between Chinese and English

15、IdiomsAnimal Idioms and Culture Many idioms are tested in practice and have been regarded very important. Many of them pack a lot of information, especially cultural information. Animal images are much more popular in idioms which are full of cultural connotations. Making use of idioms is a method o

16、f expressing oneself more quickly and concisely than in any other way. People are carrying on the research on how to overcome the cultural obstacles evoked by cultural differences. Culturally-loaded vocabulary plays an important role in a language. Differentsocial backgrounds and national culture ha

17、ve a great effect on cultural connotations.With comparison, the same animal words may bear the same and different culturalmeanings. And different animal words may convey the similar or even same meaning. Chinese and English idioms carved with cultural characteristics account for a great part in tran

18、slation. Cultural similarities and differences may have a positive or negative effect on translation. Idioms have many characteristics, such as succinct writing, proper choice ofwords, vivid and bright images, and they are full of rhythm. To learn and study idioms by studying the associative meaning

19、s of animal images both in English and Chinese idioms as well as the origin of idioms will help to achieve a thorough understanding, a proper command and a solid grasp of animal culture in idioms.Cultural Connotations Reflected in Chinese and English Animal IdiomsGeographical Cultures in Animal Idio

20、ms Geographical culture refers to the culture formed by the area, natural condition and geographical environment. The geographical cultures of the Chinese and English nations are of great importance and difference, which have obviously manifestations in their individual proverbs 12:42. Emergence of

21、idioms is closely related to peoples labor and life. Most idioms are the offspring of their different life experience, so naturally they manifest two different kinds of national forms. Due to different living conditions, the English and Chinese people have their own individual state of mind and ways

22、 of thinking, which also add national coloring to the idioms. The Chinese people belong to an agrarian society that places agricultural production at the top of the national agenda. Since time immemorial, China has been a large continental country chiefly based on agriculture, and an overwhelming ma

23、jority of the people lives in the rural areas12:42. Hence there is a surprising number of farming idioms and idioms with animal images accumulated in their productive labor by the Chinese peasants from generation to generation. For example, 林中不卖柴，湖上不卖鱼。 Fuel is not sold in a forest, nor fish on a la

24、ke. The farmers proverbial sayings form a large part of Chinese idioms. The Chinese ancestors created glorious material wealth. Everything needed was produced in the territory of ancient China 10:56.The Chinese love peace and earth. So the majority of agricultural idioms emphasize the importance of

25、agriculture, taking farming as materials and showing the simple and industrious tradition of Chinese people and their national character sticking to their hometown land, reverting to their origin. Such idioms are a very important component of Chinese idioms. For example, 牛不喝水强按头。 try to make an ox d

26、rink by forcing his head into the watertry to impose ones will on sb. 马到成功。 be victorious the moment the battle steeds arrivegain an immediate victory. 风马牛不相及。 be totally unrelated. Taking a panoramic view of English history and analyzing English idioms, we will find out that island culture. Britain

27、 is an island country which has a long history of navigation. Therefore, people who live along seacoast and whose livelihood is dependent on sea will have enormous numbers of nautical idioms connected with water, sailing and fish, and a great number of English idioms are derived from the sea 12:44.

28、The life and labor of the English are closely concerned with oceans. A lot of English idioms have much to do with the sea, marine climate, shipping and relevant experience and lessons. For example, as close as an oysteras drunk as a fishcry stinking fishall is fish that comes to his netnever offer t

29、o teach fish to swimthe best fish swim near the bottomthrow out a sprat to catch a herring/ mackerelAnother trait of Britain is that its agriculture is based on animal husbandry and a lot of ordinary people are engaged in this work and poultry raising, from which many idioms have been created. For e

30、xample,Like cow, like calf. You can take a horse to the water but you cannot make him drinkAll lay loads on a willing horse.A big fish in a little pond (山中无老虎，猴子称霸王。)Customary Cultures in Animal IdiomsCustomary culture is the culture of a nations customs and conventions which exist in daily social l

31、ife and communicative activities 13:78. Linguists hold that language is accepted through common practice 12:48.Many idioms both in Chinese and in English come from colloquial speech in daily life and customs of different nations. People have created lots of idioms in practice. They are vivid, practi

32、cal and closely related to humans life experience.Both cultures are the product of the different life experience, and customs and conventions of the social members who use the languages. The differences in these aspects of the two nations certainly produce great discrepancies in the angle and method

33、 of the observation of things for their members10:60 . Some familiar idioms are from the classics in the Chinese educational systemthe first reader of all Chinese lads,三字经(the Trimetical Classic) of Wang Bohou and千字文(the Thousand Character Classic) of Zhou Xingsi. For example, 犬守夜，鸡司晨。 Dogs watch by

34、 night. The rooster announces the morning.Horses were the transportation means in daily life and weapons in the war in ancient China, a lot of idioms came into being, such as, 人仰马翻。men and horses thrown off their feetbadly battered马后炮。cannon behind the horseThe cultural connotations in English provo

35、ked by such kind of culture are inevitably reflected in idioms and meanwhile have an effect on peoples correct reading of them.to let the cat out of the bag在不小心的情况下泻露了秘密It is to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently. Formerly country folk going to market would sometimes put a cat in a bag that

36、they pretended to hold a sucking-pig, hoping to impose this on a greenhorn who would buy it without examinations, but if the intending buyer opened the bag, the trick was disclosed.1.2.3 Religious Cultures in Animal IdiomsReligious culture which concerns the religious beliefs and awareness of differ

37、entnations is a major integrant of the culture of human beings. As a result, the cultural discrepancies of the two nations in this respect can be shown more clearly by analyzing their idioms. It reflects the cultural differences of different nations in what they believe in and abstain from. Differen

38、t religious belief and awareness of different nations create lots of idioms12:49. As a result, religion has become an important source for idioms. Our perceptions of the world are representations we make from both the nerve impulses that reach our brains and our unique set of experiences supplied to

39、 us as members of a particular culture.In Chinese language, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have profoundly and enormously influenced Chinese traditional culture. A large number of idioms derived from different religions in China and they had an immense influence on people in feudal society. Ther

40、e is no question that Chinese idioms reflect the influence of Buddhism and Daoism.The believers in Buddhism have faith in a principle that one cannot take animals life12:50.In particular, the Chinese people have been deeply influenced by the philosophy of Buddhism. They believe that animals are but

41、a form in which somebody has returned in its new incarnation. Under this philosophy, people believe that even the killing of flies and mosquitoes is prohibited. Therefore, not too many animal idioms are reflected. This thinking inevitably gives rise to a greater or lesser extent, to the idea that pe

42、ople are more important than animals in daily life. This is the belief that people, as the masters, must care for the animal property in their care. 土地爷捕蚂蚱慌了神。 The local god catching grasshoppersan agitated divinity 狗咬吕洞宾，不识好人心。 When a dog bites Lv Dongbin, it is because he does not know a true manw

43、hen he sees one.The idiom is used to refer to a good man, who is misunderstood.The English nation has long believed Christianity and its holy book, the Bible, has had a profound and tremendous influence on the social thoughts and culture of English society 5:95. People quote so much from the Bible t

44、hat many idioms enter their daily life. Dont let a black cat cross your path.A black cat signifies bad luck. It is also a taboo of the westerners. In the Bible, dogs are despised by people.be aware of dogsThe idiom means “be aware of evil workers.” In the Drunkards Cup by Robert Harris, written in 1

45、619, the writer had the description “one is colored one is foxt, and a third is gone to the dogs”.Calves are served as sacrifice to God on gala celebrations in the Bible. People kill the fatted calf on gala celebration or to welcome the distinguished guests.kill the fatted calfIt means to treat or e

46、ntertain the guests hospitably. For example, when she returned from abroad, the family put on a partythey really killed the fatted calf for her, in fact.And he shall separate them one fromAnother, as a shepherd divideth hisSheep from the goats; and he shall setThe sheep on his right hand, but theGoa

47、ts on the left. Martthew 25: 32The sentence is from New Testament in the Bible. Goats are unpleasant old men, especially, one who is sexually active. Literary Allusions in Animal IdiomsLiterary works are one of the main sources of idioms. Many famous writers store a great many of idioms concerning a

48、nimals12:52.In Chinese, we have different animal images appearing and originated in classics. They are the heritage of the glorious China and the entire Chinese feel dignified about this. 亡羊补牢 战国策It is not too late to mend the fold even after some of the sheep have been lost. 狐假虎威 战国策 an ass in lion

49、s skin. 尖嘴猴腮 儒林外史 have a mouth that sticks out and a chin like an apeshave a wretched appearance. 老马识途 韩非子 说林 An old horse knows the way; an old hand is a good guide. 猪八戒倒打一耙 “Pilgrimage to the West”Pigsy striking backwards with his rakemake a counterattack or countercharge. Zhubajie (the pig in Pil

50、grimage to the West) puts the blame on his innocent victimmake unfounded countercharges recriminate.The Literature of Rome, Greece and Israel provides the English literature with its literary foundation as its cultural foundationthe basis of English-related culture.The Ugly Duckling (Han Andersons t

51、ales)as scare as hens teethEdmund Kirke in his Southern Friends said, Horses are scarcer than hens teeth around here. Therefore, the idiom emphasizes extreme scarcity. The idioms appeared in another southern historical novel as follows sometimes clients get as scare as hens teeth12:53. There are som

52、e other idioms concerning with scarcity like chickens milk, birds milk, black swan and so on.The dramas of Shakespeare are the major source of many idioms in the respect of literature and other works of the western literatures are the richest literary source of English idioms 12:53. Hamlet is from a

53、 very famous play by Shakespeare. Hamlet pretended to be insane and bet with Polonius, a minister. He compared the cloud to be a camel, then a weasel. And then he said, “Or like a whale?” Polonius followed him, “Very like a whale”. Therefore, very like a whale is quoted to refer to approve satirical

54、ly of absurd expression as in the idiom as scare as hens teeth. Every dog has his day is from the same work by Shakespeare. very like a whale.Let Hercules himself do what he may,The cat will mew and dog will have his day.Take a look at two more examples.Excuse me that the Muses forceThe cart to stan

55、d before the horse. Hudibras Redivivius by Edward Word 12:53I didn f know that Cheshire catsAlways grinned; in fact, it didnt knowThat cats could grin. AIiceAdventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll12:53If animals are a mirror of nature, their image in human society must also be a mirror of the cult

56、ure which defines itself with respect to culture. All in all, cultural connotations are enriched by the numerous animal images.II. Unique Animal Idioms in Chinese and English 2.1 Unique Animal Idioms in Chinese According to folk custom, Chinese people associated partial tone of animals with somethin

57、g auspicious and propitious. Kylin, a mythical animal, will bring a child to the family12:38, resulting in an idiom.麒麟送子Kilin brings a child to the family.According to what Mr. Liao Guangrong has observed, most culture-loaded animal images in traditional culture are fowls and then fish. Take a look

58、at one example.鸳鸯(Mandarin duck) is a pair of love bird in China and unique in traditional Chinese culture12:38. One famous novel Rebecca is translated into Chinese as鸳梦重温( Revive an Old Dream) , implying the happiness between the husband and the wife.古诗十九首“客从远方来，遗我一端绮。文彩双鸳鸯，裁为合欢被。”（A visitor sent m

59、e some cloth and silk with the picture of mandarin ducks. Id like to make it a quilt of conjoined happiness.) There is an idiom. 鸳鸯戏水 mandarin ducks sporting in waterCrane is another one as the symbol of longevity and talent. The idioms“松鹤延年” strikes the ears of the Chinese. And the phrases come to

60、us.The image of frog is unique in Chinese culture.鲤鱼(common carp) represents bravery and perseverancey and there is an idiom 12:39.Take a look at some examples. 松鹤延年 Pine trees and cranes stands for longevity. 鹤立鸡群 like a crane standing among chickensstand head and shoulders aboveothers.可知我“井底之蛙”，成日