Abstract:An idiom is a phrase which is an established and fixed part of a particular language. Idioms are the essence of language; they bear the cultural characteristics and cultural information of a nation. The idioms we discuss here are generalized, including the idioms and proverbs, two-part allegorical, sayings, allusions, etc.

This paper, starting from some of the basic translation standards namely: literal translation, free translation, foreignization and domestication, etc., discusses the use of literal and free translation in translating idioms. Then with the four major cultural differences in focus, i.e. the different living environment, the different customs, and different religious belief as well as the different historical allusion, the paper explores how to translate idioms from a cultural perspective. The paper concludes with a few techniques for translating Chinese idioms into English with these cultural variables in consideration.

Keywords: Idioms; Translating Standards; Free translation; Literal translation

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction-1

Chapter 2 Literature Review-2

2.1 General Translation Principles-2

2.2 A Brief Summary-2

Chapter 3 Characteristics of Idioms and Their Translation-5

3.1 Nature and Characteristics of Idioms-5

3.2 Main Translation Methods of Idioms-5

Chapter 4 Cultural Aspects in Translating Idioms-9

4.1 The Relationship Between Culture and Language-9

4.2 Four Differences-9

4.2.1 Differences in Survival Environment-9

4.2.2. Differences in Customs-10

4.2.3. Differences in Religions-10

4.2.4 Historical Allusions-11

Chapter 5 Conclusion-13

References-15

Acknowledgements-16