Abstract

 Name is the special code of human beings, which accompanies us from the cradle to the grave. As a carrier and mirror of culture, name plays an important role in reflecting cultural connotation. For example, Confucianism, sense of hierarchy can be found in Chinese names, while the sense of democracy, religion and individual orientation are reflected in English names. And Chinese names and English names also have something in common, such as the Totemism, consciousness of root-seeking, sex difference of culture and so on. Additionally, names can reflect history and epochal character as well. For instance, some important events may have an effect on names.

     Through analyzing English and Chinese names, we can learn something about the difference and common of the two nations, which is of great significance in cross-culture communication between English and Chinese nations. This paper starts with the analysis on the cultural connotation of English and Chinese names, adopting the translation methods, demonstrating my personal understanding of the two forms of names as well as its translation methods under the different backgrounds of language and culture.

     What is noteworthy is that “Chinese names” mentioned in this paper refer in particular to the names of Chinese Han people, not including the names of minority, and “English names” mainly indicate the names of English speaking countries’ people, especially the English people.

Key Words: Chinese Names; English Names; Cultural Connotation; Comparison; Translation Method

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

1.1 Relationship between Names and Culture-1

1.2 Literature Review-1

1.3 The Different Forms of English and Chinese Names-2

2  The Origins and Developments of English and Chinese Names-3

2.1 Comparison of the Origins of English and Chinese Family Names-3

2.1.1 The Origins of English Family Names-3

2.1.2 The Origins of Chinese Family Names-3

2.2 Comparison of the Developments of English and Chinese Given Names-4

2.2.1 The Developments of English Given Names-4

2.2.2 The Developments of Chinese Given Names-4

3  Cultural Connotation of English and Chinese Names-6

3.1 The Common Cultural Connotation of English and Chinese Names-6

3.1.1 Totemism-6

3.1.2 Worships of Names-7

3.1.3 Consciousness of Root-seeking-7

3.1.4 Psychological Suggestion-9

3.1.5 Sex Difference of Culture-9

3.2 The Difference of the Cultural Connotation of English and Chinese Names-10

3.2.1 Religion and Belief-10

3.2.2 Individualism Orientation and Group Orientation-11

3.2.3 Sense of Hierarchy and Sense of Democracy-12

3.2.4 History and Epochal Character-14

4  Translation Methods of English and Chinese Names-16

4.1 Names After the Original Owner-16

4.2 Follow the Laws of Convention-16

4.3 Transliteration-17

4.4 Others-18

5  Conclusion-19

Bibliography-20

Acknowledgements-21