Abstract

Idiom is a complex linguistic phenomenon. As a significant part of language, it conveys distinct national features and cultural information. It is difficult for the language learners to understand the connotative meaning of an idiom without sufficient cultural backgrounds. There are several kinds of idioms and each one is a complicated system. In this paper, animal idioms are selected as research subjects since animals are our friends and have made great contribution to both the production and our common life. There is a close relationship between human beings and animals and this kind of intimacy is deeply reflected in animal idioms. Besides, as the liveliest part of language, English and Chinese animal idioms can also reflect the changes occurring in the development and modification of some expressions. This paper aims at probing into the differences between English and Chinese animal idioms, and analyzing the causes for their differences. Analyses reveal that their differences can be divided into three categories: conflict, divergence and exclusiveness; and the major causes for their differences are different geographical conditions, different religions, different fables and mythologies. 

Key words: English and Chinese animal idioms; differences; Cultural perspective

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction1

2 Literature review.2

2.1 Key terms.2

2.2 Language and culture3

2.3 Previous studies on idioms at home and abroad4

3 Differences of animal’s cultural images in English and Chinese idioms

3.1 Conflict.5

3.2 Divergence.7

3.3 Exclusiveness9

4 Causes for the differences between English and Chinese animal idioms.11

4.1 Different geographical conditions.11 

4.2 Different religions.11

4.3 Different mythologies and fables12

5 Conclusion13

References15