Abstract

With the development of human language culture, a large amount of animal words are used to describe someone or something. Different languages have their owe characteristics in choosing animal metaphors. It means animal metaphors are influenced by different cultures. Since there is a distinction between Chinese and English language, difference will also exit in choosing animal metaphors Hence, the primary part of my dissertation is illustrating the comparison between Chinese and English animal metaphors, which includes similar vehicles and connotations, different vehicles with same connotations and different connotations with similar vehicles. Moreover, the paper focuses on the reasons for the differences between Chinese and English animal metaphors: culture tradition, natural environment and cognitive competence.

Keywords: animal ;metaphors; vehicles ;connotations

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction1

2.Literature Review.1  

3.Similarities of Animal Metaphors in English and Chinese6 

Similar Vehicles and Connotations in English and Chinese Animal Metaphors6

4.Differences of Animal Metaphors in English and Chinese7

4.1Different Vehicles With Similar Connotations in English and Chinese Animal Metaphors.7

4.2Similar Vehicles With Different Connotations in English and Chinese Animal Metaphors.8

4.3Unique Animal metaphors Between Chinese and English9

5.Elements Affect the Diversity of Animal Metaphors 10

5.1Natural Environment11

5.2Attitudes Toward the objects11

6.Conclusion.12

Reference14