Abstract

This thesis mainly studies the difference between English and Chinese idioms from the perspective of cultural differences. It analyzes the differences between English and Chinese idioms about numbers, animals and food. By analyzing the causes of the formation of differences, including from the geographical environment, religious beliefs, customs, habits and differences in cultural background, we find that the comparative study will help learners to accumulate rich vocabulary of idioms, improve learners' language application ability, and learn how to use idioms in different text effectively. In daily life, learners should learn to express idioms correctly, eliminate misunderstanding and avoid cultural clashes. With the use of some strategies, the learners should be familiar with idioms and avoid negative transfer of mother tongue.

Key words: cultural differences ，idioms, comparison

CONTENTS

中文摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction-1

1.1The definition of idioms-1

1.2 The definition of cultural differences-1

2. The Origin of Idioms and its Features-1

2.1The origin of idioms-1

2.2 Features of Idioms-2

2.2.1Visual language-2

2.2.2The unity of meaning-3

2.2.3Stabilization of collocation-3

2.2.4Harmony of rhyme-3

3. Differences Existing in Idioms in English and Chinese-3

3.1 Idioms about numbers-3

3.2Idioms about food-4

3.3Idioms about animals-5

4. Reasons for the Differences-6

4.1Geographical environment-6

4.2Cultural background-6

4.3Customs and habits-7

4.4Religious belief-8

5 .Practical Meaning of the Study-8

6. Conclusion-8

Works Cited-10