Abstract: Idiom is the essence of language. It is an indispensable part of language. The use of idioms in communication will make the dialogue more vivid. Animal idioms, as one of the most important types of idioms, are widely used. However, animal idioms have different connotations in different cultural backgrounds, so the study of animal idioms has been a hot topic in the academic field. This paper starts from the cultural perspective. First, similarities and differences are compared in different background of culture, and then analyze the reasons from the geography, history, local customs, religious beliefs, myths and legends. Finally, in the process of cross-cultural communication, English learners should pay more attention to the cultural differences in intercultural communication. And we can absorb great culture to enrich our culture by learning western culture.

Key words: animal idioms; cultural difference; cultural factors

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction-1

2.Culture and Idioms-4

  2.1 Culture and Language-4

  2.2 Culture and Animal Idioms-5

3. Similarities and Differences in Chinese and English Animal Idioms-6

  3.1 Similarities-6

  3.2 Differences-8

4.Cultural Factors in Chinese and English Animal Idioms-11

  4.1 Geographical Conditions-11

  4.2 Historical Backgrounds-12

  4.3 Social Customs-13

  4.4 Religious Factor-14

  4.5 Fables, Legends and Myths Consideration-15

5.Conclusion-16

References-17