Abstract

Translation is an art, which is the cultural bridge between different languages, nations, and culture. Good translation not only realizes the cultural exchange; but also creates beauty, aesthetically. English and Chinese are languages with vivid images as well as cultural characteristics. Because of the differences in natural geography, religious beliefs, tradition and customs, fables, myths and arts, English and Chinese idioms reflect their distinctive cultures. This paper introduces the concept of idioms, explores the differences between English and Chinese idioms based on different cultures, and discusses the strategies of translating English idioms into Chinese.

In this paper, to elaborate the translation methods of English idioms, I mainly discuss three aspects. The paper will first give a brief introduction to English idioms, including background of my research and the significance of the study. The second part is mainly about the definitions of English idioms, and provides the classification, and sources of English idioms. In the third chapter, the paper illustrates how to translate English idioms into unobstructed and understandable Chinese and reserve the original meaning to maximizing, involving literal translation, liberal translation and notes, etc. The last part brings this thesis to a natural conclusion.

Key words: English Idioms; Translation Methods; Cultural Difference

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter 1 Introduction3

1.1 Background of the research3

1.2 Significance of the study.3

Chapter 2 Definition, Classifications and Sources of English Idioms

2.1 General Introduction to English Idioms 4

2.2 Classifications of English Idioms.4

2.2.1 Set Phrases.4

  2.2.2 Colloquialisms.5

  2.2.3 Proverbs5

  2.2.4 Slang.6

2.3 Sources of English Idioms

  2.3.1 Animals6

  2.3.2 Colors .6

  2.3.3 Daily Life .6

  2.3.4 Literary Works.7

  2.3.5 Fables.8

  2.3.6 Religious Beliefs.9

  2.3.7 Taboos9

  2.3.8 Some Idiom about Sea.10

Chapter 3 Translation Methods of English Idioms.10

3.1 English Idioms with Equivalents in Chinese .11

3.2 Literal Translation12

3.3 Liberal Translation.11

3.4 Notes11

   3.4.1 No complete equivalent11

   3.4.2 Use Chinese Idioms to Translate Plain English12

   3.4.3 Keep Original Culture.13

   3.4.4 Don’t Take Idioms Too Literally.13 

Chapter 4 Conclusion. .15

Bibliography.16

Acknowledgments17