英语论文(3)

2. A Comparison Between English and Chinese Idioms

2.1 The Cultural Differences Between English and Chinese Idioms

2.1.1 Geographical Conditions

The formation of culture is closely related with natural geographical conditions. A specific geographical environment produces a specific culture, which also leads to a particular expression.

Great Britain covers islands including the Northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France. It has a moist climate with much rainfall. Rivers and lakes are numerous. No wonder that fishery is thriving and most important in Britain. Accordingly, idioms concerning fish and navigation constitute a great part in English idioms. (LiYuping,

2008:20)(Theory/Results of previous research)

For example, "like a fish out of water". If you feel like fish out of water, you feel awkward and uncomfortable because you are in an unusual and unfamiliar situation. Fish in the air 缘木求鱼

An odd fish怪人

Miss the boat错过机会

Trim the sails to the wind 顺势前进

A small leak will sink a great ship 小洞不补要沉大船 (Examples)

On the other hand, China is located in the Asian Continent and reputed as an agricultural country with a large population of peasants. It is not surprising to find many idioms relevant to farming, such as "骨瘦如柴，对牛弹琴, 众人拾柴火焰高,竹篮打水一场空......". Chinese people also have a mysterious and awe feeling for sea, so they have idioms like "海角天涯，海枯石烂，海阔天空，海底捞针，海市蜃楼......". (Analysis)

2.1.2 History

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2.2 The Similarities Between English and Chinese Idioms

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2.2.1 Colours

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2.2.2 Numbers

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3. Methods of Idiom Translation

Translation is far more than a science. It is also a skill, and at the ultimate analysis, fully satisfactory translation is always an art. (Nida, 1982:49) Translation is considered as the cultural bridge and media between two languages. As there are wide differences in vocabulary and syntax between English and Chinese, translation is no easy job. Therefore, in order to keep the flavor of the original as well as cater for both the Chinese and English languages, translation skills should be reasonably employed in the process of translating, such as the following translating methods:

3.1 Literal Translation

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3.2 Free Translation

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3.3 Translation with Notes

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3.4 Replacement with Similar Idioms

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3.5 The Translation of Corresponding Idioms with the Same Meaning

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3.6 A Combination of Literal and Free Translation

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4. Some Warnings Concerning Idiom Translation

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5. Conclusion

One of the major characteristics identifying us as human is our ability to use language. Language plays a very important role in people’s daily life; it enables people communicate with each other and understand others' feelings. Language has close relations with culture. It is impossible to separate language from culture. As the essence of language, idioms also have close relations with culture. The contents of them range from society, history, psychology to customs and other various social phenomena. So, in the process of translation, translators should pay more attention to the cultural factors, in doing this, he can dig up the implicit meanings. (Conclusion of research) Only the cultural factors are concerned, translators can have a satisfactory translation. Besides, people should get acquaintances with the cultural background when using idioms to avoid embarrassment in communication. (Suggestions) …… 此处隐藏：1484字，全部文档内容请下载后查看。喜欢就下载吧 ……