Abstract
Proverbs are generated by the interaction between human thought and the natural world, which is a universal language phenomenon and means of expression. There are many proverbs which are metaphorical, and whose formation and cognitive mechanisms are determined by the mapping of different conceptual domains. As a product of a particular background, proverbs are closely related to a nation’s culture and enjoy great cultural values. English and Chinese proverbs, carrying the imprint of the two nation’s cultural differences and generalities, have their similarities and differences. They share the similar origin, similar functions and some similar features. They both originate from folk life, mythology, literary works and from other languages. They both function as a guide to people’s life. The similarities between English and Chinese proverbs are coincidental and relative but their differences are absolute. The differences lie in three aspects: different numbers, different images and meanings, and different cultural tint. English proverbs are not so many as Chinese proverbs. The differences in image and meaning are shown in three aspects: similar images for different meanings, different images for the same meanings and image blank. Their cultural tint is different in geographical features, customs and living ways, and also in different philosophical values. So it is not a easy job for translation between English and Chinese proverbs. Therefore the author analyses the problems translation and proposes some translation methods.
Keywords proverbs; similarities ; differences; translation
Contents
Abstract I
Contents I
Introduction 1
1.A Comparative Study of Chinese and English Proverbs 2
1.1 Similarities between English and Chinese proverbs 2
1.1.1 Similar origin 2
1.1.2 Similar Features 2
1.1.3 Similar Practical Values 3
1.2 Differences between English and Chinese proverbs 3
1.2.1. Different numbers 3
1.2.2. Different Images and Meanings 4
1.2.3.Different Cultural Tint 4
1.3 The correspondence between Chinese and English Proverbs 5
1.3.1. Different Cultural traits 5
1.3.2. Approximate Correspondence 5
1.3.3. None- Correspondence 5
2. Translation Approaches of proverbs 6
3. Conclusion 8
References 9
