中国文化通览论文之中外习语比较.doc

Final Exam thesis of Chinese Culture: An IntroductionA Comparison between Chinese and Western Idioms中西方习语比较(Chinese Culture: An Introduction)中国文化概论期末论文Content1. Introduction32. Analysis32.1. Geographical environment difference42.2. Religious faith difference42.3. Historical allusion difference53. Conclusion64. Reference6A Comparison between Chinese and Western IdiomsAbstract As all we know, idioms are the essence of language. As the developing of cross-culture awareness, it has become more and more important for us Chinese university students to have a good acknowledge about differences between Chinese and Western culture. Its necessary for us to communicate between western cultures and introduce our home culture to them. For this reason, through a comparison between Chinese and Western idioms, Ill give considerations to the cultural differences in idioms to the beginning. The following sections are going to give several particular examples and analysis. Key Words idiom, difference, value1. IntroductionSince idiom is the precious cultural heritage of a nation，the idioms of that nation are marked with its distinct national features and rich presentation forms. By comparison between the key Chinese and Western idioms, it can be seen that Chinese and western idioms serve as an intriguing window into their cultural differences. The traditional thoughts find expressions in the origins and customs of every national idiom, which in turn reflect the morality of the whole nation and its people. What traditional thoughts of different nations differ goes hand in hand with the existing pattern and ways of living of these nations, which is clearly shown in the following idioms. 2. AnalysisIdioms can reflect a nations geographical and historical features, social system, values and life attitude and custom. Therefore, idiom is one of the representative elements to embody a countrys culture in the cultural differences. 2.1. Geographical environment differenceDifferent geographic environment influences idiom expression in different way. Take an example, spending money lavishly, just as lavishly consuming food and drink. In English, we got a saying that “spending money like water”, while were always use “earth” to replace the “water”. Britain is the island country, while agricultural culture plays an important role in Chinese culture. It is inevitable to see the same meaning of idiom in different cultural view. Britain is located on the border of Western Europe. In inland Europe, therere many famous cities and rivers which enjoy a good reputation in the world. So water becomes an identical element to represent their culture. Consequently，this one special geographical environment is reflected in idioms.More examples such as “between the devil and the deep blue sea”(means stand in nonplus), “carry coals to Newcastle” (Newcastle is the coal production centre of UK at one time) and “set the Thames on fire”(compare to a great or significant undertaking or action). China is one of the countries with an ancient civilization in the world. China has a long history of 5, 000 years which evolved its unique and charm culture including the beautiful mountains and rivers. It also reflect in Chinese idioms, “one who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero” (not stop until ones aim is attained), “have eyes but fail to see Taishan Mountain” (fail to recognize a great person), “In the Changjiang River the waves behind drive on those before” (Time makes it inevitable that in every profession the rising generation is worthier than the former one). To some extent, different geological environment determine the different culture which reflect in the language especially in the idioms. 2.2. Religious faith differenceReligious belief has a profundity influence on the emergence and development of English and Chinese idioms. Chinese traditional philosophical thinking was root on the Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Buddhism has become state religion in some dynasties. Many idioms are relations to the Buddhism. Such as “present Buddha with borrowed flowers” (give somebody a favor by the presented the present other gives you), “never burn incense when all is well, but clasp Buddhas feet when in distress” (because in religious doctrine: Buddha said belief makes a dream come true)While in western country, their major religion if Christian. Christianism plays an important role in the western culture. In English, there exist a lot of idioms from Bible. For instance, the idiom “eye for eye” originates from Bible Deuteronomy “anything eye shall not pity ,but life shall go for life，eye for eye，tooth for tooth，hand for hand，foot for foot”(inform a auto telic revenge), and “cast pearls before swine”(present to the people who cannot appreciate it; it similar to the expression of choosing the wrong audience), “beat the air” (make a futile effort) originates from New Testament Corinthians. “Bone of the bone and flesh of flesh” (refers to blood relationship) quotes from The Old Testament, the Genesis. 2.3. Historical allusion differenceAs historical allusion, some idioms contain strong ethnic and distinctive cultural personality and rich historical and cultural information. It can be one of the best ways to embody the characteristics of different history and culture. For example, some literature likes The True Story of Ah Q; it may be hard for the western people to understand the meaning of this book only through the title. And also “presenting a bold front to conceal a weak defence” (bewilder and keep away the enemy by opening the gate of an unfortified city) in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it refers to a military strategy in Chinese culture. In western culture, therere also many idioms like this, such as “bell the cat” from a fable which means assumption of risk. “Penne-lopesweb” from a Greece fairy tale about Pennelope, Odysseus wife, this idiom refers to a job can never be finished. “Cry for the moon” originates from Charles Dickens novel Bleak House, it means come out with most fantastic ideas which cannot be realized. 3. ConclusionEnglish is the language of the idioms of the oldest member, is English gems of and essence. English idioms language are refined, deep meaning, full of humor and wit, can give a person a kind of beautiful feeling. English idioms contain rich weste