商务英语 中美动物词汇文化内涵的对比研究.doc

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1、北京理工大学珠海学院2011届本科生毕业论文A Comparative Study on Cultural Connotation of Sino-American Animal Words学 院： 外国语学院专 业：姓 名：指导老师：商 务 英 语方 慧 子学 号：职 称：161005103867罗 理 权讲 师中国珠海二二 年 五 月北京理工大学珠海学院2020届本科生毕业论文毕业论文诚信承诺书本人郑重承诺：我所呈交的毕业论文 A Comparative Study on Cultural Connotation of Sino-American Animal Words是在指导教师的指导

2、下，独立开展研究或调查所取得的成果，文中引用他人的观点和材料，均在文后按顺序列出其参考文献，文中所使用的数据真实可靠。承诺人签名： 日期： 年 月 日 A Comparative Study on Cultural Connotation of Sino-American Animal WordsAbstractIn the process of human development, there is a close relationship between animals and human beings, and the existence of animals has a profoun

3、d impact on human survival. This kind of close relationship leads to negative or positive attitude towards different types of animals. People began to give animals specific metaphors in language by their characteristics and habits. Due to cultural differences, Chinese and Americans have a different

4、understanding of the cultural connotations of some animal words.This paper takes animal words as the research subject and adopts inductive method and comparative research method. It aims to find out the differences and similarities of cultural connotation of animal words between China and America, a

5、nd further explores the factors that affect the cultural connotation of animal vocabulary.The research shows that due to peoples similar cognition of the world, some animal words may have similar expressions even in different cultures. At the same time, due to different living environment of human b

6、eings, the cultural connotations of some animal words are different and there even exists cultural connotation vacancy. This phenomenon is due to animal habits, religions, legends and myths, history, social psychology, values and other factors, which affect peoples understanding of the cultural conn

7、otation of animal words.Keywords: Sino-American culture, animal words, cultural connotations中美动物词汇文化内涵的对比研究摘 要在人类历史发展的漫长进程中，动物一直与人类保持着密切联系，并深刻影响着人类的生存与发展。在这样密切的关系中，人类对动物产生了或喜爱或厌恶的情感，于是人们开始以动物的特征和习性来赋予它们在人类语言中特定的情感和喻意。但由于文化差异，中美两国对动物词汇的文化内涵有着截然不同的理解。本文以动物词汇作为研究对象，采用归纳法和比较研究法，旨在通过对比研究，找出中美动物词汇文化内涵的不同点

8、与相同点，并深入探讨影响动物词汇文化内涵的因素。研究得知，由于人们对同一世界的认知总是相似的，有些动物词汇在不同文化中有着相似的表达方式。同时由于人类生存环境的不同，有些动物词汇虽然有着相同的概念意义，但文化内涵却是不同的甚至存在着文化内涵空缺的现象。之所以会产生这种现象，是因为动物习性，宗教，传说神话，历史，社会心理，价值观念等因素影响着大家对动物词汇文化内涵的理解。 关键词：中美文化；文化内涵；动物词汇IIContentsAbstract摘 要Introduction11 The Animal Words with Correspondent Connotations21.1 Based

9、on Animals Habits21.2 Based on Religion32 The Animal Words with Different Connotations5 2.1 Stemming from Legend and Myth5 2.2 Stemming from Aesthetic Value62.3 Stemming from Social Psychology62.4 Stemming from History83 The Animal Words with No Correspondent Connotations10Conclusion11References12Ac

10、knowledgments13IntroductionWith the development of modern culture, the communication between Chinese and Western culture is becoming more and more frequent. Both English and Chinese have a long history and culture, so there are abundant words with animals as the metaphor in English and Chinese. Thro

11、ugh the characteristics and habits of animals, people give them specific emotions and metaphors in language. These animal words may have the same surface meaning, but their cultural meanings are quite different. With the increasingly close communication in the world, China pays more and more attenti

12、on to the comparative study of English and Chinese animal words. Wu Zhuo analyzed and explained the differences in the internal meanings of animal vocabulary based on the complete correspondence, incomplete correspondence and complete inconsistency in the research. Taking the zodiac as the research

13、subject, Liu Ling explores the original meaning of the animal words of the zodiac in Chinese and English, hoping to enrich peoples language knowledge and deepen the understanding of different ethnic cultures. Cao Rong discusses the appropriate translation of animal idioms in English from the perspec

14、tive of semantics and culture and reveals the differences between Chinese and English culture. It concludes that only by combining historical background, cultural differences and other factors can we overcome the barriers of language and culture as well as promote the cross-cultural development of d

15、ifferent cultures communication.In summary, in recent years, many scholars have made a comparative study on Chinese and English animal words from the perspective of pragmatic meaning and translation, so as to help English learners better transmit cultural information and promote cultural communicati

16、on between China and the West. On the basis of Wu Zhuos research, this paper will study from the complete correspondence, incomplete correspondence and complete non correspondence of animal words, analyzing the differences in the cultural connotation of animal words, and explore the factors that aff

17、ect the cultural connotation of animal vocabulary. In this way, it makes people have a deeper understanding of Chinese and native American culture, reducing language barriers in cross-cultural communication, and help people to conduct cross-cultural communication smoothly and appropriately.1 The Ani

18、mal Words with Correspondent ConnotationsIn the process of the development of human society, animals have been keeping a close relationship with human beings, and they have become an indispensable part of human life. This close relationship brings negative or positive attitude towards different type

19、s of animal. From this, human beings begin to use animals to express their feelings. Therefore, whether in English or Chinese, animal words not only reflect the image of animals, but also carry peoples emotions and psychology. As a result, they have a deeper cultural connotation besides the superfic

20、ial meaning. But because peoples cognition of the same world is always the same or similar, there are some same expressions in both Chinese and English.1.1 Based on Animals HabitsAlthough there are huge differences between Sino-American cultures, there is no lack of similarities between the two. In

21、terms of animal words, the connotation of animal culture is closely related to peoples lives. Due to some specific habits of animals, people may have similar associations with them, so they are endowed with similar cultural connotations.Taking the eagle as an example, the eagle is majestic, fierce a

22、nd has sharp eyes. When they encounter prey, they will catch it very quickly. Because of these characteristics, most of eagles represent bravery, strength, victory, and power, and they imply a spirit of courage to move forward. At this point, China and America show complete equivalence in its meanin

23、g. In ancient China, eagle symbolized the god of war. The Book of Songs once described the military expedition as an eagle flying with wings spread, with eagle symbolizing the majesty of the military capacity and the victory of the war. It can be seen that eagle was also a symbol of ancient imperial

24、 power from the flag of the image of eagle that the emperor hang when he conferred the throne in Western Zhou Dynasty. Similarly, in ancient Rome, eagle was regarded as the “bird of Jupiter” (the first of the Twelve Gods in ancient Roman mythology), symbolizing power and victory. Therefore, the anci

25、ent Roman ruling class began to use the eagle emblem, and the flag of Roman Legion was also the most prominent among the eagles. In the United States, the bald eagle is the national bird. Whether it is the national emblem of the United States or the military uniform of the United States Army, a whit

26、e-headed sea eagle is depicted, holding an olive branch on one foot and an arrow on the other, which symbolizes peace and strong force. Another example is monkey. When talking about monkey, we all think of monkeys witty and funny image. For example, “make a monkey out of someone”; “monkey see monkey

27、 do”. In Chinese “猴子吃辣椒-抓耳挠腮”(Monkeyseatchilipeppersandscratchtheirearsandcheeks); “山中无老虎，猴子称大王”(When the cat is away, the mice will play; Among the blind, the one-eyed man is the king). In these proverbs, monkeys have the same cultural connotation.Bees also have various meanings between Sino-Americ

28、an cultures. They go out early and come back late. They are diligent in collecting honey, which represents hard work. They have a great team spirit. Their internal organization is refined, the division of labor is clear, and collaboration is efficient. Once the individual is attacked, bees will gath

29、er together immediately and defeat the other party with collective wisdom and strength.Moreover, the word “donkey” has the meaning of stupidity in both English and Chinese. “Act the ass” means doing something foolish. Make an ass of oneself means to do stupid things and make jokes. In Chinese idioms

30、, “黔驴技穷” means that someone has limited ability.1.2 Based on ReligionTotem worship is an early expression of religious belief. At the beginning of human beings birth, people only sought foods such as fruits and vegetables that grow naturally. Gradually, with the enhancement of organization and coope

31、ration, people began to hunt. The ability of animals to soar in the sky and swim under the water made people worship and yearn for it. Therefore, some animals that are endowed with superpowers began to be used as a symbol of a nation or race. Taking the dragon as an example, Chinese believe that dra

32、gon is powerful, can ascend to the sky, be able to communicate with the god and human beings, and have the ability to be a messenger between the god and human beings, as well as a symbol of strength and destiny. Therefore, in feudal era, dragon was behalf of emperor. All emperors were called “真龙天子”,

33、 and the things which related to the emperor will be have a word “dragon” and became the exclusive articles of them. For example, “龙袍” (dragon robe); “龙体” (health of an emperor); “龙床” (bed of state) and so on. Until now, Chinese people also call themselves “龙的传人” (descendants of the dragon).The rela

34、tionship between chicken and Chinese people is also very close. In ancient times, some people would use chicken as dowry. First, because chicken （鸡） and auspice （吉） are homophones, representing luck and happiness. And the second is because chicken has five virtues of literature, martial arts, courag

35、e, benevolence and sincerity, which symbolizes the good personalities of the bridegroom. In Chinese culture, chicken brings good association to people: the dignified rooster, the meek hen, and the lively chick. From some idioms, we can also see the Chinese people s feelings about “chicken”, such as

36、“闻鸡起舞” (get up and practice martial arts when hearing the crowing of rooster), which tells the story of Zu Ti in Jin Dynasty. Zu Ti was a naughty boy who didnt like reading when he was a kid. In his youth, he realized the lack of his knowledge and felt that he could not serve the country without lea

37、rning, so he learned hard. He and his friend Liu Kunxin got up and practiced martial arts when hearing the crowing of chickens. Year after year, and never stopped. Everything comes to him who waits. After long-term hard study and training, they have finally become capable all-rounders and achieved t

38、heir desire to serve the country. From then on, “闻鸡起舞” (get up and practice martial arts when hearing the crowing of rooster) spread and later described people with lofty ideals who studied hard in time. In traditional Chinese culture, chicken has some kind of divine power, which can ward off evil s

39、pirits. The ancients believed that chicken and chicken blood had the function of expelling ghosts and disasters. In America, chicken has a similar meaning. It is said that raising turkey can eliminate fire. Similarly, in Sino-American culture, the behavior of roosters crowing to the sun every mornin

40、g is regarded as a symbol of light over darkness. It is a holy bird that can bring light and auspiciousness to people. And it is an emissary of light, a symbol of auspiciousness, a nemesis of darkness, and an opponent of evil. And the rooster also represents masculinity and is considered to be a rep

41、resentative of reproduction. The people of both countries use roosters as a symbol of fertility, especially male.2 The Animal Words with Different ConnotationsDue to the different living environment, human culture presents diversity. Influenced by different traditional culture, history, social psych

42、ology and values, China and the United States, living in different cultural fields, have different understandings of some words, so the connotative meaning of words will be different to some extent. This phenomenon is very common. We must pay attention to it in cross-cultural communication. The foll

43、owing summarizes and compares the connotation differences of animal words. 2.1 Stemming from Legend and Myth As we all know, Greek and Roman myths play an important role in western culture. Also, the cultural connotations of many animal words in English are derived from myths. Taking the owls for ex

44、ample, in Greek mythology, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, uses owl as her symbol. It is said that when birds collide with beasts, she will send owls to regulate. Therefore, owls in English speaking countries have the meaning of wisdom, steadiness and calmness. But in Chinese legends, people think th

45、at owls are inauspicious and will bring people bad luck. There is a saying in China that “猫头鹰进宅，好事不来” (When owls enter the house, the bad things will follow).Snakes also play an important role in the legends and myths of the world. In many European and American countries, snakes have always been a s

46、ymbol of viciousness and temptation. The oldest basis is the record in Genesis. Snakes lure Adam and Eve to eat the Adams apple. However, eating Adams apple is considered as the beginning of human original sin and all other sins. Therefore, God expelled them from the Garden of Eden, and human beings

47、 began to suffer from life. The other is Medusa, a famous female monster in Greek mythology. She turned out to be a beautiful girl. Because she offended Athena, her hair turned into countless poisonous snakes and she became a devil that anyone who saw her would turn into stone. Everyone called her a

48、 fatal temptation.However, in Chinese mythology, snake has a higher status. Pangu, Fuxi and Nuwa are all human heads and snake bodies. Nuwa was endowed with the body of the snake, not only because of the mystery of the myth, but also because of the tenacious vitality and strong reproductive power of the snake itself, which is the symbol of eternal life. In ancient times, except for Fuxi and Nuwa, Huangdi, Xi W