Ting Shi. 2015, A Comparison of Animal Words in English and Chinese Culture.pdf

A Comparison of Animal Words in English and Chinese Culture Ting Shi Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College, 3 Yaguan Road, Tianjin Haihe Education Park, China 300350 397656413@ Keywords: Animal Word; Western and Chinese Culture; Similarity; Difference Abstract. Animal words are an indispensable part in our daily life. Our relationship with animals and observation of them provide us with a means of association when we speak. However, in the different cultures of the West and the East, the same animal words may express totally opposite meanings. In this paper, the author will study and analyze these animal words and compare them between the two different cultures. Introduction The boundless universe is made up of everything. Animals have a special relationship with mankind. They are men’s friends to keep them company so that men do not feel lonely. Meanwhile, the names of animals have also enlarged the human vocabulary, making the meaning of idioms and our language much richer. The animal is not only an important part of nature, but also an indispensable part of society. At the same time, we can find idioms and expressions with animals names everywhere in society. Nowadays, these idioms or words, which include animal words, have not merely been the simple symbol of a kind of animal. In most situations, mankind has elaborated on them, enabling them to express human emotions and ideas. [1] One simple animal word can often express different emotions and thoughts. In respect to the differences of culture, region, habits and customs between the East and the West, same kind of animal word represents different meanings. The cultural differences lead to various interpretations feelings, and understanding of the animals. Some animals are imagined by people; and some are worshipped by Easterners，but Westerners are unable to understand. Some are avoided in the West but not eliminated at all in the East. Some expression of animals’ names betwe