On the Sources, Functions and Rhetorical Devices of English Proverbs 浅谈英语谚语的来源、功能及其修辞.docVIP

On the Sources, Functions and Rhetorical Devices of English Proverbs 浅谈英语谚语的来源、功能及其修辞 ［Abstract］ Proverbs, in colorful and vivid language, reflect important typical cultural values of every culture . Simple and popular, concise and pithy, they are passed on from gengeration to generation in the readable oral form and have gradually become a component indispensable to the dominant culture of that nation. This paper contains three parts: the sources of English proverbs、 the functions of English proverbs and the rhetorical devices of English proverbs. Firstly, it introduces the sources of English proverbs. Proverbs have a long history. They are brief and well-polished expressions embedded in philosophical ideas concerning different aspects of life. They are the summary of people experience in everyday life, so they originated from people’s daily life and experience. To be specific, they come from folk life, religion, mythology, literary works, other languages, famous writers’ wisdom, a nation’s history and so on. Secondly, it mentions the function of English proverbs. Its function is to teach and advise people what they see in their lives. Many English proverbs guide people to adopt a correct attitude towards life and to take a proper way to get along well with others. Some other proverbs tell people what to do and how to do it, so the proverbs guide people’s daily life. From them, people may broaden their knowledge and outlook. Thirdly, it describes their rhetorical devices. English proverbs are rich and colorful. With regard to the everlasting charm of the English proverbs, there are many different reasons. The most important one is the extensive use of rhetorical devices and rhythmatical ways, so their language is full of image and vividness and has a strong artistic beauty and power. ［Key Words］ English proverbs； sources； functions； rhetorical devices 浅谈英语谚语的来源,功能及其修辞 【摘 要】 谚语丰富多彩，生动隽永，反映了每个民族追崇的重要而独特的文化价值观。谚语简单通俗，精辟凝练，尤其以朗朗的口语形态承传沿用，渐渐成为民族主流文化不可缺少的一部分。 这