The Cultural Differences and Translation of English and Chinese Proverbs 英语毕业论文_精品.docVIP

The Cultural Differences and Translation of English and Chinese Proverbs Abstract: English and Chinese proverbs are seasonings of the language with picturesque images and cultural characteristics. Because of the differences of natural geography environments, religious beliefs, habits and customs, fables and myths, and cultures and arts, English and Chinese proverbs reflect the distinctive cultural features and information. This paper analyses the cultural differences between English and Chinese proverbs based on contrastive linguistics and discusses the translation strategies of English and Chinese proverbs according to national cultural commonness and individuality from theory to practice. Key words: proverb; cultural difference; translation strategy 1. Introduction Proverbs are short sayings of folk wisdom—of well-known facts or truths—expressed succinctly and in a way that makes them easy to remember. These facts and truths often expound the profound truths from the simple matters in daily life. They sum up daily experience of people and tell people how to conduct themselves in society. As Francis Bacon long ago observed: “The genius, wit, and spirit of a nation are discovered in its proverbs”. English and Chinese proverbs are widely loved and used by people and regarded as the cream of the English and Chinese languages and the gorgeous treasures of English and Chinese cultural treasure-house. They deserve to be called the nation’s spiritual values and cultural heritage. But, with the differences of geography, history, religious beliefs, habits and customs, English and Chinese proverbs carry on different national cultural features and information. There is an example: ?Is Susan beautiful?” asked Mrs. Taft. ?She is anything but beautiful.” Replied Mr. Taft. ?How could our silly John fall in love with such a girl?” Mrs. Taft was surprised. “Why not? ‘Beauty lies in the lover’s eyes’. As this saying goes.” Mr. Taft answered with a gentle smile． Let’s see the tr