中美動(dòng)物詞匯文化內(nèi)涵的對(duì)比研究

1、北京理工大學(xué)珠海學(xué)院2020屆本科生畢業(yè)論文A Comparative Study on Cultural Connotation of Sino-American Animal Words 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 a

2、nimals has a profound 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 America

3、ns have a different 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

4、China and America, and 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 en

5、vironment of human beings, 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

6、of the cultural connotation of animal words.Keywords: Sino-American culture, animal words, cultural connotations中美動(dòng)物詞匯文化內(nèi)涵的對(duì)比研究摘 要在人類歷史發(fā)展的漫長(zhǎng)進(jìn)程中，動(dòng)物一直與人類保持著密切聯(lián)系，并深刻影響著人類的生存與發(fā)展。在這樣密切的關(guān)系中，人類對(duì)動(dòng)物產(chǎn)生了或喜愛或厭惡的情感，于是人們開始以動(dòng)物的特征和習(xí)性來(lái)賦予它們?cè)谌祟愓Z(yǔ)言中特定的情感和喻意。但由于文化差異，中美兩國(guó)對(duì)動(dòng)物詞匯的文化內(nèi)涵有著截然不同的理解。本文以動(dòng)物詞匯作為研究對(duì)象，采用歸納法和比較研究法，旨在通過對(duì)

7、比研究，找出中美動(dòng)物詞匯文化內(nèi)涵的不同點(diǎn)與相同點(diǎn)，并深入探討影響動(dòng)物詞匯文化內(nèi)涵的因素。研究得知，由于人們對(duì)同一世界的認(rèn)知總是相似的，有些動(dòng)物詞匯在不同文化中有著相似的表達(dá)方式。同時(shí)由于人類生存環(huán)境的不同，有些動(dòng)物詞匯雖然有著相同的概念意義，但文化內(nèi)涵卻是不同的甚至存在著文化內(nèi)涵空缺的現(xiàn)象。之所以會(huì)產(chǎn)生這種現(xiàn)象，是因?yàn)閯?dòng)物習(xí)性，宗教，傳說神話，歷史，社會(huì)心理，價(jià)值觀念等因素影響著大家對(duì)動(dòng)物詞匯文化內(nèi)涵的理解。 關(guān)鍵詞：中美文化；文化內(nèi)涵；動(dòng)物詞匯IIContentsAbstract摘 要Introduction11 The Animal Words with Correspondent Con

8、notations21.1 Based 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 Connotations10Conclu

9、sion11References12Acknowledgments13IntroductionWith 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 Engli

10、sh and Chinese. Through 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 m

11、ore and more attention 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 zod

12、iac as the research 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 Engl

13、ish from the perspective 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-cultu

14、ral development of different 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

15、cultural communication 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

16、the factors that affect 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 app

17、ropriately.1 The Animal 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 to

18、wards different types 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

19、besides the superficial 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

20、between the two. In 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 i

21、s majestic, fierce and 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 equiv

22、alence in its meaning. 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

23、 of ancient imperial 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.

24、 Therefore, the ancient 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

25、 States Army, a white-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”

26、; “monkey see monkey do”. In Chinese “猴子吃辣椒-抓耳撓腮”(Monkeyseatchilipeppersandscratchtheirearsandcheeks); “山中無(wú)老虎，猴子稱大王”(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

27、 between Sino-American 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 atta

28、cked, bees will gather 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 joke

29、s. In Chinese idioms, “黔驢技窮” 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 or

30、ganization and cooperation, 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, Chin

31、ese believe that dragon 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

32、 were called “真龍?zhí)熳印? and the things which related to the emperor will be have a word “dragon” and became the exclusive articles of them. For example, “龍袍” (dragon robe); “龍?bào)w” (health of an emperor); “龍床” (bed of state) and so on. Until now, Chinese people also call themselves “龍的傳人” (descendants of

33、the dragon).The relationship between chicken and Chinese people is also very close. In ancient times, some people would use chicken as dowry. First, because chicken （雞） and auspice （吉） are homophones, representing luck and happiness. And the second is because chicken has five virtues of literature,

34、martial arts, courage, 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

35、 “chicken”, such as “聞雞起舞” (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

36、 country without learning, 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-rou

37、nders and achieved their desire to serve the country. From then on, “聞雞起舞” (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

38、 can ward off evil spirits. 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

39、the sun every morning 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 co

40、nsidered to be a representative 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, h

41、istory, social psychology 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 com

42、munication. The following 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. Ta

43、king the owls for example, 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 lege

44、nds, people think that owls are inauspicious and will bring people bad luck. There is a saying in China that “貓頭鷹進(jìn)宅，好事不來(lái)” (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

45、have always been a symbol 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 Ed

46、en, and human beings 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. E

47、veryone called her a 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 r

48、eproductive power of the snake itself, which is the symbol of eternal life. In ancient times, except for Fuxi and Nuwa, Huangdi, Xi Wangmu and so on all appeared in the shape of a snake in front of people. According to statistics, 138 of the 454 characters recorded in Shan Hai Jing are related to sn

49、ake shape. It can be seen that using snake shape to describe ancestors is a common way of worship in ancient times.About the legend of the snake, we have to mention a well-known TV play “White Snake”, which is mainly about a love story in which a snake turns into human and love an ordinary people. I

50、n this story, the snake does not harm people and she is kind-hearted and dare to pursue her love and happiness. So we can see the positive image of snake in Chinese culture.2.2 Stemming from Aesthetic Value When it comes to pigs, many Chinese think of stupidity, laziness and greed first. But in fact

51、, in our traditional culture, the cultural connotation of pigs is mainly commendation. Pigs are the first of the six domestic animals (pig, ox, goat, horse, fowl and dog). In ancient times, because of the low productivity, people who could raise pigs at home represented that they had a wealthy famil

52、y. And historically, people believed that pigs were auspicious, so they were widely worshipped by the society. Therefore, there were a lot of people with pigs in their names at that time. For example, Emperor Wu of Han was originally called “劉彘”, which is also called “Liu pig”. During Wei, Jin and t

53、he Southern and Northern Dynasties, some people named the warship “wild boar” to express their bravery and victory, and to celebrate as the voice of a wild boar after victory in the war. In Tang Dynasty, pigs also became mascots for young students to succeed in an imperial examination. Therefore, in

54、 ancient times, when someone took the imperial examination, his relatives and friends would give him stewed pork leg, hoping that he could get a good result. It can be seen that pig is a symbol of wealth, wisdom, bravery and luck in Chinese traditional culture. But because of the different ways of p

55、roduction and living habits, in American culture, pigs are the symbol of filth, greed and evil. For example, “pig out”, “pigs ear”, “teach a pig to sing”, etc. In the 1960s, when the feminist movement rose, pigs were used to describe the blind patriotic men. Even President Lincoln likened pigs to th

56、ose who were lazy and asked to work.2.3 Stemming from Social PsychologyDue to living in different social environments, China and the United States have different perceptions and understandings of social phenomena. Taking peacock and swan as examples, their meanings are quite different in Chinese and

57、 American culture.Peacock is the king of birds and it likes to display its fine tail feathers. In China, peacock has a variety of meanings. First of all, people think that peacock can bring good luck to people. Secondly, it also symbolizes a bright future. In ancient times, the official robes were u

58、sually embroidered with animal patterns, and the official hats were decorated with animal feathers. The senior officials of Qing Dynasty used peacock feather to decorate official hats. Therefore, peacock is a symbol of power. To give people the related presents about peacock means to wish them have a good promotion. Peacocks head has a white part, and it implies that couples have a harmonious relationship and love each other. Also, it means that couples can devote to a happy marriage and be loyalty to love. On the contrast, in American culture, peacocks always strut whey they walk, which