漢英動(dòng)物詞的文化內(nèi)涵對(duì)比與翻譯AComparisonofCulturalConnotationsBetweenChineseandEnglishAnimalWordsandtheirTr

1、 . PAGE16 / NUMPAGES16A COMPARISION OF CULTURAL CONNOTATIONS BETWEEN CHINESE AND ENGLISH ANIMAL WORDS AND THEIR TRANSLATIONAbstractThere are a large number of words, idioms and expressions both in Chinese and English that are related to animals. Some of their meanings, cultural connotations and the

2、range of usage are the same or similar, and some are different. On the one hand, they are the same or similar, because human beings have some similar capabilities of thought, some same laws of cognition, and some animals have the same important role in the human life of these two nations, and have t

3、he same attributes and features. On the other hand, because of the long course of history between these two social groups, they are discrepant in religion, history, geographical environment and customs. These discrepancies make animal words different in their cultural connotations in these two langu

4、ages. Because of these discrepancies, we should consider the differences and similarities of the cultural connotations carried by animal words when translating animal words. Only in this way, can we translate correctly the real meanings and the style of the original, and promote the cross-cultural e

5、xchanges between the two countries.Key Words: animal word; cultural connotation; discrepancy; translation method漢英動(dòng)物詞的文化涵對(duì)比與翻譯摘要中英文里都含有大量和動(dòng)物有關(guān)的詞語(yǔ)、習(xí)語(yǔ)和表達(dá)。它們的詞義、文化涵與其應(yīng)用圍都有一樣或相似之處，也有不同之處。一方面，它們有共同或相似之處，這是因?yàn)槿祟?lèi)有相似的思維能力；共同的認(rèn)知規(guī)律；一些動(dòng)物在漢英兩大民族生活中占有同等重要的地位；以與這些動(dòng)物本身的固有屬性和特點(diǎn)。另一方面，由于漢英兩大社會(huì)群體在各自漫長(zhǎng)的歷史進(jìn)程中，各自的不同；歷史文化不

6、同；地理環(huán)境不同；習(xí)俗不同，這又形成兩者之間的差異。由于這種差異的存在，在翻譯時(shí)，我們應(yīng)充分考慮動(dòng)物詞所含文化含的差異。只有這樣，我們才能正確傳譯出原文的真正含義和風(fēng)格，促進(jìn)兩者的跨文化交流。關(guān)鍵詞：動(dòng)物詞；文化涵；差異；翻譯方法ContentsIntroduction1Cultural connotations of animal words in Chinese and English12.1Acomparison of animal words in Chinese and English12.1.1Basic correspondence of cultural connotation

7、s22.1.2 Partial correspondence of cultural connotations22.1.3No correspondence of cultural connotations22.2 The causes of the discrepancy between cultural connotations between Chinese and English animal words32.2.1Religion32.2.2History32.2.3Geographical environment42.2.4Customs53. Some Methods of tr

8、anslating animal words 63.1 Literal translation63.2 Substitution73.3 Liberal translation8Translations change as the time changes8Conclusion9Bibliography11A Comparison of Cultural Connotations Between Chinese and English Animal Words and their Translation1. IntroductionIn the long history of human be

9、ings, animals are always closely related to our existence and development. Some are a kind of important food to people; some offer the labor for agriculture; some support the inspirations forsome inventions of science and technology; and some are a kind of close friends of people, playing an importa

10、nt role in the mankinds society. Thus animal words and expressions have slowly become a significant member of the basic vocabulary of many languages in the world. Chinese and English are no exception. Some animal words in Chinese and English are the same or similar in cultural connotations, because

11、the Chinese people and the English people have some same capabilities of thought, some same laws of cognition, and some animals have the same important role in the human life of these two nations, and have the same attributes and features. But some of them are dissimilar or different. The cause of i

12、t is that the English people and the Chinese people are different in religion, history, geographical environment, customs and so on. This paper tries to elaborate the similarities and the differences between the cultural connotations carried by animal words in Chinese and English, find out the cause

13、s of differences, and then discuss some methods and techniques for translating these animal words.2. Culturalconnotations of animal words in Chinese and EnglishIn linguistics, English lexicon includes simple words, compounds and idioms. And the meaning of a word includes grammatical meaning and lexi

14、calmeaning. Lexical meaning has two parts. They are conceptual meaning and cognitive meaning. The former is the center of the meaning of the word, and it indicates definitely the object. Conceptual meaning has comparative stability, so it is also called referential meaning. Cognitive meaning has the

15、 meaning of emotionalcolor, it shows emotions and attitudes to the contents that the word refers to. So cognitive meaning is also called connotative meaning. Cultural connotation contains cognitive meanings and cultural meanings. Cultural connotation of a word refers to the cultural information that

16、 a word has been given by the society, including the added meaning or the implied meaning given by the social background, and the special feelings conveyed among a certain social group.2.1 A Comparison of cultural connotations of animal words in Chinese and EnglishAccording to the linguistic-domain

17、category, there are three cases in correspondence of Chinese and English animal words. They are basic correspondence, partial correspondence, and no correspondence. 2.1.1Basic correspondence of cultural connotationsThere are various things in the world. Different nations have different views to diff

18、erent objective things, but all human beings have some similar capabilities of thought, some same laws of cognition, and some animals have some same attributes. In different languages, some same animals will be endowed with the same or similar images. These images will make different nations have a

19、same or similar association of some ideas. Their usages and meanings both in Chinese and English are basic correspondence or similarity.e.g.(1) eat like a wolf 狼吞虎咽(2) fish in trouble water 渾水摸魚(yú)(3) ride the tiger 騎虎難下 (4) parrot what other people say 鸚鵡學(xué)舌(5) kill two birds with one stone 一石二鳥(niǎo)2.1.2Pa

20、rtial correspondence of culture connotations. The English culture connotations of some animal words are the same or similar to the Chinese cultural connotations of other Chinese animal words. Their implied meanings are the same, but their names are different. This is a case that we often have in tra

21、nslation.e.g.(1) kill the goose that lay golden eggs 殺雞取卵(2) as strong as a horse 壯如牛(3) like a dunk to water 如魚(yú)得水(4) a drowned rat 落湯雞(5) like a cat on hot bricks 熱鍋上的螞蟻(6) Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion. 寧為雞頭，不為鳳尾 2.1.3No correspondence of cultural connotationsBecause of the d

22、ifferences between the two cultures and image thoughts of the two nations, its natural that the two nations have different emotional reaction to the same kind of animal. In different cultures and civilizations, the same kind of animal might be given different cultural connotations, which will lead t

23、o the vacancy of cultural connotation in the other language, and lead to the obstacles for cross-exchanges. For example, peacock(孔雀) represents “arrogance” in English, but it stands for “beauty” in Chinese. The Chinese think “owl”(貓頭鷹) means “ill-omened”, while in English culture, it is viewed as “w

24、isdom”. And “鴛鴦” means that husband and wife in Chinese, but “mandarin duck” has not such cultural connotation in English. “山羊” has no special meaning in Chinese, but “goat” means “l(fā)echer” in English. In Chinese we have the idiom “指鹿為馬”, but the equal expression in English is “talk black into white”

25、. The English version of the Chinese saying “掛羊頭賣(mài)狗肉” is “to cry up wine and sell vinegar”.2.2 The causes of the discrepancy between cultural connotation of English and Chinese animal words The culture of a nation is formed by many factors. And the development of a society influences the formation, t

26、he development and the disappearance of the culture. Cultural connotations of some animal words in English and Chinese are closely related to the religion, history, geographical environment, and the customs of a nation. According to these factors, I will take some typical animals for example to elab

27、orate the causes of their discrepancies in Chinese and English.2.2.1ReligionWe know that there is a big difference between the Chinese religion and the English religion. The Chinese people believe in Buddhism, but the English people believe in Christianity. That is why some animal words about religi

28、on are quite different in Chinese and English. For instance, “dragon” and “龍” have different cultural connotations in the two languages, Chinese and English. In the Chinese culture, “龍” has been a symbol of “power, being sacred” from ancient times to now. In the feudal society, emperors were address

29、ed with “真龍?zhí)熳印? To some extent, “龍”is a symbol of China in the world, which stands for the source of the Chinese culture of about five thousand years. It is a special product of the Chinese culture. The Chinese take proud of being “the descendants of dragon”(龍的傳人). Some Chinese idioms like “望子成龍”, “

30、龍鳳呈祥”are well known to the Chinese. Their meanings contain a commendatory sense. But because of the influence of the Bible, the dragon in westerners minds is a kind of evil monster, which can vomit fire and sometimes possess three to nine heads. Therefore, there are few idioms and phrases about drag

31、on in English. Generally speaking, in English the word dragon has a derogatory sense when it is used to refer to somebody. Collins Cobuzld English Language Dictionaryexplains: If you call a woman as a dragon, you mean that she is fierce and unpleasant. So “亞洲四小龍” is often translated as “ the four ti

32、gers of Asia”, not “the four dragons of Asia”.We have some other idioms that are associated with animals from theBible: cast pearl before swine 明珠暗投（把珍珠拋給豬）separate the sheep from the goats 把好人與壞人分開(kāi)2.2.2HistoryEach nation has its own unique history, which affects the culture of theirs. Meanwhile the

33、 history is an important part and factor of each nations culture.In Chinese,“ox”has the same meaning as the “horse” in English. Thats caused by their different histories. The earliest cultivation mainly depended on “ox” in China, while the heavy farm work was done by “horse” in the early stage of Br

34、itain. “Ox” is always a kind of food in Britain, but horse is mainly ridden in China. So “ox” of Chinese and “horse” of English are both the same laborious livestock, and they have the same cultural connotations. Today, their functions have more or less changed in these two nations, but their cultur

35、al connotations given by history have been carried on as before by their people. e.g.(1) as strong as a horse 壯如牛(2) work like a horse 像牛一樣地辛勤干活Some special animal words, idioms come from historical books and classical works, and fable and story are the important components of them.For example, we h

36、ave the English idiom “cook ones goose”. The literal Chinese translation of this idiom is “烹某人的鵝”. Thats confusing to the Chinese. Its correct translation should be “挫敗某人的計(jì)劃” or “戰(zhàn)勝某人”.This idiom comes from an ancient story. English tradition has it that in The Middle Ages, a city was suddenly surro

37、unded by enemies. A resident of the city hanged a goose on a tower to express his scorn for the enemies. But that was a terribly wrong action. The enemies could not stand this shame. Every soldier became mad, and soon they conquered the city. The goose was cooked by the enemy soldiers. Later, people

38、 use the idiom to mean “frustrate somebodys will” or “destroy or defeat somebody”. e.g. If we try hard, we will surely cook their goose. 只要我們努力，我們肯定就能戰(zhàn)勝他們We also have some idioms that come from The Fables of Aesop. e.g. cherish a snake in ones bosom 養(yǎng)虎貽患cry wolf 發(fā)假警報(bào) （烽火戲諸侯）2.2.3Geographical environ

39、mentThe differences between the geographical environments of the two nations make many animals images and cultural connotations different or even vacant.e.g. Beavers (河貍) mainly live in North America. They build their nests with high techniques and inflexible will. People of American countries are f

40、amiliar with this kind of animal. So in English“beaver” means “the people who work hard”. As the geographical environments in China are quite different, the Chinese people hardly know this kind of animal and their special cultural connotations. They dont know their “diligence” and what they really m

41、ean sometimes. Hence, if you translate beaver literally, sometimes you can not make the original understood by the Chinese people.e.g.(1) They didnt study hard at ordinary times. So when the examination came, they had to work like beavers. 由于平時(shí)不努力，考試來(lái)臨時(shí)，他們就不得不日夜苦讀了(2) We often beaver away at school.

42、 我們常在學(xué)校里用功讀書(shū)As we know, Britain is a typical island country. The navigable industry and marine products of Britain are developed. So, some animal words, idioms, proverbs about ocean and marine aquatics are plentiful and popular. But the living environments of the Chinese nation have been restricted

43、mainly to themainland. Comparatively speaking, the Chinese animal words about ocean and marine aquatics are fewer than Britains. Sometimes, they might even make cultural vacancy in translation. For example, in English “fish” has rich cultural connotations while in Chinese it doesnt. e.g.(1) a pretty

44、 kettle of fish. 一團(tuán)糟(2) to fish in the air 水中撈月(3) to have other fish to fry 有別的事要干Also, in English “fish” can be used to refer to “person”. e.g. (1) an odd fish 怪人(2) a loose fish 放蕩不羈的人(3) a poor fish 可憐蟲(chóng)或倒霉的家伙(4) a fish wife 沒(méi)教養(yǎng)的女人(5) a cold fish 冷酷無(wú)情的人(6) a big fish 大人物2.2.4 CustomsThe words and

45、 idioms about dog even reflect more the dissimilarity between the English customs and the Chinese customs. Both the English-speaking people and the Chinese people like raising dogs, but their aims and attitudes towards dogs are quite different. In English-speaking countries, dogs are generally perso

46、ns companions, just few dogs are raised to hunt or look after the house. Some people have no children, and their dogs can take the place of children. Dogs often have preferential treatments, even “privileges”. Their food, clothes are no less good as their masters. They even can listen to some songs

47、specially created for them. They can see a veterinary surgeon when they are ill. They can also enjoy a “vacation” when their hosts spend their holidays. These customs of raising dogs are common in Western countries. Westerners sometimes use the animal word dog to refer to their friends. But this beh

48、avior makes the Chinese puzzled. In China, dogs usually do not “enjoy” this kind of treatment. In the Chinese culture, dogs are disgusting, and the word dog often has a derogatory sense, especially when used to refer to a person. Generally speaking, the Chinese despise this kind of animal in heart.

49、They breed them just for hunting and looking after the house. Ibelieve these customs will not change in a short time.e.g.(1) a lucky dog 幸運(yùn)兒 (2) Every dog has his day 人人都有得意時(shí)(3) Love me, love my dog. 愛(ài)屋與烏In English we have some other animal words and expressions that are connected with traditional c

50、ustoms:(1) carry owls to Athens 運(yùn)貓頭鷹到雅典；多此一舉 ( The reason is that Athens is rich in owls )(2) As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb 一不做，二不休 ( The reason is that a former British law had this rule: a person who steals a sheep, whether the sheep is big or not, will be hanged.)(3) Live like a fig

51、hting cock 吃最好的東西；養(yǎng)尊處優(yōu) ( The reason is that in the past, Englishmenwould give their fighting cocks the best food before the game so that they could win the game.)3. Some Methods of translating animal wordsSince there are some similarities and dissimilarities regarding animal words in Chinese and Eng

52、lish, we should strive to know the cultural connotations carried by animal words in these two languages rather than translate the animal words directly. We should replace the symbolic images carried by some animal words in these two languages if necessary. Some sayings involving animal words in the

53、two languages are the same, such as “as stupid as an ass” 蠢得像驢, “as fat as a pig” 肥得像豬. But some are not so simple as they seem to be. Sometimes you have to consider carefully their cultural connotations before you can translate these animal words properly. Some methods are suggested in the followin

54、g parts for your animal words translation in the future.3.1 Literal translation In Chinese and English, some animal words are the same or similar both in literal meanings and cultural connotations. In this case, we can use the method of literal translation to translate them. e.g.(1) Barking dogs don

55、t bite. 吠犬不咬人(2) as ugly as a toad 像癩蛤蟆一樣丑陋(3) a wolf in sheeps clothing 披著羊皮的狼(4) make a monkey out of somebody 拿人當(dāng)猴耍(5) A rat crossing the street is chased by all. 過(guò)街老鼠，人人喊打Literal translation can make the translation vivid, keep the feature and style of the original, and it is beneficial for the

56、cultural exchange between the two nations.Some idioms and expressions that are connected with animals exist just in English or Chinese, but their literal meanings and cultural connotations can be understood by the people of the other nation if they are translated literally. In order to keep the imag

57、e and style of the original, we can use literal translation for them.e.g.(1) When the fox preaches, then be aware of your geese. 狐貍說(shuō)教時(shí)，要當(dāng)心你的鵝(2) Dont count your chickens before they are hatched. 小雞未孵出，不要急著數(shù)雞數(shù)(3) set the wolf to keep the sheep 讓狼看守羊(4) Every bird likes its own nest. 每只鳥(niǎo)都喜歡自己的窩(5) A b

58、ird in the hand is worth two in the bush. 雙鳥(niǎo)在林，不如一鳥(niǎo)在手English is the widest used language in the world. The culture of English-speaking countries, their science and technology are also dominant in the world. With regard to some English animal words, we generally translate them using literal translati

59、on. These animal words and phrases have their fixed meanings. We use literal translation to translate these animal words directly, because they have been accepted by the Chinese readers, and we can understand their cultural connotations without explanation.e.g.(1) a dark horse 黑馬(2) a hot dog 熱狗(3)

60、a cowboy 牛仔(4) a net worm 網(wǎng)蟲(chóng)3.2 SubstitutionBoth China and Britain have their long-standing languages, and the animal words in these two languages reflect the features of their own national cultures and histories. That will make some vacancies of animal words in the other language. Sometimes what ex