Abstract

Languages convey cultural information and they are also used as tools to communicate. Using language in intercultural communication, we often come across some animal idioms with distinctive cultural characteristics, so it is a very important and complicated thing for us to understand and use these animal idioms correctly. With the development of human society and the frequency of intercultural communication, cultural differences may impact on people’s normal communications. Thus, through illustration, classification and comparison of English and Chinese animal idioms, the thesis aims to explore the cultural differences between East and West. What’s more, the thesis also aims to help English learners have a better understanding of English culture and develop their abilities of English language study.

Keywords: language; cultural differences; English and Chinese animal 

          idioms

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-2

2. Literature Review-3

3. A Brief Review of Animal Idioms-4

3.1 Definition and features of animal idioms-4

3.2 Relationships between culture and animal idioms-5

4. Differences between Chinese and Western Culture in Animal Idioms-6

4.1 Different values-6

4.2 Different cultural environments-6

4.3 Different historical allusions-7

4.4 Different religious beliefs-8

4.5 Different traditions and customs-9

5. Suggestions for Learners to Handle Differences between Chinese and English Animal Idioms-10

6. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-12