ABSTRACT

The Holy Bible is not only one of the classics of religion, but also the source of western culture, which has had an influence on all aspects of the social life in western countries. A lot of English idioms are from The Bible and studying these idioms will be helpful for us to have a better understanding of the English language. Therefore, this paper begins with the relationship between idioms and The Bible, and lists the idioms from The Bible from different aspects. It further explains that English idioms play an important role in the English language, and then makes the conclusion that The Bible has a great influence on the development of the English language. This paper can increase English learners’ biblical knowledge and eliminate the cultural barrier, which will help them make cross-cultural communication better. With relevant cultural knowledge, it is easier for English learners to learn English well.

Key words: The Holy Bible; idioms; the development of English; influence

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-2

2.1 Studies Abroad-2

2.2 Studies at Home-2

Chapter Three INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE ON ENGLISH IDIOMS-4

3.1 The Bible-4

3.1.1 English translations of The Bible-4

3.2 English Idioms-6

3.2.1 Definition of English idioms-6

3.2.2 Characteristics of English idioms-7

3.3 Influence of The Bible on English Idioms -7

3.3.1 Idioms from names of people or the stories about people-7

3.3.2 Idioms from names of parts of body-8

3.3.3 Idioms from names of places-9

3.3.4 Idioms from names of plants-9

3.3.5 Idioms from names of animals-10

Chapter Four INFLUENCE OF THE BIBLE ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE..12

    4.1 The English Language-12

4.1.1 Definition of the English language-12

4.1.2 Relationship between English idioms and the English language-12

4.1.3 Relationship between language and culture-13

4.2 Influence of The Bible on the English Language-14

4.2.1 Influence of The Bible on the English language in respect of idioms-14

4.2.2 Causes of the influence of The Bible on the English language-15

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-17

REFERENCES-18