Abstract: Idioms are the carrier of culture and they can reflect cultural differences. By comparative analysis of English and Chinese idioms, this paper will point out the differences between English and Chinese idioms and further reflect cultural differences between Western and Eastern, so it can give a brief account of implication of idioms for language learners and decrease misunderstandings during cross-cultural communication and improve our communication ability.

Key Words: Idioms, culture difference, contrast

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.1

3. Comparison Between English and Chinese Idioms2

  3.1 Similarities Between English and Chinese Idioms

  3.2 Differences Between English and Chinese Idioms

    3.2.1 Different Origins of Idioms

  3.2.1.1 Origins of Chinese Idioms

  3.2.1.2 Origins of English Idioms

3.2.2 Different Classifications of Idioms

  3.2.2.1 Classifications of English Idioms

  3.2.2.2 Classifications of Chinese Idioms

    3.2.3 Other Differences between English and Chinese Idioms

4.Cultural Factors of the Differences Between English and Chinese Idioms.6

  4.1 Living Environment 

  4.2 Historical Cultural Background

  4.3 Social Customs 

  4.4 Religious Beliefs 

  4.5 Modes of Thinking

5. Implications of the Research8

  5.1 Implication for Language Learners

  5.2Implication for Cross-cultural Communication

6. Conclusion.9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements11