花卉的象征意义

1. Introduction

The language and the culture are created by people step by step have close relationship with various flowers on earth. Moreover, humans’ linguistic abilities are based on the knowledge that they have. Flower names have been integrated into the vocabulary through description.

Like other words, flower names not only have their denotation meanings, but also have their connotation meanings as well. The flower words, for instance, can be understood by anyone who is engaged in any spoken English. The denotation meaning is the meaning you can find in the dictionary. Professionally, denotation meaning is the same meaning for all speakers of a given language. However, connotative meaning is associative meaning which a word suggests or implies. Just take the phrase “the flower of the film” as an example, it does not mean something literally that it is a flower in the film, but refers to the best part of the film. Connotative meanings are common especially in idioms with flower names. The connotative meanings are rooted from fables, legends, and fairy stories, having been passed down from generation to generation. So the thesis discusses the issue from the angle of semantic features and culture connotations.

As semantics is a wide branch of linguistics, it can not work without making certain relevance to pronunciation of words and their spellings, and the number of flowers in the world is so huge. My thesis starts from the flower-related words and try to find out the difference of their symbolic meanings. The study of the flower names in such a way come from the sparkle of inspiration when one of my roommates sent flowers to his girl friend one day. I have forgotten hoe many flowers he sent, but the symbolic meaning the flowers present is “I love you forever”. So knowing the symbolic meanings of flowers is useful in our daily life.

2. Literature Review

2.1 Relationship between Language and Culture

Language plays a vital role in human life. We use language every day. Language is a tool for people to communicate with others. Without language, the world will be beyond imagination.

What is language?

This is an intricate question to answer. In linguistics, language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbol used for human communication.

What is culture?

Culture involves at least three components: what people think, what they do, and the material products they produce.

For many years, researchers have been showing much concern on the relationship between language and culture. 'They have contributed many theoretical comments and innumerable facts. Kramsch(2000:3) remarks, "Language is the principle means whereby we conduct our social lives. When it is used in contexts of communication, it is bound up with culture in multiple and complex ways." Nida believes that "the interactions between language and culture can then be described in terms of reciprocal modifications, the rates of change, the representation of culture by language, and the issues of double causation"(2001:139). Although the scholars' opinions are various, they all admit that language and culture are intricately interwoven. If there was no language, there would be no culture.

On the one hand, language is the carrier of culture and in turn culture is the content of language. The history of human civilization and social progress are recorded by language. Language is the main means for human beings to study culture. In another words, all the components of culture, such as beliefs, customs, religions, science, arts are described, analyzed and evaluated by language. Language is the obvious tool to carry cultural information and contributes to the evolution of culture. No language can operate in isolation from culture. Culture is source of language.

Every language, to some degree, is particular to a community which uses the language. For examples, People live in the cold climate have as many as different words for snow to distinguish among different types of snow: falling snow, snow on the ground, fluffy snow, wet snow, etc. They live in the world of snow. It is important for them to be able to distinguish among and refer to different types of snow. In contrast, certain hot climate cultures have no word at all for snow. It is said that there are more than four hundred words for camel in Arabic while there is only one word for it in English or Chinese. There are“kuaizi”，“mantou”，“jiaozi”in Chinese. However, in English-speaking countries, there are almost no equivalent expressions to express them. So any item in a particular language is a product of particular culture in which the language is spoken.

On the other hand, language is shaped by culture and it reflects culture. In a wide sense, language is the symbolic representation of a people. People identify themselves and others through their usage of language and they consider their language as a symbol of their social identity. The formation and development of language can not happen without culture, and the development of language often embodies the change of culture. People give meaning to language through the medium they can communicate with each other. The way in which people use the spoken, written, or visual medium itself creates meanings that are understandable to the culture they belong to. In this case, language refers to a store of the whole information of culture. Meanwhile, it also reflects speakers' attitude, belief, point of view, and so on.

The relationship between language and culture is a common concern in humanities. Culture and language have a close relationship through the whole history of man. Language is a component of culture and plays a very important role in culture. Without language, cultural continuity would be impossible. Every language can be considered as symbolic system to reflect a specific culture and an expression of subjective world of the world. So, language is the cornerstone of entire culture which can be well presented and transmitted from generation to generation in the environment of language.

In addition, without the knowledge of culture we can not have a command of

language because culture strongly influences and shapes language. The development of culture must have enriched language. With the development of society and the progress of science and technology, the content of culture become more and more complicated varied, and richer. They rely on each other and influence each other. Therefore, if we lack enough knowledge about the culture of the target language, we can not use the language appropriately, or we have misunderstanding in the communication. The Chinese culture and English culture are different culture. Thus, emphasis should be laid on the comparative study of different culture.

2.2 Cultural Connotations of Words

As mentioned above, language coexists with culture. Language reflects the culture of a nation on the one hand and is influenced greatly by that particular culture. As a result, words, the basic component of language, are influenced and shaped by culture. Because of the different historical backgrounds, geographical positions, religious beliefs, customs, life styles and value systems, people speaking different language have their own special interpretation of the same world. In each language, there are particular labels or names for objects, events, experiences and feelings as the speech community has arbitrarily decided to name so.

Meaning, the only medium through which words and language are connected with the real world, has always been a central topic in human scholarship. In the viewpoint of Nida, lexemes have two kinds of meanings--denotative meanings and connotative meaning, and the latter ones are often far more important. Denotative meaning is assumed to be the central factor in linguistic communication. The denotative meaning covers those basic, essential components of meaning that are conveyed by the literal use of word. It is relatively stable and forms the basis of communication. Without conceptual meaning, it is difficult to construct meaning work. It is the nucleus of the meaning network and the main foundation of cultural connotation.

3. Contrastive Analysis of the Cultural Connotations of

Flower-related Words in English and Chinese Words are the window of culture, in the sense that people can insight a culture through its connotation. The visible part is the denotative meaning of words; the great part, lying hidden beneath the surface, is its invisible aspect, connotation. Both Chinese and English possess a long history and rich culture, so do the flowers. This chapter will deal with a contrastive analysis of the cultural connotations of flower-related words in English and Chinese.

3.1 The Cultural Connotations of Some Chinese Flower Terms

Each language represents a system of meaning in its particular ways. The distinctions of a certain culture are shown in the lexical system. The cultural connotation of some Chinese flower-related words will be illustrated as follows.

3.1.1 Plum Blossom

The plum blooms in early spring and at the end of winter. The flowers are fragrant and attractive for its color, white, purple, red and pink with usually five pieces of petals. Plum blossoms are admired by Chinese people, so they have the following connotations.

Firm and unyielding

The plum blossoms are the only flower which blossoms in the peak of winter season. Though the surrounding is cold and covered with thick snow; the plum blossoms keep on blooming. No other flower can sustain in this season. So the flower has gradually become the symbol of survival.

Arrogance and purity

In ancient Chinese literature, plum blossom becomes the focus of writings of scholars. As one of popular saying goes,“True scholars will turn to plant plums first, and the more the better”. In the eyes of many scholars, the noble character of plum blossom is a vivid portray of their own. In reality, they have characters of firmness, uprightness and persistence. Neither riches nor honors can corrupt them; neither poverty nor humbleness can make them swerve from principle; neither threats nor

forces can subdue them. Actually, plum blossom is a tool for their emotional outpouring.

Symbol of "early spring"

Plum blooms in early spring and at the end of winter, so it has the connotation of "early spring".

Pure feeling

The popular idiom“qing mei zhu ma”means "a girl and boy play innocently together or a woman and a man who had an innocent affection for each other in childhood".“qing mei”refers to an innocent and pure feeling.

3.1.2 Lotus

Lotus grows in shallow water area in the southern part of China. Lotus, whose fragrant flowers and its large green leaves grace so many ponds has been praised by poets. The lotus is also called“Lian hua”,“He hua”or“Fu rong”and it is a common theme of traditional Chinese flower culture.

The connotation of "having integrity"

The lotus grows out of mud but remain spotlessly pure. The flowers are beautiful but never coquettish.The fragrance of its blossoms spread far and wide though it always stands still and erect. Zhou Dunyi, a writer of the Northern Song Dynasty, declared that "the lotus flower, emerging unstained from the filth, is the gentleman among flowers". Since then, lotus flower is admired much by Chinese people. Lotus flower is a metaphorical term of "people who are not to wallow in mire with somebody".

Emblem of "a talented person" or "an able man"

A Chinese saying goes like this“in spite of the hardship, a talented person also can be cultivated”. More examples: there is no a talented person found in a impoverished place.

“Though the lotus flower is lovely it needs the support of green leaves” is used to mean that even an able man also needs help.

“a young people begin to show his brilliant talents.”

Symbol of "beauty" and "love"

Lotus has the similar pronunciation with“Lian”，so it means "love'. In addition,“Bing dilian”，twin lotus flowers on one stalk, the symbol of "love between man and wife". Lotus flower is pure and beautiful, so it can be used to describe "a beautiful lady".

3.1.3 Peony

Peony is a kind of traditional famous flower in China with unique beauty and dignity. It has been titled "the Queen of flowers for its gorgeous charm in the flower world. Since the Sui Dynasty, peony has been cultivated in Luoyang, a historical and cultural city. In the Tang Dynasty, many famous gardens were built throughout the city and appreciating peony became a fashion. For thousands of years, Chinese people's love and respect for the peony is everlasting. Since the Tang Dynasty, people have created innumerable poems, calligraphy works and paintings to depict peony. Therefore, peony has entrusted deep connotations.

Elegant things

In these proverbs,“Peony”are used to describe elegant things. A peony blossom is a very lovely thing, but only in the green wreath of its foliage. Or with all its beauty the peony, its leaves to set it off.

3.1.4 Orchid

The Orchid mainly grows at rocks in valleys. The flowers are simple but elegant and give out a delicate fragrance. The long fluid leaves and softly curling petals of the orchid plant have been popular themes in Chinese art and culture.

Symbol of "beauty"

The orchid is also associated with a woman's beauty. “chun lan qiu ju”means "having different time to show individual beauty".

Unyielding and arrogant

The orchid, this fragrant flower has for centuries represented the virtue and moral excellence of the noble man whose reputation precedes him like perfume. Therefore, orchid flowers have connotation of "being unyielding and arrogant".

Good or nice thing

“Lan cui yu zhe”means premature death of a virtuous individual. For example:“Lan huazhi”，orchid fingers, which implies lady's hand gesture with tips of the thumb and the middle finger touching and the other three fingers raised.

3.1.4 Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum blooms in autumn and early winter. Their flowers are in various forms, shapes, colors and sizes.

Chrysanthemum is noted for its insults for cold and frost and therefore has implication for noble people with "firm and persistence, elegance and simplicity". In the processes of cultivating, appreciating, evaluating, praising, and painting of the chrysanthemum, it has become involved in the content of life and the culture. So some kinds of cultural phenomena related to chrysanthemum have been formed and a culture system of chrysanthemum has been set up. The chrysanthemum culture has a very important position and value in the traditional culture of China.

The cultural connotation of "being unyielding"

Chrysanthemum is unyielding to the cold and frost, so it is admired by Chinese people.

A symbol of "autumn"

Chrysanthemum blooms in autumn, so it becomes the symbol of autumn. In ancient times, "September" is called“the chrysanthemum month”, in which people appreciating or drinking chrysanthemum wine.

A symbol of "longevity"

Chrysanthemum is the symbol of "longevity".“Longevity flower”is its another name called by the folk people.

We can clearly see from the above descriptions that, flower culture of China has been time-honored. A number of flowers are endowed with abundant cultural connotations. In fact, the flower culture has been inseparable part of Chinese culture.

3.2 The Cultural Connotations of English Flower Terms

3.2.1 Rose

Rose is a kind of beautiful and sweet-smelling flower with many colors, such as red, pink, white and yellow. Rose stands for love, grace, beauty and happiness. There

is no flower as popular and as beloved as the rose in the west. According to an old legend, Venus, going to Adonis with nectar, stepped on a thorn while getting down her chariot. Blood came from the wound and dropped on the bush, and a little nectar was spilled over it also. Then from where the blood and the nectar mingled, a red rose appeared. Because of this story, the rose has been considered the flower of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. (HaoPeng, 2004: 118) The term "rose" in English has been far beyond its primitive meaning as a common flower.

Symbol of "love"

February 14 is St.Valentine's Day. It is celebrated as a lover's holiday, with the giving of roses between couples in love. Rose symbolized "love" or "lover" is mentioned in many western literary works. For example, “A Red, Red Rose” written by Robert Burns.

O My Luve's like a red, red rose,

That's newly sprung in June;

(Selected Readings in British and American Poetry: Symbol of "beauty"

On the other hand, "rose" has connotative meaning of "beauty". John Keats has also described beauty with "rose":

I see a lily on thy brow

With anguish moist and fever dew;

And on thy cheek a fading rose

Fast withereth too.

(J.Keats: La Belle Dame Sans Merci)

Good things

In addition, "rose" can be referred to "good things", such as the English idioms: 1.a of roses: pleasant carefree living https://www.360docs.net/doc/ea5640351.html,e up roses: have a happy or successful result 3.roses all the way: comfortable, happy, or free from difficulties 4. gather (life's) roses: seek pleadure 5. not all roses: not everything is perfect.

Silence or keeping secret

In the western countries, "rose" has connotation of "silence" or "keeping secret".

In ancient times; people's dinning halls, meeting rooms, even the ceilings of their houses were painted or carved with the patterns of roses to remind people present to keep secret. Therefore, the idiom "under the rose" means "secretly" or "privately".

In English, roses of different colors have different symbolic meaning.

red rose-symbolic of love and respect

yellow rose-symbolic of joy and friendship

white rose-symbolic of innocence, purity and secrecy

pale pink rose-symbolic of modesty

coral rose-symbolic of desire

orange rose-symbolic of fascination

3.2.2 Apple blossom

Apple blossom is beloved by western people. So it is used to describe "attractive appearance of a female". For example:

Then Connie, with her name of red hair, her voice such a lady in her shabby black frock, face of apple-blossom, her murmuring appealed to his romantic sides.

(H. Lawrence: Sons and Lovers, ch.5)

Her complexion was pure apple-blossom.(D.H. Lawrence: The Princess)

3.2.3 Lily

White lily is considered to be the most significant flower for the Christians and is a symbol of purity, being associated with virgins. The lily is considered the special flower of the Holy Virgin, for Christian lore tells that the lily had been yellow until the day Virgin Mary picked it up. Another legend tells that the lily sprang from Eve's tears. when expelled from Eden, she learned that she was pregnant. The Lily was a popular flower in ancient Jewish civilization and is mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.

With Christianity, the lily became the symbol of chastity and virtue. Through its association with the Virgin Mary, it also became the symbol of virgin martyrs and saints. In English culture, "lily" has rich connotative meanings.

Emblem of "a beautiful and white -skinned girl"

A white lily is often used to symbolize a beautiful and white -skinned girl