英语中动物的象征
动物在英语中的特殊意义
1．cat（猫）俗话说“猫有九命”，这就是汉语得说法。
此外，中国人常戏称嘴馋得人为“馋猫”。
cat在西方就是人们宠爱之物（pet），但令人奇怪得就是，在英语俚语中，cat得含义为a spiteful or unpleasant woman（心地恶毒或令人讨厌得女人）。
照此瞧来，似乎就是中国得猫可亲，西方得猫可恶了。
2．dog（狗）在英语中dog得形象一般不差，常可泛指“个人”。
如谚语：Every dog has his day．（人人皆有得意日。
）又如：a gay dog（快活得人、好玩得人）。
但dog也有形象不佳之时。
如：dog eat dog（注意eat为原形），意指“人们自相残害”；同样，a dog in the manger喻“占着茅坑不拉屎得人”。
在汉语里，尽管狗在某些地方也为宠物，但“狗”得形象总就是不雅，因而用来指人时多含贬义。
如“狗咬狗”、“哈巴狗”、“走狗”、“狗仗人势”、“癞皮狗”等等。
3．pig（猪）pig所受待遇可谓最糟，人们总就是一边吃猪肉（pork），一边又对猪恶语相加。
汉语里，猪集“懒、笨、馋”于一身，借此喻人具有刻毒之意，其用语不胜枚举。
英国人也给pig以丑恶得形象。
a pig意为a greedy，dirty or bad-mannered person（贪婪、肮脏或无礼貌得人）。
注意，最后一喻意似乎未进入汉语。
4．rat（鼠）汉语中得“胆小如鼠、鼠目寸光、鼠肚鸡肠”及“鼠辈”等词语，皆有“畏琐、卑微”及“心胸狭窄”等含义，可见鼠在汉语中简直一无就是处。
作为俚语，英语得rat指人时喻意与汉语稍有出入，但也含贬义：a rat即a person who behaves selfishly （自私得人）或a person who is disloyal（不忠得人）。
5．ass（驴）汉语有“笨驴”之说，用来指人，则表达“愚、笨”之意。
英语同汉语在这一点上有相通之处：an ass意为a foolish person（傻瓜），同义语还有donkey，但常用来指小孩。
从动物词汇看英汉文化内涵
从动物词汇看英汉文化内涵一、英语中动物词汇的象征含义及其构词类型1.表示动物的单词。
（1）bee：蜜蜂，象征勤劳，人们常用as busy as a bee来形容某人忙忙碌碌。
（2）beetle：甲虫，象征盲目，当作名词用时可以指近视眼，当作不及物动词时可以指某人乱撞、瞎撞。
（3）cat：猫，象征欺骗，常用来形容某人心地恶毒。
（4）goose：鹅，象征自负、愚蠢，常用来指某人是呆头鹅或傻瓜。
（5）monkey：猴子，象征诡计，可指某人捣鬼、瞎弄。
（6）nightingale：夜莺，象征悲寂，诗人济慈就曾写下《夜莺颂》以抒发悲寂、忧伤的心情。
（7）swan：天鹅，象征优雅或才华横溢，因此人们也用the Swan of Avon（艾冯河畔的天鹅）指Shakespeare。
（8）chicken：小鸡，象征胆小、懦弱的人。
2.由动物单词构成的复合词。
（1）dog：狗，象征忠诚。
如：dog-1ike常用来指某人像狗一样地忠于主人。
（2）dove：鸽子（一般指小野鸽），象征天真无邪，无害于人。
如：dove-eyed（双眼温柔无邪的），dove-like（（鸽子般）纯洁可爱的，温柔的）。
（3）eagle：鹰，象征灵感，敏锐。
如：eagle-eyed（眼力敏锐的，目光炯炯的）。
（4）hare：野免，象征胆小。
如：hare-hearted指人胆小的，易受惊的。
（5）hawk：鹰，象征贪婪，敏锐。
如：hawk-eyed(目光锐利的)，hawk-nosed（长着鹰钩鼻子的。
）（6）owl：猫头鹰，象征智慧。
如：owl-wise指像猫头鹰一样聪慧。
（7）pigeon：鸽子（常指家鸽），象征胆怯。
如：pigeon-hearted(怯懦的)，pigeon-livered(温柔的)。
（8）puppy：小狗，象征自负，幼稚。
如：puppy-love(初恋)。
3.由动物单词构成的短语、成语（1）bull：公牛，象征直来直去和力量。
英语中动物词汇的象征意义及其翻译
英语中有几大倾向，其中之一就是名词化倾向。但是动物词汇经常名词动词化，用某种动物的典型动作来准确描述人的行为特征，十分传神。如：to buffalo，摆野牛阵，迷惑人，吓唬人；ducking，浮上潜下的鸭潜，躲避；Cat and dog life，争吵不休的生活。
二、英语中动物词汇的翻译策略
2.替代法
英文中的“She is a cat”就不能翻译成“她是只猫”，因为英语中cat喻意为“藏着祸心的女人”，汉语中“猫”则没有这层意思。两者形象、喻体虽然相同，但是喻意不同，因而直接翻译就不能被中国文化所接受。这个例子最好译为：“她是个包藏祸心的女人。”在遇到含有动物词汇的这种比喻中，我们往往不能直译，而是要找到译语文化中有相同含义的词语、习语来代替，这样才能既使文章显得生动，又使得文化信息在不同文化背景下得以更好的传递。比如“as stupid as a goose”，我们不能译为“蠢得像只鸡”，而是应该译为“蠢得像头猪”。这其中用汉文化中的“猪”来同英文化中的“goose”替代就很恰当。
英语中动物词汇的象征意义及其翻译
摘要：英汉两种语言赋予动物词汇以各自特定的文化内涵，这样在翻译上容易造成理解上的偏差和语用上的错误。本文试图将英语动物词汇的象征意义分类分析，探究英语中动物词汇的象征意义溯源，并对英语中动物词汇的翻译问题进行探究。
关键词：英语动物词汇 象征意义 溯源 翻译
一、动物词汇的象征意义
3.意译法
指根据原文大意来翻译，不做逐字逐句的翻译。意译通常在翻译句子或词组时使用较多，由于西方人和中国人对同一动物的认同感不同，在表达相同或不同的意义时往往会采用不同的动物做喻体，所以说意译主要在原语与译语体现巨大文化差异的情况下得以应用。从跨文化语言交际和文化交流的角度看，意译强调的是译语文化体系与原语文化体系的相对独立性。大量的实例说明，意译的使用能体现出不同语言民族在生态文化、语言文化、宗教文化、物质文化和社会文化等诸多方面的差异性。
十二生肖的象征意义英语作文
十二生肖的象征意义英语作文The Chinese Zodiac, also known as the Shengxiao, is a unique and fascinating system of representing the years in a twelve-year cycle. Each year corresponds to a specific animal from the zodiac, and each animal is associated with unique symbolic meanings and characteristics. These animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.The Rat, the first animal in the zodiac, symbolizes intelligence, cunning, and adaptability. Rats are known for their ability to survive in various environments and for their quick wit. The Ox, on the other hand, represents hard work, patience, and reliability. Oxen are known for their strength and willingness to work tirelessly.The Tiger, the symbol of courage, strength, and leadership, is renowned for its ferocity and majesty. Tigers are often associated with power and authority. The Rabbit, on the contrary, stands for gentleness, kindness, and peace. Rabbits are known for their soft nature andtheir ability to create harmony.The Dragon, a mythical creature, represents power, wisdom, and good luck. Dragons are often associated with royalty and divinity in Chinese culture. The Snake, on the other hand, symbolizes transformation, healing, and wisdom. Snakes are often seen as symbols of rebirth and renewal.The Horse, a symbol of freedom, speed, and strength, represents the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of dreams. Horses are known for their speed and endurance. The Goat, on the contrary, represents gentleness, patience, and creativity. Goats are often associated with art and culture. The Monkey, a symbol of wit, cleverness, and adaptability, represents intelligence and playfulness. Monkeys are known for their mischievous nature and their ability to adapt to various situations. The Rooster, on the other hand, stands for punctuality, honesty, and hard work. Roosters are often associated with the start of a new day and the beginning of new opportunities.The Dog, a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and bravery, represents faithfulness and protection. Dogs are known for their devotion to their owners and their willingness to sacrifice for those they love. Finally, the Pig, a symbolof wealth, fortune, and fertility, represents prosperityand abundance. Pigs are often associated with luck and good fortune.The Chinese Zodiac not only provides a unique way of representing the years but also offers insights into the values and beliefs of Chinese culture. Each animal represents a different aspect of human nature and serves as a reminder of the qualities we should strive to cultivatein ourselves. As we journey through life, the symbols ofthe Chinese Zodiac can guide us and inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.**十二生肖的象征意义**中国生肖，也称为生肖，是一种独特且迷人的系统，用十二年一个周期来代表年份。
动物的象征意义英语作文
动物的象征意义英语作文Animals have long been a source of fascination and inspiration for human beings. Throughout history, various cultures and civilizations have imbued animals with symbolic meaning, using them to represent a wide range of ideas, values, and concepts. From the majestic eagle to the cunning fox, each animal carries with it a unique set of associations and connotations that have shaped our understanding of the world around us.One of the most prominent examples of animal symbolism is the lion. Across many cultures, the lion has been regarded as a symbol of strength, courage, and power. In ancient Egypt, the lion was closely associated with the sun god Ra, representing the sun's dominance and authority over the natural world. Similarly, in Greek and Roman mythology, the lion was often depicted as the king of the beasts, a fierce and noble creature that commanded respect and admiration.The lion's symbolic significance has endured into the modern era, with the lion remaining a widely recognized emblem of royalty, leadership, and bravery. Many national flags and coats of armsfeature the lion as a prominent symbol, underscoring its enduring status as a representation of strength and authority. Additionally, the lion's association with the sun and its position atop the animal kingdom hierarchy have made it a powerful symbol of masculinity and virility in many cultural contexts.Another animal that has captured the human imagination is the eagle. Known for its majestic flight, keen eyesight, and formidable hunting prowess, the eagle has long been revered as a symbol of power, wisdom, and divine authority. In ancient Greece, the eagle was closely linked to the god Zeus, the ruler of the Olympian pantheon, while in Native American cultures, the eagle was often seen as a messenger of the Great Spirit, a conduit between the earthly and spiritual realms.The eagle's symbolic significance has also been embraced by many modern nations, with the bald eagle serving as the national emblem of the United States. The eagle's association with strength, courage, and lofty vision has made it a popular symbol of national pride, military might, and the pursuit of lofty ideals. Moreover, the eagle's ability to soar high above the earth has imbued it with a sense of transcendence and spiritual enlightenment, making it a potent symbol in many religious and philosophical traditions.Another animal that has captured the human imagination is thesnake. While the snake is often associated with negative qualities such as deceit, treachery, and evil, it has also been imbued with more positive symbolic meanings in various cultural contexts. In ancient Egypt, the snake was revered as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, with the shedding of its skin seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. Similarly, in many Native American traditions, the snake was viewed as a symbol of wisdom, healing, and the interconnectedness of all living things.The snake's ability to move silently and strike with lightning-fast precision has also made it a powerful symbol of cunning, adaptability, and transformation. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the snake is famously associated with the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden, representing the seductive power of sin and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. However, in other cultural contexts, the snake has been seen as a symbol of fertility, regeneration, and the cyclical nature of existence.Another animal that has captured the human imagination is the wolf. Often portrayed as a fierce, predatory creature, the wolf has also been imbued with a range of symbolic meanings that reflect both its negative and positive qualities. In many Native American traditions, the wolf was revered as a symbol of loyalty, family, and the importance of community. The wolf's strong pack mentality and fierce protection of its young were seen as admirable qualitiesworthy of emulation.However, in European folklore and mythology, the wolf has often been depicted as a symbol of danger, aggression, and the wild, untamed forces of nature. The werewolf legend, in which a human transforms into a wolf-like creature, reflects the widespread fear and fascination with the wolf's perceived savagery and unpredictability. Despite these negative associations, the wolf has also been viewed as a symbol of freedom, independence, and the untamed spirit of the natural world.The symbolic meaning of animals extends far beyond these examples, with each creature carrying its own unique set of associations and connotations. The elephant, for instance, is often seen as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and good luck in many Asian cultures, while the dolphin is associated with playfulness, intelligence, and a connection to the sea. The butterfly, with its delicate beauty and transformation from caterpillar to winged creature, has long been a symbol of change, rebirth, and the fragility of life.Ultimately, the symbolic meaning of animals reflects the deep and abiding connection between human beings and the natural world. By imbuing animals with symbolic significance, we have sought to understand our place within the broader ecosystem, to draw inspiration from the natural world, and to tap into the universalarchetypes and mythologies that have shaped our collective consciousness. Whether as totems, emblems, or metaphors, animals continue to captivate and inspire us, reminding us of the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us and the enduring power of the natural world to shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.。
英汉动物词不同的文化内涵探究
英汉动物词不同的文化内涵探究
1. 狮子（Lion）：在英语中，狮子被认为是勇敢和威武的象征，常被用来表示英勇和权势。
而在中国文化中，狮子被视为吉祥的象征，常被用来装饰庙宇和建筑，代表着权威和荣耀。
2. 龙（Dragon）：在英语中，龙常常被描绘为充满力量和神秘的生物，常被用来表示勇敢和荣耀。
而在中国文化中，龙是中国的传统神兽，被视为中国文化的象征，代表着权威和吉祥。
3. 熊（Bear）：在英语中，熊往往被视为强大和勇敢的象征，常被用来表示勇敢和力量。
而在中国文化中，熊被视为可爱和和平的象征，常被用来表示柔和和友善。
4. 鸡（Chicken）：在英语中，鸡常被用来表示胆小和懦弱。
而在中国文化中，鸡是春节中重要的象征动物，被视为吉祥的象征，常被用来表示幸福和富裕。
总之，英汉动物词不同的文化内涵在于不同文化中对动物的象征意义和表达方式的差异。
这些差异反映了不同文化对于勇敢、权威、吉祥等价值观的理解和重视程度。
了解这些文化内涵可以帮助人们更好地理解和交流不同文化之间的差异。
英语中的动物及其文化寓意来源：
英语中的动物及其文化寓意来源：英语中的动物及其文化寓意来源：动物名词及其文化喻意日常生活中，人一般不能与动物相提并论，但语言中却有不少借动物的特性来形容人的特性的词语。
值得注意的是，这种比喻性表达法往往因语言、文化的不同而具有不同的含义。
下面，我们比较一下英汉语言中同一动物名词的不同喻意。
1．cat（猫）俗话说“猫有九命”，这是汉语的说法。
此外，中国人常戏称嘴馋的人为“馋猫”。
cat在西方是人们宠爱之物（pet），但令人奇怪的是，在英语俚语中，cat的含义为a spitefulor unpleasant woman（心地恶毒或令人讨厌的女人）。
照此看来，似乎是中国的猫可亲，西方的猫可恶了。
2．dog（狗）在英语中dog的形象一般不差，常可泛指“个人”。
如谚语：Every dog has hi s day．（人人皆有得意日。
）又如：a gay dog（快活的人、好玩的人）。
但d og也有形象不佳之时。
如：dog eat dog（注意eat为原形），意指“人们自相残害”；同样，a dog in the manger喻“占着茅坑不拉屎的人”。
在汉语里，尽管狗在某些地方也为宠物，但“狗”的形象总是不雅，因而用来指人时多含贬义。
如“狗咬狗”、“哈巴狗”、“走狗”、“狗仗人势”、“癞皮狗”等等。
狗是人类患难与共的朋友，被认为是通人性的动物，它对人类特别忠诚，因而具有忠贞不渝的意义。
“牧羊犬三千里寻主”，“义犬救主”等例子很好地说明了这一点，“犬马之劳”也就用来比喻事做忠心耿耿。
不过狗爱仗人势，“走狗”便含有贬义，鲁迅先生描写的“丧家的资本家的乏走狗”象征了那类没有民族骨气的无耻文人。
不过，从民俗学的角度来看，狗还有一些其他的含义。
总的来说，中国人把狗视为吉利的动物，如果谁的家里突然来了一只狗，主人就会很高兴地收养它，因它预示财富来临，所谓“猫来穷，狗来富”。
狗和主人同甘共苦，如果有什么灾祸来临，它也会预示前兆，比如狗上房是暗示盗贼将至。
探究在英语谚语中关于动物“猫”的隐喻
探究在英语谚语中关于动物“猫”的隐喻
猫是一种经常出现在英语谚语中的动物，它在这些谚语中常常被用作隐喻的象征。
猫在英语文化中有着各种不同的象征意义，包括灵巧、狡猾、独立、神秘等。
猫经常被用来形容某人灵巧或机智。
“像猫一样的灵活”意味着某人具有非常敏捷和灵巧的身手。
这是因为猫以其前所未有的柔韧性和敏锐的观察力而闻名，它们可以迅速适应并从各种各样的情况中逃脱或抓住猎物。
猫也常被用来形容某人狡猾或诡计多端。
类似于谚语“乌鸦看呆了，小猫逞能”，这个谚语暗示猫利用它的聪明才智来欺骗其他动物。
猫的伪装能力和突如其来的攻击方式经常被人们运用在描述一些狡诈行为上。
猫还被描述为独立的动物。
谚语“抓到猫尾巴”暗示某人无法控制或捕捉一个非常狡猾的猫。
这个谚语意味着猫有自己的意志和决心，并且不容易被他人操控。
猫也经常与神秘和超自然的力量联系在一起。
有时候，猫被认为有着第六感，可以感知到超自然的存在。
这也是为什么猫常常被描述为黑色的动物，因为黑色在许多文化中都与神秘和超自然的力量联系在一起。
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Could you try these ones?
• 牛饮 • Drink like a fish • 对牛弹琴 • Cast pearls before swine猪 • 落汤鸡 • A drowned rat • 狐假虎威
• An ass in lion’s skin
Could you try these ones?
• • • • 英汉动物喻体相同、喻义相似 英汉动物喻体相异、喻义相似 英汉动物喻体相同、喻义相异 英语动物词汇的象征意义
英汉动物喻体相同、喻义相似
Sometimes Chinese and English share connotative meanings: “狐狸” and “fox” Cunning 狡猾的 “猴子” and “monkey” Mischief恶作剧 “狼” and “wolf” Savageness残忍
勤劳，吃苦耐劳
a willing horse
• 汉文化：牛（俯首甘为孺子牛，老黄牛） • 英语文化：马 (work like a horse 任劳任怨)
• as strong as a horse 健壮 • horse power 力大
羊
• 英国牧羊业发达 To separate sheep from goats • Sheep: 能力强，成绩突出者 • Goats: 能力弱，业绩平平者 • Black sheep (There is a ~ in every flock.) 害群之马 • 长黑毛的绵羊比较少，魔鬼的标志
• The life of the wolf is the death of the lamb. 狼的生就是羔羊的死。 • Wake not a sleeping wolf. 莫惹是生非Don’t wake a sleeping ~. • See a wolf 吓得张口结舌，说不出话来 • To lead a wolf into the house 引狼入室 greedy as a wolf 贪得无厌
PIG：肮脏、贪婪、懒惰……
Other Examples:
• He doesn’t have an idea of his own. He just parrots what others say. 他没有自己的观点，只是鹦鹉学舌罢了。 • As slow as a snail/at a snail’s pace 像蜗牛一样缓慢 • A lion at home, a mouse abroad. 在家如狮，在外如鼠。 • A rat crossing the street is chased by all. 老鼠过街，人人喊打。
• 汉文化：鼠（胆小如鼠） • 英语文化：兔子 (as timid as a hare)
胆小
• “兔”在汉文化中是敏捷、迅速的象征： “静如处子，动若脱兔” • “鼠”在英语文化中是安静的象征：as quiet as a mouse • as timid as a rabbit, chicken-livered, pigeon-hearted
• 汉语言中用“虎”比喻勇猛、威武，例如 “虎将”brave general、“虎劲”、“虎 威”。 • 老虎不仅具备西方狮子的正面形象，还有 “凶狠、残忍”的反面形象，如孔子的“ 苛政猛于虎”。Tyranny is fiercer than a tiger • Beard the lion in his den 虎口拔牙 • An ass in lion’s skin 狐假虎威 • 英语民族也常用“狮子”来形容处于主宰 地位的人。 Jack was married and had a lioness at home.
• In Chinese most phrases and idioms with 狗 contain derogatory senses贬义: 走狗，癞皮 狗，狗仗人势，狼心狗肺，狗胆包天…… • In English “dog” is thought to be the most faithful friend of human beings, most phrases and idioms containing the word “dog” have neutral or commendatory implications: top dog, lucky dog, clever dog, help a lame dog over a stile雪中送炭, Every dog has its day… • China Daily “China’s Watchdog Finds Fake Investors”中国监管机构发现假冒投资 者”
• 英国历史上查里一世(King Richard)因 其勇武善战被誉为the lion-hearted king（狮心王） • 英国著名诗人雪莱(Shelley)在一首诗中 号召被压迫者像狮子醒来： “Rise like lions after slumber” • 在学术界有威风的人被称为a literary lion，有如汉语“泰斗，执牛耳”。
FOX：伶俐、诡诈、狡猾
• The clever fox escaped the hunter. • 伶俐的狐狸逃过了猎人的追捕。 • He is as sly as a fox. You’ve got to watch him. 他狡猾如狐狸，你可要小心点。 • You can never fox me. 你绝对骗不了我。
• 英国人自豪地以狮子作为国家标志，英 国国徽的中心图案是Lion,因此英国又被 称为The British Lion，所以to twist the lion’s tail意为“向英国挑战”。Lion and Unicorn（雄狮代表英格兰，独角兽代表 苏格兰）是英国王室纹章上（即英国国 徽）的动物。
Serpent/Snake
• a snake in the grass 潜伏的危险，暗藏的敌人 • a 仇报的人，背信弃义的人 • serpent eye 如蛇般阴险的眼光
• He’d been a pig about money. 他对钱贪得无厌。 • Make a pig of oneself 大吃大喝，狼吞虎咽 • Pigs in clover（三叶草） 暴发户；行为粗鲁的有钱人 in clover: 生活富裕 • Buy a pig in a poke 未经过目而买下的上当货；冲动购买的东西
Serpent：阴险、毒辣、狡诈
• Bible: Satan searches for Eve and is delighted to find her alone. In the form of a serpent, he talks to Eve and compliments her on her beauty and godliness…
• 蠢得像头猪 • As stupid as a goose • 如鱼得水 • Like a duck to water • 养虎遗患 • Cherish a snake in one’s bosom • 狗改不了吃屎。 • You can not make a crab螃蟹 walk straight.
The Gospel of Matthew 7:15, New
WOLF
Testament
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 在《新约· 马太福音》第七章：耶稣在加利利一带传道布 教，收了很多信徒。有一天，他对门徒说: “你们要防
备假先知。他们到你们这里来，外面披着羊皮，里面 却是残暴的狼。” Aesop’s Fables 《伊索寓言》
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing” 披着羊皮的狼 表面温顺友善，实则凶残的伪君子 • Mrs. Martin trusted the lawyer until she realized that he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. 马丁太太原来很信任那个律师， 后来才认清他是个披着羊皮的狼。 •
英汉动物喻体相异、喻义相似
• 文化的差异导致同样的喻义在此文化中 用这种喻体，在彼文化中可能使用一个 完全不同的喻体。
“百兽之王” 汉文化：虎 英语文化：狮子
LION
• Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language: “a person felt to be like a lion especially in courage, ferocity凶猛, dignity or dominance统治” • Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary: “a person or a country that is considered to be strong and powerful, and which other people respect or fear”
Implication of Animal Terms
Implication of Animal Terms
Talking about cultural connotations, one will first think of images represented by animals…
Implication of Animal Terms
龙 and “Dragon”
• 汉文化：“龙的传人” descendents of the dragon, “真龙天子” true sons of the dragon from heaven • 《中国成语大辞典》lists 115 entries with the character 龙, most of which are of commendatory sense. • The connotation of the word “dragon”: Sometimes a person who presents himself as kind and gentle can in private turn out to be a dragon who breathes fire.