中英颜色,动物,数字文化差异原则(中西差异)英语版

合集下载

对于颜色中西文化差异-英文版

对于颜色中西文化差异-英文版

Red:
In western, red is always stand for cruel, disaster, bloody. Example: “red hands ”(杀人的手) “be caught red—handed”(当场被捕) “red—headed ”(狂怒的) "red—light district"(红灯区)
“yellow” 是腐化堕落的代名词,如:
③美国人在经济术语中也使用黄色。如:
Yellow back
金领阶层是指近年来西方发达国家新涌现的人才类型,既是生产者,又是管理者,既懂技术,又善于管理和营销。
黄金债券
Golden-collar (金领)
He has a yellow streak in him. 他天性怯懦。 You are yellow! 你真是个懦夫! turn yellow 胆怯起来
法官身披黑装,以体现法律的尊严。
在英美文化中,
黑色的西服;黑色领带; 黑色礼帽,黑色围巾; 黑色面纱;黑色眼镜借以表达对死者的悼念和尊敬。
黑色是死色,象征着死亡,苦难和悲痛,因此黑色成了欧美国家丧礼时的专用色彩。
Black hand (黑手党) 指在美国从事犯罪活动的一个意大利秘密组织。
Black Panther(黑豹党) (指美国的黑人政党)
E.g: red tape 指“官僚作风”
①paint the town red 尤指在公共场所“狂欢;痛饮作乐;花天酒地”以表示庆祝某事。
⑤英语中red也有其正面的联想意义和语义,如表示“喜庆”
Put/ roll out the red carpet “铺开红色地毯热诚欢迎某人”
A red letter day 原用来表示圣徒的节日 现泛指一切值得高兴的日子

英语-关于中西方动物文化的不同

英语-关于中西方动物文化的不同

In western culture: It is the symbol of evil. People think dragon is the epitome of evil,is aferocious monster, is the incarnation of the devil. 人们却认为dragon 是邪 恶的代表, 是一种狰狞的 怪兽, 是恶魔的化身
dragon
In China : The dragon is the symbol of the sacred and the dragon is also the symbol of auspicious, authorit y, dignity and prosperity (吉祥、权威、高贵和 繁荣)
In the western culture: The dog is a symbol of loyalty(忠诚). it is man's most loyal partner.
As the saying goes : Not mislike mother ugly, dogs don't mind home (儿不嫌母丑,狗不嫌家穷 )
Owl(猫头鹰)
In Chinese: culture, people are afraid to see or hear the cry of the owl it, think it's bad omen.(汉文化中 人们害怕看到猫头鹰 或听到它的叫声,认 为这是倒霉的前兆)
But in western culture:The owl is the symbol of wisdom. (在西方文化中猫头鹰则是智慧的象征)
Different connotative meanings animal’s in Chinese and western culture

中西方文化中中的动物差异(英文版)

中西方文化中中的动物差异(英文版)

The Difference of Animals Between China and English Language reflects culture. Chinese culture is typical intensive cultivation and is rooted in agriculture. Therefore, many Chinese sayings are connected with land, agriculture or farming activities. English culture, on the contrary, is coastal commerce and there are many sayings closely linked with sea, sailing and fishing activities.Now let me show you some details of animal differences between China and English in the followings:Snakes are dangerous animals in both English and Chinese cultures. In ancient Chinese or in Chinese mythology, however, the snake and dragon sometimes are inseparable. Fu Xi and Nv Wa are regarded as the first ancestors of the Chinese nation who are said to have a human-head with a snake with a snake body. People who were born in the year of the snake also say that they were born in the year of the young dragon. This associative meaning of the snake is in a positive sense.A dragon is an evil and strong embodiment in English. It often causes great disasters and guards some mysterious fortunes, as is told in British legends. In Chinese culture, on the contrary, a dragon is a symbol of extreme honor and great power.Westerners take dogs as their friends and companions, so that in English dogs are used in the commendatory sense in most cases. The connotation of the dog in Chinese is more derogatory, except a few cases indicating the loyalty to its master.There are also some common sayings about animals in our daily life, it is very convenient for us to express, for instance:Top dog 优胜者Clever dog聪明的小孩Big dog要人Dead dog没用的人Under dog 失败者Dirty dog道德败坏的人Dumb dog沉默寡言的人Gay dog快活的人Laze dog 懒汉Sea dog 老手Love me, love my dog.爱屋及乌Every dog has its day.凡人皆有得意日Give a dog a bad name and hang it.欲加之罪,何患无词You dog.你这狗东西That dog.那狗东西A lion at home, a mouse abroad.在家如狮,在外如鼠。

中西文化差异(数字、颜色、对事物的认识)

中西文化差异(数字、颜色、对事物的认识)

中西文化差异(认识、数字、颜色)1)对事物认识的文化差异例如,在西方神话传说中,dragon(龙)不是中国人心中的吉祥动物,而是表示邪恶的怪物。

在中世纪,dragon是罪恶的象征,圣经故事中恶魔撒旦(satan)就被认为是the great dragon。

另外,dragon还有“泼妇’的意思,由此可知,dragon在英语国家人中所引起的联想与中国人的“龙”完全不同,所以,翻译时就要特别小心。

东亚韩国、中国台湾、中国香港和新加坡四个经济较为发达的国家和地区,被西方人称为“亚洲四小龙”,将其翻译成英语Four Asian Dragons恐怕不太妥当。

有人建议翻译成Four Asian Tigers,这不失为一种较好的文化信息的对等,因为tiger(老虎)在西方人心中是一种强悍的动物,至少不会让人联想到某种可怕的动物。

再者,tiger一词收在1993年版的《牛津英语词典增补本第二卷》(Oxford English Dictionary Additions SeriesⅡ)中的释义:A nickname for any one of the more successful smaller economies of East Asia, esp. those of Hong Kong,Singapore,Taiwan,and South Korea.(任何一个在经济上较为成功的东亚小国或地区,尤其指香港、新加坡、台湾和韩国。

)所以说,将“亚洲四小龙’翻译成Four Asian Tigers在文化信息方面基本达到了对等。

再如,我国著名的“白象”牌电池,翻译成英语White Elephant,语义信息对等虽然不错,但从文化信息对等来看却是糟糕的翻译,因为white elephant在西方国家中意思是“没有用反而累赘的东西”。

这个含义源自一个传说。

相传有个国王讨厌手下的一个大臣,为了惩罚他,国王送给该大臣一头白色的大象。

中西方数字文化差异英语作文

中西方数字文化差异英语作文

中西方数字文化差异英语作文Title: Exploring the Cultural Divergence in Numerical Perceptions: A Comparison Between China and the WestIn the vast tapestry of cultural diversity, numerical perceptions form a fascinating thread that weaves through the histories, beliefs, and daily lives of different societies. China and the West, particularly Western Europe and North America, exhibit distinct attitudes and practices towards numbers, reflecting their unique histories, philosophical traditions, and societal structures. This essay delves into the cultural differences in numerical perceptions between China and the West. Symbolic MeaningsOne of the most profound differences lies in the symbolic meanings attached to numbers. In China, numbers are often imbued with profound cultural and religious significance. For instance, the number "8" is highly prized due to its pronunciation in Mandarin Chinese, "bā," which sounds similar to the word for "wealth" or "prosperity" ("fā"). As such, it is commonly used in phone numbers, addresses, and even business names, believed to bring good fortune. Conversely, the number "4" is avoided because its pronunciation, "sì," is similar to the word for "death" ("sǐ"), carrying negative connotations.In contrast, Western cultures tend to have fewer superstitious associations with numbers. While some numbers, like "13" in some Western societies, are considered unlucky due to historical or religious reasons, these beliefs are not as pervasive or deeply ingrained as those surrounding numbers in Chinese culture. Numerical PreferencesAnother notable difference lies in the preference for even or odd numbers. In China, even numbers are generally favored, particularly in auspicious occasions like weddings and business openings, as they are seen as balanced and harmonious. Odd numbers, on the other hand, are sometimes associated with incompletion or imbalance.In Western cultures, while there may be some individual preferences, there is no overarching cultural bias towards even or odd numbers. Numbers are valued more for their mathematical properties or practical applications rather than for their symbolic meanings.Mathematics and NumeracyThe role of mathematics and numeracy in education also differs between China and the West. Chinese education places a strong emphasis on mathematical proficiency, with students often starting formal math education at a younger age and progressing through more advanced concepts. This focus is reflected inChina's international standing in mathematical competitions and its reputation for producing highly skilled mathematicians and engineers.In Western countries, while mathematics remains an essential part of the curriculum, the emphasis is often more balanced with other subjects. Students are encouraged to develop a broad range of skills and interests, and mathematical education tends to be more practical and application-oriented.ConclusionIn conclusion, the cultural differences in numerical perceptions between China and the West are multifaceted, reflecting the unique histories, beliefs, and societal structures of each region. From the symbolic meanings attached to numbers to the preferences for even or odd numbers, and the differing roles of mathematics in education, these differences offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse ways in which humans interact with and interpret the numerical world. As globalization continues to bring people from different cultures closer together, understanding and respecting these differences becomes increasingly important in fostering cross-cultural understanding and harmony.。

中西颜色差异英语

中西颜色差异英语

中西颜色差异英语In many cultures, colors hold different meanings and symbolism. The difference between Eastern and Western cultural perceptions of color can be quite distinct. Let's explore some of the major differences in the way colors are perceived and interpreted in Eastern and Western cultures.1. Red:In Western cultures, red is often associated with passion, love, and danger. It can evoke strong emotions and is commonly used to represent excitement or warning. However, in Eastern cultures, red symbolizes good fortune, luck, and joy. It is frequently used in celebrations and festive occasions, such as weddings and Chinese New Year.2. White:White is often associated with purity, innocence, and peace in Western culture. In Eastern cultures, white is generally associated with death, mourning, and funerals. It is important to be mindful of this difference when choosing appropriate colors for specific cultural contexts.3. Black:Black represents elegance, formality, and power in Western culture. It can also evoke feelings of mystery or even mourning. However, in Eastern cultures, black is associated with death, loss, and darkness. It is commonly worn during funerals and is considered an inappropriate color for joyous occasions.4. Yellow:In Western cultures, yellow is often associated with happiness, sunshine, and brightness. It can signify positivity and energy. Conversely, in Eastern cultures, yellow symbolizes betrayal, deceit, and cowardice. It is important to note that this negative connotation is not universally shared among all Eastern cultures. 5. Blue:Blue is commonly associated with calmness, stability, and trustworthiness in Western cultures. It conveys a sense of serenity and is often used to represent reliability. In Eastern cultures, however, blue is associated with immortality and is often used in religious or spiritual contexts.6. Green:In Western cultures, green is typically associated with nature, growth, and freshness. It represents fertility, renewal, and prosperity. In Eastern cultures, green is associated with exorcism and infidelity. It is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits or bad luck.7. Purple:Purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, and power in Western cultures. It is a color that represents wealth and sophistication. In Eastern cultures, purple is often associated with spirituality, meditation, and enlightenment. It is considered a sacred color and is commonly used in religious ceremonies. These are just a few examples of the differences in color perceptions between Eastern and Western cultures. It is important to approach color symbolism with cultural sensitivity andawareness, especially when engaging in cross-cultural interactions, marketing, or designing. Colors can carry deep cultural meanings and understanding these differences can help facilitate better communication and avoid unintentional misunderstandings.。

中英颜色,动物,数字文化差异原则(中西差异)英语版

文化差异原则1.2、3、黄色4、蓝色5、文化差异问题是一个非常复杂的问题,英汉颜色词语的词义有时对应,有时相佐,有时无对应。

译者要在两种语言之间进行翻译,不仅要掌握两国的语言文字,而且要深刻理解两种文化之间的差异,在翻译时应该仔细推敲,谨慎处理。

2.动物差异语言是人类社会进行交际的重要工具,同时也是文化的重要载体。

不同民族的语言既受到本民族社会文化的制约,又反映各自特定的文化内容。

如果某一民族的人们不了解某一特定民族的文化因素,则不可能进行有效与顺利的交流。

因此,必须把语言知识和文化知识结合起来才能顺利地进行交流。

研究对外汉语教学的专家赵贤州先生(1992)说:“跨文化交际之所以成为可能,正是人类享有某些共同的文化信息;而跨文化交际之所以产生某些偏差,是因为双方不能共享另一些有差异的文化信息”。

英汉这两种各具特色却大相径庭的语言形式,其表达方式与文化习惯存在一定差异。

这些五彩斑斓、丰富多彩的表达方式与纷繁复杂的习惯差异是由于汉民族文化与英美民族文化之间存在着民族历史、社会制度、道德信仰、文学艺术、心理特点、风俗习惯、价值观念、思维方式、生活方式以及地域风貌等等差别。

只有充分了解英汉文化的背景知识,才能进行更有效、更顺利的交际。

在英语文化中把人的某种特点与动物相比较并不常见,但汉语言中却有很多这种比喻的例子。

通过上面这个小例子, 我们可以看出,如果在翻译中遇到这种与动物有关的比喻性句子时, 我们一定要考虑西方文化的因素,避免用中国人的习惯说法代替西方人的习惯说话。

这里还有这些搭配并不是固定不变的,比如bull(公牛)这种动物,经常跟angry(愤怒)搭配,但它也可以跟mad(疯狂)、strong(强壮)等搭配,因此千万不要搞教条,一定要灵活运用。

古代原始人与动物为伍,生活在深山密林之中,捕鱼狩猎,以野生动物为食,繁衍生长。

直到今天,动物仍然是人类生存与发展的物质基础之一,人类的生活一刻也离不开动物的存在。

英汉语中相同词不同文化内涵

英汉语中相同词不同文化内涵之现象由于不同的思维方式、地理环境、历史因素、民族风俗和宗教信仰,中西方民族形成了各具特色的民族文化。

在英汉两种语言中很多词常带有鲜明的民族文化特征,具有不同的褒贬含义。

本文从动物词、植物词、数字词和颜色词对两种语言进行对比,说明在这两种语言中有些词语具有不同的文化内涵,我们只有了解这些不同点才能在交际中避免产生歧义和误解。

一、动物词( animal terms )1. 龙( Dragon):自从中国古代,“龙”就被认为是祖先的化身,是中华民族的象征。

中国人喜欢称自己是“龙的传人”,中国被称为“东方巨龙”。

在汉语中,龙是传说中极具神奇色彩的动物,封建时代用龙作为皇帝的象征,例如“龙颜( the appearance of the emperor )、龙袍(the robe for t he emperor) ”。

另外,龙一般用于吉祥的意思,用龙指才能优秀的人,成语中也多表现此意:望子成龙(long to see one's son become a dragon,that is,to be successful ) ,人中之龙( a famous man,dragon amongmen);给男孩取名时也多用“龙”( dragon )等。

然而西方人对“ dragon ”却没有好感,“dragon ”在西方文化中是邪恶的象征,是一个具有伤害力的,能喷烟吐火,凶猛可怕的长着翅膀的怪物。

所有与“ dragon”有关的词语都带有贬义色彩,在圣经(Bible )中,上帝把撒旦(Satan )称为“ the great dragon”,在英语中,如果把一个woman叫做dragon,意思则是她很凶狠,令人讨厌。

因此龙在西方文化中给人的联想与东方截然相反。

2. 蝙蝠(Bat):中国传统文化中,蝙蝠被认为是好运、财富、幸福的象征,因为汉语里“蝠”与“福”同音。

在中国,蝙蝠和鹿两种动物在一起很受欢迎,因为“蝠鹿”发音和“福禄”相同,表示好运、幸福、财富和地位。

中西方文化差异英文版1


Thank you.
“Thank you” is widely used in English to show gratitude in such cases as being invited, helped, given a gift, etc.
9. Asking Personal Affairs
People from China do not regard it as asking personal affairs when they ask others name、age、marital status、 wages、personal life、belief and political points. It is regard as concerns.
For example, if a hostess is complimented for her cooking skill ,how she will response in west and china?
A Chinese hostess will apologize for giving you “Nothing”. She will say“I just made some dishes casually and they are not very tasty.”
While the westerns will think you violate their right of privacy .
10.Invitation
Chinese:welcome uninvited guest
Байду номын сангаас
Foreigners:consult a time before you invite somebody

英语中外的颜色文化差异

10
BIACK
.
BLACK in china
black was regarded as the king of all colors in ancient
颜色 china and the single color
worshiped the longest.
black also symbolizes death, fear and illegal forces.
颜色 and heavy mood.
So, black is usually associated with hopelessness,gloominess, wickedness, even to express anger and death.
16
Evil
.
Dark
.
YELLOW
.
Yellow in china
Power, majesty the centre is yellow
颜色
20
.
.
Yellow in western culture
yellow symbolizes abjection, suspicion.
颜色 Because of Judas,
who betrayed Jesus, wore a yellow robe.
9
WHITE in western culture
In western culture, a bride wears a long white skirt and veil and holds a white lily at the wedding ceremony, because the color traditionally symbolizes purity, holiness, cleanness, openness, truth, honesty, kindness .
  1. 1、下载文档前请自行甄别文档内容的完整性,平台不提供额外的编辑、内容补充、找答案等附加服务。
  2. 2、"仅部分预览"的文档,不可在线预览部分如存在完整性等问题,可反馈申请退款(可完整预览的文档不适用该条件!)。
  3. 3、如文档侵犯您的权益,请联系客服反馈,我们会尽快为您处理(人工客服工作时间:9:00-18:30)。

文化差异原则1.2、3、黄色4、蓝色5、文化差异问题是一个非常复杂的问题,英汉颜色词语的词义有时对应,有时相佐,有时无对应。

译者要在两种语言之间进行翻译,不仅要掌握两国的语言文字,而且要深刻理解两种文化之间的差异,在翻译时应该仔细推敲,谨慎处理。

2.动物差异语言是人类社会进行交际的重要工具,同时也是文化的重要载体。

不同民族的语言既受到本民族社会文化的制约,又反映各自特定的文化内容。

如果某一民族的人们不了解某一特定民族的文化因素,则不可能进行有效与顺利的交流。

因此,必须把语言知识和文化知识结合起来才能顺利地进行交流。

研究对外汉语教学的专家赵贤州先生(1992)说:“跨文化交际之所以成为可能,正是人类享有某些共同的文化信息;而跨文化交际之所以产生某些偏差,是因为双方不能共享另一些有差异的文化信息”。

英汉这两种各具特色却大相径庭的语言形式,其表达方式与文化习惯存在一定差异。

这些五彩斑斓、丰富多彩的表达方式与纷繁复杂的习惯差异是由于汉民族文化与英美民族文化之间存在着民族历史、社会制度、道德信仰、文学艺术、心理特点、风俗习惯、价值观念、思维方式、生活方式以及地域风貌等等差别。

只有充分了解英汉文化的背景知识,才能进行更有效、更顺利的交际。

在英语文化中把人的某种特点与动物相比较并不常见,但汉语言中却有很多这种比喻的例子。

通过上面这个小例子, 我们可以看出,如果在翻译中遇到这种与动物有关的比喻性句子时, 我们一定要考虑西方文化的因素,避免用中国人的习惯说法代替西方人的习惯说话。

这里还有这些搭配并不是固定不变的,比如bull(公牛)这种动物,经常跟angry(愤怒)搭配,但它也可以跟mad(疯狂)、strong(强壮)等搭配,因此千万不要搞教条,一定要灵活运用。

古代原始人与动物为伍,生活在深山密林之中,捕鱼狩猎,以野生动物为食,繁衍生长。

直到今天,动物仍然是人类生存与发展的物质基础之一,人类的生活一刻也离不开动物的存在。

正因为人类与动物相依相存,频繁接触,因此在人类语言中必然存在着大量以动物为喻体的隐喻性词语,并依据动物的外貌、习性等特征赋予它们特定的情感和喻义。

同时,又由于英汉两个民族在地域生态、历史传统、宗教信仰等文化各个方面的差异,隐喻中所含有的文化内涵也大不相同。

英语国家都把狮子比喻成“百兽之王”,比喻勇敢、威严、权势、凶猛等。

当比喻一个人勇猛时,会描述他为“ He is a lion. ”英国历史上查理一世因其“勇武善战”被誉为“ the lion-hearted king ”(狮心王),史称“狮心查理王”。

正因为英语词汇 lion 的这种语义,在学术界有“威望”的人,也被称为“ a literary lion ”,同汉语的“执牛耳”、“泰斗”。

[11] (P219-222) 英国自豪地以狮子作为自己国家的标志,英国国徽的中心图案是 lion ,因此英国又被称之为“ the British Lion ”,所以 to twist the lion ’s tail 意为“向英格兰挑战”。

“ Lion and Unicom ”(“雄师”代表英格兰,“独角兽”代表苏格兰)还是英国王室纹章上的动物。

“狮子”在汉语文化中却没有这样丰富的文化内涵。

在汉语文化中,“百兽之王”则非“虎”莫属。

“虎”是中国人相当熟悉的动物,在南方有华南虎,在北方有东北虎,在民间传说中有武松打虎,与虎相联系的其他故事还有不少,这里就不一一列举了。

汉语用“虎”比喻勇猛、威武,例如:“虎将”、“虎劲”、“虎威”等。

这是因为汉民族把虎看作“百兽之王”。

对中国人来讲,老虎不仅具备西方狮子的正面形象,而且还有“凶残、残忍”的反面形象。

如孟子的“苛政猛于虎”。

英语的“ Beard the lion in his den ”,对应的汉语要说“虎口拔牙”。

英语的“ an ass in lion ’ s skin ”,汉语则说“狐假虎威”。

英语民族也常用“狮子”来形容处于主宰地位的人,如一位在家凌驾于丈夫头上的主妇,按照英语民族的习惯应称为“ lioness ”。

但这样的人按汉语文化习惯则为“母老虎”。

人类的共性不言而喻,不同的民族由于在地理、民俗、宗教及价值观等方面存在差异,因此每一个民族的心理特征表现方式几不尽相同,相同的动物在不同的民族文化中有不同的意蕴,如英汉文化中同时存在的动物:龙、牛、喜鹊、蝙蝠、杜鹃、马、猫头鹰、狗等。

“ Horse ”(马)在古代英语民族作为主要的使役工具,曾起过重要的作用。

因此在英语文化中它是勤劳和吃苦耐劳的象征。

“牛”在中国悠久的农业史上是主要的农耕劳作工具。

耕牛与农民朝夕相处,且勤劳忠厚,自然赢得中华民族对牛的赞誉和热爱。

古往今来,汉语文化中有不少名家皆喜欢以牛自喻:南宋名臣 - 李纲在《病牛》中将自己比喻为牛,鲁迅曾有“俯首甘为孺子牛”的名句。

由于“马”和“牛”在英汉文化史上所起的相似作用,因此它们在英汉文化中常被用作表达具有相似喻义的喻体:He is a horse. (他有牛劲。

)Horse power (力壮如牛)[1 2 ] (P235-245)这里分别比喻“健壮”和“力大”相应的汉语中的喻体则是“牛”,如“壮如牛”、“牛劲”、“老黄牛”。

“ Magpie ”(喜鹊)在英语文化中是报凶不报喜的,所以英语民族的人们认为此鸟为不吉利的征兆,因而讨厌它,而汉语言中的喜鹊是“喜庆”的象征,如“喜鹊叫,好事到”。

民间传说故事中,喜鹊是成人之美的瑞鸟,提及喜鹊,就往往会联想到牛郎、织女的“鹊桥相会”。

同样“ bat ”(蝙蝠)因其丑陋,凶恶,吸血鬼的外表形象,所以英语民族对它无好感,总是把它同罪恶或黑暗势力相联系,特别是“ vampire bat ”(吸血蝙蝠)更令人感到恐惧。

与此相反,在中国的传统文化中,由于蝙蝠的“蝠”与“福”同音,因此蝙蝠便成了“吉祥”、“健康”、“幸福”的象征。

[1 3 ] (P9-11) 蝙蝠与桃组成的谐音图案为“福寿双全”;蝙蝠与鹿组成“福禄双全”。

这里因文章篇幅所限,就举这些例子。

3. 数字翻译6, 8, 9, 7, 4, 13,数字的文化信息差异数字广泛用于文学、艺术作品当中,承载着许多文化信息。

但由于不同民族在历史文化、宗教信仰、民族文化心理等方面存在着差异,由此赋予数字文化信息也存在差异。

a. 习惯表达差异例l:Groups of cavalry orderlies in threes and fours ran across the riverbed by the ranks of thetroops.译:一队队骑兵侦察员和三五成群的骑兵通信员,从部队行列边的河槽里跑过去。

英语用的是“三三四四”而汉语却是“三五成群”,这并非译错,而是各个民族表达习惯不同。

例2:Nine times out of ten the train is late译:火车十有八九部晚点英语用的是确切的数字“十有九次”,而汉语却是一个约数“十有八九”这也并非译文出错,而是因为各民族表达习惯不同,事实上英语原文也是一个约数,并非确切的统计,收稿日期:2008—01~15作者简介:曾邵求(1966-),男,湖南邵东人,长沙理工大学外国语学院讲师,研究方向为外语语言文化研究。

相当于“总是”。

英汉数字表达的习惯差异,体现出各自的文化特征,其中的数字都是约定俗成的,不能随意更改。

b. 模糊语义的语用差异数字是概念和符号的结合,它的基本功能是计算,但在民间语言和文学作品中数字往往并不表示确切的数量概念,而只是一个泛化的虚数,这就是数字的模糊语义现象。

数字的模糊用法一般具有较鲜明的民族性,它是民族文化长期积淀的结果。

例:she has to do all the cleaning and washing and cooking and shopping and a hundred and one other things译:她又要洗、又要涮、又要做饭、又要买菜,还有没完没了的其它事情。

由于英汉民族文化的差异,英汉语中数字的虚指意义并不等同,汉语数字虚指多借助“一至十”,“百、千、万”等数字。

如,宋代理学家邵康节写的一首五绝:一去二三里,烟村四五家,亭台六七座,八九十枝花。

全诗二十字却把数字一至十完美地镶进去了,这里的数字并无确却的数量含义,而是十分模糊的含义,表达的是一种数字美,它带给人更多的是对清新别致、恬静宜人的田园风景的欣赏和赞美。

又如:百战百胜、百感交集、千载难逢、万分感谢等中的“百、千、万”均指模糊语义。

而英语数字虚指多用较大数目的数字,如a hundred and one(许多)、a thousand and one ways(千方百计)、the eleventh hour(最后时刻,危急的时刻)、a thousand miles away(千里之遥)等等,这些数字均指虚数。

c. 喜忌偏好差异数字文化的重要内容是数字禁忌和偏好,对数字或日期的崇信和禁忌是世界各民族共有现象,但由于各民族受到历史渊源,宗教神话及民族文化心理等因素的影响,各民族对某些数字的喜爱和忌讳也各有不同。

[NextPage]众所周知,中国人对双数情有独钟。

在中国传统文化里,事物由阴、阳两方面构成,只有阴阳结合,才能滋生万物。

中国古代哲学家老子认为,任何事物都有相对的两面:如好和坏、对和错、长和短、明和暗、动和静。

在这种文化关照下,双数在汉语中蕴含着吉祥的文化内涵。

中国人喜欢双数的偶合义,追求“好事成双”,渴望“双喜临门”。

形容处事有方是“四平作稳”、百事顺心是“六六大顺”,美不可言的境界为“十全十美”。

由此可见中国人对双数的崇拜。

又比如“六”在中国人眼里是最吉祥不过的数字,俗语“六六大顺”便是最好的印证,人们尤其钟爱尾数为“66”、“666”、“6666”这几组数字,因为它们象征着顺顺利利、万事如意,而英语“six”却是一个不受欢迎的数字,人们视6为大凶数或大野兽,这在下列习语中可以体现;如at sixes and sevens(乱七八糟、糊涂)hit sib for six(给人以毁灭性打击)Six to one(六对一,相差悬殊)six penny(不值钱)等。

双数在西方英语文化里没有受到如此高的礼遇,相反,他们却偏好单数(当然,5和13除外)视单数为吉利、祥和的象征。

他们在表示更深程度时,常在整佰整仟的偶数后面加尾数“一”。

如:onehundredandone(十分感谢);have one thousand and one things to do(日理万机);a thousand and one ways to help(许多的方法)等等。

另外,由于受基督教文化的影响,西方人对“三”和“七”也推崇备至。

相关文档
最新文档