Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs

Term paper of English linguistics
Semester II of 2012-2013
Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs
Proverb is an important part of a national language and it reflects the relation between culture and language. Language is strongly influenced and shaped by culture. Language is the mirror of culture. So it can represent every aspect of culture. Different nations have different culture. Because of the cultural differences, so English and Chinese proverbs have differences in their detailed contents. Generally speaking, the major differences lie in geography, history customs and religions. So, I will introduce the differences in this three parts.
Firstly, I will introduce reflecting different geography. The geographical features of a country are inevitably reflected in the national language in general and proverbs in particular. England is an island country and located in the western seaside of Europe. English people live by seaside and their life cannot do without sailing and fishing. So many English proverbs are related to sea and sailing. For example, The best fish smell bad when they are three days old. China is an agriculture country. Agriculture is the fundamental and crucial trade. So there are many farming proverbs about agriculture. Farming proverbs constitute a laege part of chinese proverbs. There are the crystal of agriculture experiencds of Chinese people. It can be seen in the following example ：春雨贵如油。

From above, we can see that English and Chinese proverbs reflect their different geographical conditions. English is an island country, so many English proverbs are about “sea ”, “fish ”, “ship ” and so on. While many Chinese proverbs are about agriculture, such as 豆、雪、仓、地.
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Supporting & logic Language & grammar Text format General impression Total Proportion 8
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Secondly, reflecting different history customs. Each nation has its own history. Since proverbs are historical products, they may reflect some aspects of the national history. English proverbs are related to the history of England. For example, It is as hard to please a knave as a knight. China has a long history. There is thousands of year’s feudal society in China. People were bonded by the rank of class. The rulers exploit and bully the people cruelty. There are many Chinese proverbs about feudal and gender discrimination. For example, 只许州官放火不许百姓点灯。

From above we can see that English and Chinese proverbs reflect the different history. English proverbs are related to king and knight while Chinese proverbs reflect the Chinese people’s grudge and resistance to rulers.
Thirdly, reflecting different religions. Religion is a very important part of culture. Different religions reflect different cultural characters, different cultural backgrounds and different cultural traditions. Religion is a cultural phenomenon. Proverbs are closely related to the culture, so proverbs can reflect the different religious faith. English people believe in Christianity and it is the most influential religion in the most influential religion in the west. Many English proverbs reflect English people’s religious faith and many of them are about “God”, “devil”, “church”, “cross” and “hell”. For example: Each cross has its own inscription. Buddhism is the most popular religion in China. Many proverbs are about Buddhism such as：平时不烧香，临时抱佛脚。

According to all the examples. Proverbs are the cream of a language. Proverbs are closely related to a nation's culture and enjoy great cultural values. Each nation has its own geography, history and religion. So a comparative study of them can help us to learn a language well and understand the true meaning of other's word in cross-culture communication.
References
Tom McArthur, Roshan McArthur. Oxford Concise Companion to the English Language. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign language Education Press, 2011.
Wang, Qin. Proverbs introduction of two-part allegorical saying. Changsha: Hunan Education Publishing Press1980.
Wang, Yazhen. Language and culture. Beijing: Advanced Education Publishing Press1991.
Xu, Tao. Comparison of national character of English and Chinese proverbs. Journal of ABa Teachers College.。