跨文化交际

1.Strike while the iron is hot

It means to act or take advantage of an opportunity at the right moment, when the person is most likely to succeed. And in Chinese we say“趁热打铁”

Value: People in the English speaking countries stress on action because the opportunity goes away and does not return.

2.He who hesitates is lost

a person who spends too much time deliberating about what to do loses the chance to act altogether. And in Chinese we say “当断不断必受其害”

Value: this also shows people in the English speaking countriesare decisive and action-oriented and they know if one waits too long, the opportunity vanishes.

3.God help those who help themselves

God will not come to the aid of those who refuse to try; we must exert ourselves if we want to succeed. And in Chinese we say “天道酬勤”

Value: it shows people in the English speaking countries emphasizes the importance of self-initiative and agency.

4.The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

When people say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, they mean that the person who complains or protests the loudest attracts attention and service.

I always long for peace, But the wheel that does the squeaking Is the one that gets the grease. However, the idea of the idiom is much older. A manuscript from about 1400 had: “Ever the worst spoke of the cart creaks.” Similar sayings were repeated over the succeeding centuries. And there is also a similar Chinese saying called“会哭的孩子有奶吃”. I think both stress on calling for others’ attention, and when you have some requirements, just speak it out.

5. A man’s home is his castle

People enjoy the position of rulers in their own homes, and others have no right to enter without the householder's permission.

The legal doctrine “A man's home is his castle” is reflected in the Bill of Rights: “The right of the people to be secure in their ... houses ... against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated.”This proverb illustrat es the principle of individual privacy, which is fundamental to the American system of government.

6.Actions speak louder than words.

This idiom means that what you do is more important than what you say, because the things you do show your true intentions and feelings.

This proverb shows that Americans emphasize on actions rather than words.

7.One does not make the wind but is blown by it.

It means that one who don’t have his own thought will be easily influenced by others .And it shows that people in many Asian and African countries have a strong sense of collectivism.

8.Order is half of life.

It means that we should obey the order with high respect. And it is similar with an Chinese proverb“军令如山”. It shows that Germans are loyal to the order.

9.Even if the bridge be made of stone, make sure it is safe.

It is similar with an Chinese proverb“小心驶得万年船”. And it shows that people in Korea seem to be more cautious about doing things.

10.He who stirs another's porridge often burns his own.

It means that people should mind their own business. And it shows that people in Sweden consider privacy a big matter.

11.When spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.

It means that unity is strength. People in many Asian and African countries have a strong sense of collectivism. It is similar with an Chinese proverb“团结力量大”. It shows the importance of collectivism and group solidarity.

12.Go the way that many people go; if you go alone you will have reason to

lament.

It is similar with an Chinese proverb“不听老人言，吃亏在眼前”. It shows the importance of collectivism and group solidarity.

13.We start as fools and become wise through experience.

生而愚之，习而巧之

It reflects that Tanzanian people focus on self-development.

14.Nothing done with intelligence is done without speech.

智者之成，离不开辩才

It reflects that Greek value the importance of speech.