中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

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从中西方谚语中探索中西方文化的差别

摘要谚语是意义完整的固定句子，是一种重要的语言形式。

在不同文化的谚语中，相同的物体和行为往往被赋予不一样的含义和思想感情。

本文研究的目的便是通过研究英汉谚语来探索中西方文化的差异。

文章首先从谚语的构成方面比较了英汉谚语的差异，然后从中西方人们的居住环境、人文思想、道德观念、宗教信仰和风俗习惯五个方面对英汉谚语进行比较和分析，并总结出中西文化在这些方面的差异。

通过本文对英汉谚语的研究和总结，我们将学习到两种谚语的不同文化内涵，更重要的是，这有助于我们更加正确地使用英汉谚语。

因此，研究中西方谚语之间的文化差异具有重大的理论和现实意义。

关键词：谚语；中西方文化；差异AbstractProverb is a complete sentence，and it is an important form of language. In the different proverbs that from different culture, the same things and the same behavior show represent different means and different feelings. The paper is aimed to explore the cultural differences between Chinese and Western proverbs. Firstly, the author analysis the differences from their unique characteristics, then summarizes the differences of living environment, humanistic idea, moral views, religious beliefs and social customs between Chinese culture and Western one by comparing and analyzing Chinese proverbs and English ones. Through the study and summary of this paper we will learn the different cultural connotation from different culture. What’s more, we will use Chinese and Western proverbs more easily and more accurately. So it is no exaggeration to say that a comparison between English and Chinese proverbs is of great practical and theoretical significance.Key words: Proverbs; Western and Chinese culture; differencesAcknowledgementsI would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped me during the writing of this thesis. I gratefully acknowledge the help of my supervisor, Xia Li, who has offered me valuable suggestions in the academic studies. Without her encouragement, insightful criticism and gracious guidance, the completion of this thesis would not have been possible.I also owe a special debt of gratitude to all the teachers in Foreign Languages School, from whose devoted teaching and enlightening lectures I have benefited a lot and academically prepared for the thesis.I should finally like to express my gratitude to my beloved parents who have always been helping me out of difficulties and supporting without a word of complaint.OutlineⅠ. IntroductionⅡ. The Characteristics and Impact of ProverbsA. The Unique Characteristics of Proverbs1. Form of Characters2. Sentence Pattern3. Rhetorical DevicesB. The Position and Role of Proverbs in the Real LifeⅢ. The cultural differences of Chinese and Western ProverbsA. Proverbs of Living EnvironmentB. Proverbs of Humanistic IdeaC. Proverbs of Moral Views1. The Attitude Towards Reputation2. The View of Love3. Filial Duty4. The Attitude Towards WomanD. Proverbs of Religious Beliefs1. God and no God2. The Idea of Equality and GradeE. Proverbs of CustomⅣ.ConclusionCultural Differences between Chinese and English Proverbs Ⅰ. IntroductionDuring the etymology, proverb is defined as a settled saying accompanied with the long history. In the modern version of the Dictionary, proverbs indicated these briefly, popular and meaningful sentences which are popular in folk among traditional social of China. In western, many English dictionaries have the analogous definition which is popular short saying with words of advice or warning. There are many proverbs in our daily life and be used very popular during our daily life.“Genius wit and spirit of a nation are discovered by their proverbs.”said by Bacon, a well-known British writer. Every nation has abundant proverbs in their own native language, which were using reflect their life experience, thoughts and feelings.Ⅱ. The Characteristics and Impact of ProverbsA.The Unique Characteristics of ProverbsAs a quintessence of native language, proverbs have many unique characteristic which different from other language forms. Next we will introduce its characteristics through the three aspects include characters form, sentence pattern structure and rhetorical device.1. Form of CharactersProverb is summarizes of labor practice of the masses, it has a heavy flavor of life. The English and Chinese proverbs have regular sentence pattern and shapely syllable, it selects the words is very refined. Proverbs can express luxuriant idea content with highly condensed language. It has highly ability of generalizing, which aimed at reflect a profound moral vividly. It displayed mainly follow the three points: First of all, proverbs always using small amount of words and flat structure to compress the abundant content. These sentences, which are dapper, crisp andfinger-popping, embodies the language feature of English and Chinese native. For example: Live and learn（活到老，学到老）;After rain comes sunshine（雨过天晴）.In our native proverbs, there are also many examples like: 物以类聚，人以群分；两人伴，三人散。

从英汉谚语看中西文化差异

从英汉谚语看中西文化差异1?币?言谚语是特殊的、具有完整意义的固定句式。

它不仅是语言的一部分，也是文化的一部分。

由于各个民族在政治，经济，历史，地理等方面的差异，通过谚语所反映出来的文化也显示出了差异。

因为英语和汉语属于不同的语言体系，所以它们的谚语反映出了文化的不同。

目前，在英汉交往中我们注重较多的是对基本语言技能的培养和训练，而对文化差异却不够重视。

随着经济全球化的发展，英汉之间的交往将成为全球化的主流趋势之一。

因此，中西文化差异必须引起我们足够的重视。

谚语作为语言的组成部分与文化有着密切的关系。

通过对英汉谚语进行比较和分析，我们能够归纳出中西文化的差异。

探讨汉语谚语和英语谚语之间存在的文化差异，我们可以从中得到一些有益的启示，可为英汉语言教学和跨文化交际提供一定的借鉴意义。

这篇文章从自然环境、宗教信仰、生活方式、文化传统、思维方式与文化心理、人文思想和时间取向等方面说明和讨论了英汉谚语所体现的中西文化差异，并且能从中得到一些英汉教学和跨文化交际方面的启示。

2.英汉谚语反映出的中西文化差异文化对语言特点有非常重要的影响。

由于中西文化在自然环境、宗教信仰、生活方式、文化传统、思维方式与文化心理、人文思想和时间取向等方面的不同，因此英汉谚语的不同是显而易见的。

2.1自然环境有些谚语与当地的地理环境和自然风景有紧密的联系，因此英汉谚语在这一方面有很多不同之处。

例如，中国有很多的山河，于是有了以下的谚语：有眼不识泰山。

长江后浪推前浪，一代新人换旧人。

但是，西方的许多国家都临近海洋，人们的生活与海洋息息相关。

例如：It is hard sailing where there is no wind. 无风难使帆。

A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner. 平静的大海练不出好水手。

上面的谚语反映了不同国家的不同自然环境，一个国家的文化背景与其自然环境有着密切的联系。

《中西谚语差异》课件

谚语的作用：谚语在人们的生活中起着重要的作用，它们可以作为行为的指南，帮助人们理解自然和社会现象，也可以作为教育和启发人们的工具，传递文化和价值观。
中西谚语差异的背景
中西文化背景的差异中西语言文字的差异中西历史文化的差异中西社会习俗的差异
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中西谚语的语言差异
词汇差异
动物词汇：中西方文化中动物词汇的不同象征意义颜色词汇：中西方文化中颜色词汇的不同含义和用法数字词汇：中西方文化中数字词汇的不同含义和用法食物词汇：中西方文化中食物词汇的不同象征意义和用法
句式结构差异
汉语谚语句式多样，有并列、对偶、递进、对比等多种句式。
英语谚语句式相对简单，多用并列句和复合句。
汉语谚语多用主动语态，而英语谚语则多用被动语态。
汉语谚语中常用助词“的”，而英语谚语中则很少使用助词。
修辞手法差异
比喻：西方谚语中常用比喻，而中国谚语中较少使用比喻夸张：西方谚语中常用夸张手法，而中国谚语中较少使用夸张对比：西方谚语中常用对比手法，而中国谚语中较少使用对比押韵：中国谚语中常用押韵手法，而西方谚语中较少使用押韵
例子：“Time is money”翻译为“时间就是金钱” 单击此处输入你的正文，请阐述观点
定义：在翻译过程中，根据原文的含义，用目标语言的表达方式进行翻译单击此处输入你的正文，请阐述观点
例子：“A good book is a good friend”翻译为“好书如挚友” 单击此处输入你的正文，请阐述观点
音译法
定义：将源语中的词汇直接音译成目标语中的发音相似的词汇
优点：保留了原词的音韵和节奏感
适用范围：适用于翻译具有独特文化内涵的词汇
缺点：可能导致目标语读者无法理解其文化内涵

英汉语谚语文化差异的比较研究

英汉语谚语文化差异的比较研究汉语谚语是中国文化的重要组成部分，是中国语言和思维方式的体现。

与之相比，英语中的谚语也具有独特的文化内涵和表达方式。

本文将比较中英两种语言中的谚语，探讨其中的文化差异。

中文谚语注重道德规范和修身养性。

中文谚语中经常出现寓言故事和隐喻，通过对人性的揭示和批判，教育人们要遵守道德规范，修身养性。

“吃得苦中苦，方为人上人”强调通过吃苦耐劳获得成功，培养坚韧不拔的品质。

“知彼知己，百战不殆”则教育人们要了解自己和对手，才能在竞争中取胜。

这些谚语中蕴含的道德观念是中国人重视的人际关系和个人修养的体现。

而英文谚语则更多地关注实用和现实生活。

英文谚语通常以简洁短小的形式出现，直接表达出某种现象或经验的普遍真理。

“actions speak louder than words”通过行动胜过言辞的表达方式，强调实际行动的重要性。

“don't judge a book by its cover”则告诫人们不要仅仅根据外貌来评判一个人。

这些谚语是英国人重视实际行动和实际效果的反映。

中英两种语言的文化背景也对谚语的表达方式产生了影响。

中国是一个崇尚孔子和文化传统的国家，中文谚语中包含着对古人敬重和传统价值的继承。

而英国是一个重视个人自由和民主原则的国家，英文谚语中更多地体现了对独立思考和自由选择的推崇。

总结而言，中英两种语言中的谚语反映了不同文化背景下的价值观和思维方式。

中文谚语关注道德规范和修身养性，强调人际关系和个人修养。

而英文谚语则更注重实用和现实生活，强调实际行动和自由选择。

通过比较中英两种语言中的谚语，可以更好地了解和体验不同文化的魅力。

从谚语翻译的角度探讨中西文化的差异(1)

从英汉谚语看中西文化差异

交际策略
掌握有效的跨文化交际策略，如礼貌原则、合作原则等，以促进有效沟通。
经典案例分析与讨论
案例选择
挑选具有代表性的英汉谚语翻译案例进行分析和讨论。
文化内涵挖掘
深入挖掘每个谚语背后的文化内涵和价值观念，以揭示中西文化之间的差异和联系。
ABCD
翻译技巧探讨
针对每个案例，探讨其采用的翻译技巧和方法，并分析其优缺点。
尊老爱幼传统美德传承
中国谚语强调尊老爱幼的传统美德，如“老吾老以及人之老，幼吾幼以及人之幼”（尊敬自己的长辈推广到尊敬别人的长辈，爱护自己的孩子推广到爱护别人的孩子）。
西方谚语中也有类似表达，如“Respect your elders”（尊敬长辈），但相对而言，西方社会更强调个人的独立和平等。
善恶报应信仰体现
西方谚语中，善恶报应观念并不明显，更多强调个人责任和自由选择，如“You make your own luck”（命运掌握在自己手中）。
中国谚语则强调善恶有报，如“善有善报，恶有恶报”（做好事有好报，做坏事有坏报），反映了中国文化的因果报应观念。
西方谚语中也有类似“What goes around comes around”（一报还一报）的表达，但与中国文化中的报应观念有所不同，更多强调个人行为的后果自负。
自然灾害应对策略反映
英语谚语中在面对自然灾害时，强调人的主观能动性和抗争精神，如“Where there is a will, there is a way”（有志者事竟成）等。这些谚语鼓励人们积极应对挑战，战胜困难。
汉语谚语则更注重顺应自然、防范未然的思想。在面对自然灾害时，汉语谚语倡导提前做好准备，如“未雨绸缪”、“防患于未然”等。同时，也强调在灾难面前保持冷静和理智，以最小的代价应对挑战。

中外谚语折射中西方文化差异

毕业论文题目: 中外谚语折射中西方文化差异院(系):专业年级: 英语2010级姓名: 张娜学号:指导教师:2012年03月10日中外谚语折射中西方文化差异[摘要] 谚语是语义相对完整的固定句子。

使用时可作为句子成分，也可作为独立的交际单位，表达完整的意思。

在英语教学中大量使用英语谚语，不仅可以使学生了解各国的历史、文化和风土人情，丰富知识，扩大视野，还使学生在形象感受中对其深刻内容牢记不忘，所以说，学习谚语对于学好英语有很大的帮助。

谚语内容精辟，语言生动，短小精悍，通俗易懂，因而有广泛的感染力。

因此，进行汉、英谚语的文化含义研究，对语言文化研究有重要意义。

语言与文化是分不开的。

语言是文化的一部分，但是它又是一种特殊的文化。

语言与文化间的关系，是双向的影响制约的关系。

在文化上，谚语既反映人类共同的认识，又反映民族文化的差异。

充分弘扬人类共同的知识财富，又能相互吸收民族文化的精华，是研究和使用谚语时应该兼顾的。

[关键词]语言，谚语，文化，差异目录1．前言.................................................................................................................. 错误！未定义书签。

4 2．英汉谚语差异的具体表现.. (5)2.1 二级标题 (5)2.2 二级标题 (7)2.2 二级标题 (9)2.2 二级标题 (11)2.2 二级标题 (12)2.2 二级标题 (14)3.结论 (15)参考文献 (17)中外谚语折射中西方文化差异一、前言首先我们先来了解一下何为谚语。

谚语是语义相对完整的固定句子。

使用时可作为句子成分，也可作为独立的交际单位，表达完整的意思。

谚语以最简短的形式表达最丰富的内容，语言生动活泼，富有生活气息。

不少谚语以形象的比喻阐述事物的规律，具有很深的哲理。

从英汉谚语中看中西文化差异

从英汉谚语中看中西文化差异
关丽芳
（泉州市农业学校，建泉州３２０）福６００摘要：语是从人民口语和经典著作中提炼出来的语谚言精华．于中西方的社会文化存在着很大的差的 “ 语 ” 词与英语中的 “ ｒｖｒ ” 体一致．谚一ｐｏｅｂ大在《代汉语词典》修订本）， “ 语 ” 义为：群众中间流现（中将谚定在传的固定词句，简单通俗的话反映ｍ深刻的道理。“ ｒｖｒ ” 用ｐｏｅｂ在《文当代英语词典》英语版）的定义为：ｈｒｗｌ朗（中ａｓｏｔｅｌ —
ｋｏａｅｎａｏｔｉｓｄｉｅａｏｔｉｅｅａ。学习作ｎｗｎｓｔｍｅｔｈｔｎａｎｖｃｂｕｆｉｇｎｒｌｔｔｃａｌｅｎ为人类语言和思想浓缩的结晶的谚语，有助于深刻理解西方
文化，以及作为文化载体的语言。２英汉谚语所体现出的文化差异．谚语．为人类文化生活的文明成果，映着各自民族的作反文化、活习俗和道德取舍。由于不同民族生活的地理环境、生
“
自然气候、教习俗等诸多方面的不同，创造的谚语在某些宗所方面所体现的文化色彩有着很大的地方差异。２１历史典故有关的谚语．与在英汉两种语言中有大量由历史典故形成的谚语。在中国的典籍中，语多出自诗书、子论著，：千丈之堤，于谚诸如 “ 溃蚁穴。—— 《非子・老》“ ” 韩喻；以貌取人，之子羽。《记・失 ”史仲尼弟子列传》 “ 为玉碎，不为瓦全。 ” ；宁 —— 《齐书・景安北元传》 “ 积跬步，以至千里。” — 《子・；不无 — 苟劝学》这些谚语结；构简单，义深远，有教育和警示作用。意很而英语中的典故多来自《经》古希腊罗马神话等两方圣、经典著作，据《经》载，ｄｍ是人类的始祖，最古老的根圣记Ａａ即人，以ａｌａＡａ所ｓｄｓｄｍ就是 “ 常古老，常陈旧 ” 意思。再ｏ非非的比如：ｒａＯｔｄｎｍｙｔｇｅ（头壮牛站在我的舌头ＡｇｅｔＸｓｎｓｎｕ．一ａｏｏ上。 “ 牛 ” 表不可挪动的重物。句的意思是：话极其谨）壮代全说慎与汉语 “ ｉ缄其口” 近相２２地理有关的谚语．与每个民族都在一定的自然环境中生存繁衍，因而不同民族的一些谚语的产生和该民族的自然环境、理环境、地山川物ｉｈｌｅ指 “ 怏不乐或心情沮丧 ” 本来心情（ｏ）无色ｎｔｅｕｓ怏ｂ．ｍｏｄ是彩而言的、个短语的隐喻意即由始源域 “ ｌ ” 起令人沮丧这ｂｕ引ｅ的色彩投射到目标域 “ 的心情 ” 产生的。如，ｌｅａｓ指人上另ｂｕｗ，ｌ严格的法律，指周日禁止跳舞宴会等，于美国殖民地时期尤始清教徒颁行的法律。６绿色（ｒｅ．ｇｅｎ）绿色是生命的颜色，人想起春天、叶、地等，青春、使树草有活泼、活力的隐喻。英汉两种语言文化中，色都可象征安有在绿全和平，．ｒｅｖｌｔｎｇｅｎｐａｅ如ｇｅｎｒｏｉ，ｒｅｅｃ。但绿在汉语言中还有ｅｕｏ独特的隐喻．，戴绿帽子 ” 指某人的妻子与他人私通，果如 “ ，如直译成ｔｗａａｒｅａ．西方人估计就理解为有人戴着绿色ｏｅｒｅｎｔｇｈ的帽子，能理解它隐含的意义，翻译成 “ ｅａｕｋｌ ” 不应ｔｂｃｃｏｄ。ｏ人们使用颜色词进行隐喻认知是人类对颜色认识发展的高级阶段．色词的联想意义是一种思维活动和文化价值颜的体现，因此英汉语文化中颜色词的联想意和各自文化模型密切相关。文对两种语言文化中基本颜色词的隐喻意义进本行了对比．现基本颜色词的一些隐喻在两种文化中有相似发之处，受各自文化价值、统习俗、仰等因素的影响，但传信基本颜色词的隐喻认知呈现了不同的个性与差异，管同中有尽异，用基本颜色词进行隐喻认知时，们对世界的认识更但我加真实和生动了，而使英汉两种语言文化更加丰富了。从参考文献：［］惠南．化语境与语言翻译［．京：国对外翻１包文Ｍ］北中译出版公司．０１２０．［］惠南，昂．国文化与汉英翻译［．京：文出２包包中Ｃ］北外

汉英谚语折射的中西文化差异

汉英谚语折射的中西文化差异汉英谚语是中西方文化的一大特色，它们折射了两种不同文化的思维模式、价值观以及生活方式。

中西方的文化差异导致了不同的思维方式，而谚语则是这种不同思维方式的体现。

本文将从中西方的思维方式、价值观、传统文化等多个方面来探讨汉英谚语的不同之处。

一、思维方式中西方的思维方式有很大的差异，这种差异也反映在谚语中。

中国人一般使用“象征性思维”，而西方人则多采用“逻辑性思维”。

中国的谚语多通过生动的比喻和寓言来表达思想和感情，这种表达方式的主体在于“感性思维”。

比如中国谚语中的“九十九难，唯有耐性来得通”、“家丑不可外扬”、“杀鸡给猴看”等等，这些谚语都包含着深刻的道理和生活智慧，但多以隐喻、寓言等方式表达出来。

而西方的谚语则更多体现了“逻辑性思维”，强调语言的规范性和逻辑性。

比如英语中的“all roads lead to Rome（所有的路都通往罗马）”、“you can't have your cake and eat it too（两者不能兼得）”等等，这些谚语很少采用生动的比喻等手法，而是通过表达逻辑关系来证明某一观点或道理。

二、价值观不同的文化往往有着不同的价值观。

汉英谚语的不同之处还表现在它们所体现的价值观上。

中国的传统文化强调“仁义礼智信”等价值观，而这些价值观也影响了中国谚语的表达方式。

比如“有志者事竟成”、“宁为玉碎，不为瓦全”、“己所不欲，勿施于人”等等，这些谚语反映了中国传统文化中强调的努力、坚强、自律、为他人着想等价值观。

西方文化则强调个人的自我实现和自我表达，西方谚语中强烈的个人主义色彩也反映了这种价值观。

比如“no pain, no gain（不劳则无获）”、“be yourself（做自己）”等等，这些谚语强调个人的独立性和自我担当的精神。

三、传统文化的影响不同的传统文化对汉英谚语的表达方式产生了巨大的影响。

中国的传统文化重视道德与修养，这种价值观也体现在谚语中。

英汉谚语中的文化差异

英汉谚语中的文化差异田文革【摘要】摘要：作为一种特殊的文化，谚语是人类智慧的积淀，且经历代代相传传承下来。

本文分析了中国西文化差异根源，将谚语中的文化差异从生活习俗、人文思想、道德观念、价值观念和审美观念展现在读者面前，以促进东西方的文化交流。

【期刊名称】山东农业工程学院学报【年(卷),期】2016(033)007【总页数】4【关键词】谚语；翻译；中西文化差异谚语能够在一定程度上反映出一个国家的日常生活和工作经验，能够对其进行精辟地总结和概括，且具广泛的影响和深邃的寓意，反映出国家的社会制度和观点、历史地理以及一些生活哲理，其文化内涵极为丰富。

从中英两国的谚语比较来看，不同的文化背景使得谚语的文化内涵也有明显的差别。

通过对这些差异进行分析与研究，能够帮助人们更好地理解各国的谚语，让英汉谚语能够在两国文化的影响下更加光彩夺目。

一、造成中西文化差异的根源(一）哲学方面长期以来，中国都受到“天人合一”思想的熏陶，讲究人与自然和睦相处，对自然抱有崇尚的心[1]。

这不仅仅是指人与自然之间要和谐统一，更包括人与人之间、人与社会之间要和谐相处。

为实现这一目标，中华民族所提倡的价值观念就是内省自制、道德本位，要时刻将集体和国家的利益放在首位，必要的时候必须要牺牲个人利益。

有人把中国文化称为“we”culture——集体文化。

中国人在儒家思想的影响下，具有很强的集体主义，他们认为只有在他人的帮助下才能取得成功，个人的成功都是来自于别人的支持，因此必须要通过互相合作互帮互助来谋求共同利益。

而对于西方国家来说，主客两分的思想是他们的主导思想，在他们的观念里，人与自然是征服与被征服的关系，人类通过自身努力对大自然进行改造，以实现人类的目标[2]。

所以，奋斗和成功是西方人所崇尚的，西方人更倾向于追求民主和自由，更注重实现个人价值。

在这样的文化下，个人主义极为严重，它反映了西方社会价值观，并在西方人的日常生活中也有所体现。

中西文化差异在谚语中的体现

中西文化差异在谚语中的体现院系：经济学院年级：2010级姓名：黄为学号2010213463 一、审美习惯的差异1）You are a lucky dog.你可真是个幸运儿2）Every dog has its day.每人在一生中皆有得意之日。

3) Dog does not eat dog.同类不相残4）Love me love my dog爱屋及乌在英汉谚语中,虽然都常常借用动物来喻指各种不同类型的人,但不同国家的人民对一些动物的感情色彩和认识却不尽相同,有的甚至截然相反。

特别值得说的是Dog一词。

在英美文化中,狗被认为是人类最好的朋友,因此常可用来比喻人，而在汉语里,用狗比喻人多带贬意,如“走狗”、“赖皮狗”、“狗东西”、“狗咬吕洞宾、不识好人心”等。

二、宗教信仰的差异5) Everyman must bear his own cross. 人人都得背自己的十字架。

6) Man proposes, God disposes.谋事在人,成事在天.7）Like priest, like people. 有怎样的牧师,就有怎样的教徒。

英国人大都信仰基督教,《圣经》几百年来一直是英国每个家庭必备的读物,即使是在穷乡僻壤的简陋农舍也很可能找到。

不少相关色彩的语句成了警醒世人的习语、谚语。

三、历史文化的差异8) Love is blind.情人眼里出西施9) Two heads are better than one. 三个臭皮匠，顶个诸葛亮10)Talk of the devil, and he is sure to appear.说曹操曹操就到。

第8个谚语源于西方神话中古罗马爱神Cupid或古希腊爱神Eros （别称the blind god ），其对应的汉谚为“情人眼里出西施”，带有明显的汉族历史文化的痕迹.第9个中，英文是从实际生活出发，而汉语意义却是来源于历史。

第10个英语中带有浓厚的西方宗教色彩，而后者则也与历史有关。

东西方文化差异对谚语的影响

“ ｈｅＴｇｅｎｉｕｓ，ｗｉｔａｎｄｓｐｉｉｔｒｏｆａｎａｉｔｏｎａｒｅ
下埋，不久雨就来 ” 、“ 春天孩儿脸，一日变
三变” 、“ 太阳颜色黄，明日大风狂” 、“ 久晴
大雾必阴，久雨大雾必晴” 、“ 夜里星光明，明朝仍旧晴”等等。２特定历史
ｓａｆｅｆｒｏｍｔｈｅＥａｓｔ —Ｉｎｄｉａ，ａｎｄＷｓａｄｒｏｗｎｅｄｉｎ
相传，千锤百炼，成为大家喜闻乐诵的谚语。这些谚语必然反映出自然环境的不同特征，带有鲜明的地域文化和生态文化的色彩。
英国是个岛国，四面环海，海岸线曲折
理论广角２０１４年９月（中）
东西方文化差异对谚语的影响
罗弦（白城师范学院大外部。吉林白城１３７０００）谚语作为 “ 民族文化之明镜” ，来自于生活，更深刻地反映了民族文化特色，体现了人们的生产生活、思想观念、文化取向，具有持久的生命力、广泛的通俗性、生动的口语化的特点。英国著名学者培根曾说过：
ＡｎＥｎｇｌｉｓｈｓｕｍｍｅｒ，ｔｈｒｅｅ（ｏｒｔｗｏ）ｈｏｔｄａｙｓ
ｔｈｅｈａＴｍｅｓ．他从东印度安然归来，却淹死于泰晤士河。英国历史上曾遭到多次其他国家的入侵。罗马统治期间，社会生活罗马化，拉丁语是官方、法律、商业和法律用语。丹麦人侵占期间，丹麦语也传人英国。１０６６年法国诺曼底登陆后，英国为法国所征服。法语很长时期成为英国的官方语言，贵族、朝臣、地主和上流社会都使用法语，如当时的英国国王爱德华是完全不会说英语的国王，因此有英谚云：ＪａｃｋｗｏｕｌｄｂｅａｇｅｎｔｌｅｍｎａｉｆｈｅｃｏｕｌｄｓｐｅａｋＦｒｅｎｃｈ．要是杰克能讲法语，那他就是个绅士了。而三种语言交配混合到英语中，充实了英语语言，也带来了许多拉丁语、法语谚语。Ａｎｇｅｒｉｓａｓｈ０ｎｍａｄｎｅｓｓ．愤怒是短暂的疯狂。（拉丁语）Ａｎｉｓｌｏｎｇ，ｌｉｆｅｉｓｓｈｏｒｔ．艺术是无限，生命是有限的。（拉丁语）而在中国的历史长河中，秦始皇于公元前２２１年统一中国，从此中国进入了漫长的封建社会。广大劳动人民

英汉谚语的文化差异及翻译

英汉谚语的文化差异及翻译一、英汉谚语中所反映的文化差异1起源差异首先，英汉谚语都受到宗教思想的影响，但同中又有异。

英谚受基督教的影响，反映了基督教的伦理道德和行为规范，如：No respecter of persons.（一视同仁）；Man propose，God disposes.（谋事在人，成事在天）等,而汉谚则受到“儒”、“释”、“道”三教的影响。

其次，英汉谚语的起源差别还是很大的。

英谚中有大量出自典章及名人的作品中那些脍炙人口的词句，如：Never say die.（永远不要说”死定了”）出自英国小说狄更斯的《匹克威克外传》；而汉语文史学家们则认为汉谚相当一部分出自社会生活和生产实践，如：“远亲不如近邻”是对日常生活经验的总结。

2生存环境的差异谚语的产生与人们的劳动和生活密切相关。

英国是一个岛国，历史上航海业曾一度领先世界；而汉民族在亚洲大陆生活繁衍，人们的生活离不开土地。

3习俗差异汉谚语差异是多方面的，最典型的莫过于在对狗这种动物的态度上。

狗在汉语中是一种卑微的动物。

汉语中与狗有关的谚语大都含有贬意：“狐朋狗党”、“狗急跳墙”、“狼心狗肺”、“狗腿子”等，尽管近些年来养庞物狗的人数大大增加，狗的“地位”似乎有所改变，但狗的贬义形象却深深地留在汉语言文化中。

而在西方英语国家，狗被认为是人类最忠诚的朋友。

英语中有关狗的谚语除了一部分因受其他语言的影响而含有贬义外，大部分都没有贬义。

在英语习语中，常以狗的形象来比喻人的行为。

如:Every dog has his day.（人皆有出头日）；Love me, love my dog.（爱屋及乌）等。

learnmewtricks（老人学不了新东西）等等。

形容人“病得厉害”用sickasadog，“累极了”是dog-tired。

与此相反，中国人十分喜爱猫，用“馋猫”比喻人贪嘴，常有亲呢的成份，而在西方文化中，“猫”被用来比喻“包藏祸心的女人”。

4宗教信仰方面与宗教信仰有关的谚语也大量地出在在英汉语言中。

从谚语看中西方文化异同

从西方的谚语中我们可以观察到中西文化的一个有趣的区别。

我们先来看几条中西文化水乳交融的谚语。

Man proposes, God disposes.这个说法最早见于14世纪，起初以“If man proposes evil, God disposes of it.”的形式出现, 意思是上帝会阻止想要为恶的人。

这里的God, 既可以指上帝, 又可以指天意。

就像我们常说的“尽人事, 听天命”、“谋事在人，成事在天”一样, 尽力而为之后, 还要顺从自然的规律。

毕竟，人类是自然的一部分, 凡事皆不可强求，与自然的和谐是人类的生存之本。

e.g. A: Bob, how about tomorrow’s driving test？Sure to pass，huh？B: I don’t know. I’ve done enough, I’d say. Anyway, man proposes, God disposes. I am praying for good luck.If you play with fire, you get burnt.所谓“玩火者必自焚”，铤而走险的盲目举动会招致无穷祸患。

e.g. The abuse of power has sent many people into jail, which shows that playing with fire could get you burnt.Revenge is a dish that could be eaten cold.很形象的一句谚语。

所有的菜肴都必须趁热吃，唯独revenge是个例外。

“君子报仇，十年未晚。

”e.g. He has done serious wrong to his friends. You just wait and see. They will not let him go scot-free. Revenge is a dish that could be eaten cold.Every dog has its day.（又作All dogs have their days.）这里的day，是指opportunities, 即成功的机会；而dog 则泛指那些地位低下、似乎没有出息的人。

通过中西方谚语了解中西方文化

English idiom ″a bull in a china shop″ means “瓷器店里的公牛，鲁莽闯祸的人”, ″china″ in which is spread from China; and English phrase ″afternoon tea″ could also reveals that the western life habits has some connection with the tea which’s origin is China″. Obviously, these are the convergence of the Chinese idioms and the English idioms.
C. Different living environment could change the ways of translation.

D. Different spiritual life is a huge gap of the opinion exchange between these two culture backgrounds.
The Discussion of Cultural Globalization

As an special phenomenon in the language, people usually emphasize the national affections on the idioms and its literary quotation. But not all the idioms are from local culture. For instance, Chinese idiom “火中取栗” is from a French fable; “以眼还眼，以牙还牙” comes from ″an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth″ in Bible, the Old Testament;

从英汉谚语反映的道德观看中西方文化差异

从英汉谚语反映的道德观看中西方文化差异
从英汉谚语反映的道德观看中西方文化差异
语言是文化的载体,汉英谚语都承载着丰富的文化内涵.每一个民族都有自己的道德观念和标准,道德是民族文化的一部分,因此很多英汉谚语反映了中西方不同历史时期的道德观念,通过对比分析英汉谚语中所反映的不同道德观念,可以加深对中西方文化差异的了解,提高正确理解、翻译和使用英语谚语的能力.
作者：胡振东 HU Zhen-dong 作者单位：岳阳职业技术学院,湖南,岳阳,414000 刊名：岳阳职业技术学院学报英文刊名：JOURNAL OF YUEYANG VOCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE 年，卷(期)：2006 21(2) 分类号：G0 关键词：谚语道德观念文化差异。

从谚语翻译的角度探讨中西文化的差异(1)

二、中西文化差异的表现
汉英谚语反映了中西文化在宗教思想、人文思想、道德观念三个方面的差异。
1、谚语反映的不同的宗教思想。西方神人相分的宗教哲学思想，上帝被视为宇宙唯一的人格神。上帝的权威和荣耀往往反映在谚语中“: Heaven is above all”，“God is above all”(上帝高于一切 )，“The tree that God plants nowind hurts it”(上帝种的树,风吹不倒)等等。中国的“天(或神)人合一”。古华夏文明是一种以宗法血缘关系为纽带的农业文明。在广阔的天地间从事农耕, 天、地、人三者浑然一体,人们对自己参天地而化育万物的地位,有着十分直观的认识。早熟的农业文明，加上父权制
2、思维模式方面文化会影响人们对外界事物的看法和认识,不同的国家存在不同的文化, 因此在思维模式方面必然存在差异,这一点在东西文化之间表现得尤为明显。西方文化的思维模式注重逻辑和分析, 而东方文化的思维模式则表现出直觉整体性,这一点也是中国传统文化思维的特征。由于这种传统文化的影响,中国人往往特别重视直觉,注重认识过程中的经验和感觉,在交往中也往往以这种经验和感觉去“以己度人”。与西方人的思维模式相比,中国人的这种思维模式具有明显的笼统性和模糊性,久而久之,会形成一种思维定势,可以解释为识别和简化对外界事物的分类感知过程。
3、宗教信仰方面英国的典故主要来自《圣经》、古希腊神话等西方经典著作,如“You cannot-
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take itwith you”、“There is no peace for the wicked”、“Constant dripping wears away the stone”、“An apple of discord”等等。在基督教中 , 上帝是唯一的、至高无上的神。相关的谚语如 :God is where He was (上帝无处不在);God helps those who help themselves(上帝帮助自助的人);Man proposes, God disposes(谋事在人,成事在天);God made the country, and man made the town(上帝造乡村,人们造城镇)等等。像上帝、魔鬼、天堂、十字架等词汇反映在谚语中比比皆是。例如:The devil can site Scripture for his purpose.(魔鬼引《圣经》, 不会怀好意);No coming to Heavenwith dry eyes.(眼无泪水, 难进天堂);The way to Heaven is by Weeping Cross.(忏悔受难 , 得升天堂 );Better go to heaven in rags than tohell in embroidering. (与其锦衣裹身下地狱, 不如衣衫褴褛上天堂); The devil lurks (or sits) behind the cross. (魔鬼常常躲在十字架后面);Crosses are ladders to heaven.(十字架是登上天堂的梯子)。在中国龙代表帝王,象征吉利的动物, 因此有谚语“龙眼识珠, 凤眼识宅”、“龙投大海,虎奔高山”。而英美却认为 dragon 是邪恶的象征,如“dragon’s pond and tiger’s cave; dangerous places.”、“sow dragon’s teeth”。

论中西方谚语的文化差异

四川师范大学文理学院本科毕业论文Cultural Differences between English andChinese Proverbs浅谈中西方谚语的文化差异作者：罗玲院系：外语系年级：2007 级专业班级：英语师范3班学号：200714015316指导教师：谷一明(讲师)答辩日期：2011年4月9日浅谈中西方谚语的文化差异学生：罗玲指导老师：谷一明（讲师）摘要：谚语是语言文化的瑰宝，它以其深刻、简练的语言浓缩了各民族的历史文化，反映了劳动人民的生活实践经验。

透过谚语的窗口来窥探中西方文化中的风俗习惯、宗教文化及思维方式的差异，令人更深刻的感悟到谚语传递的文化蕴含。

本文着重通过从谚语折射出的生存环境、风俗习惯、宗教信仰和道德观念四个方面来探讨中西方文化的差异。

通过对中西方谚语的对比研究折射出的文化差异，展现中西方文化差异带来的异域风情。

关键词：谚语；中西方；文化差异Cultural Differences between English and Chinese ProverbsAbstract:Proverbs are a treasure of language culture, with its profound and concise language condensing history and culture of various nationalities. Most reflect the practical experience of working people’s life. Through the proverbial window to spy the differences of social customs, habits religion, and ways of thinking in west and east, people come to perceive more profound cultural implication passed on by proverbs. This article focuses on the living environment, customs, religious beliefs and moral concepts these four aspects reflected by the proverbs to explore differences between English and Chinese culture. This paper aims to demonstrate not only the complementarities of western and Chinese culture, but also the exotic differences of western and Chinese culture through the comparative study of English and Chinese proverbs.Key words: proverbs; west and east; cultural differencesContentsIntroduction (1)Part I The Definition, Functions and Features of Proverb (2)1.1 The definition of proverb (2)1.2 The functions of proverb (2)1.2.1 The phatic communication (2)1.2.2 Cultivation of mind and formation of behavior (3)1.2.3 Perception of the weather (3)1.2.4 Summary of the life experience (4)1.3 The features of proverb (4)1.3.1T he use of rhetorical technique (4)1.3.2 The particular syntactic structure (5)Part II The Classifications of Proverb (7)2.1 Proverbs of weather (7)2.2 Proverbs of agriculture (7)2.3 Proverbs of social communication (7)2.4 Proverbs of study (8)2.5 Proverbs of ethic (8)2.6 Proverbs of animals (8)Part III Cultural Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs (9)3.1 Different ways of life (9)3.1.1 English proverbs about sailing and fishing (10)3.1.2 Chinese proverbs about agricultural development (10)3.2 Different customs .......................................................................................3.2.1 Different cultures of animals (11)3.2.2 Different concepts of social communication (12)3.3 Different religious beliefs (12)3.3.1 Belief of Christian in the western countries (13)3.3.2 Beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism in China (13)3.4 Different moral concepts (14)3.4.1 Different values of the public reputation (14)3.4.2 Different concept of filial piety (15)3.4.3 Different status of women (15)Conclusion (17)Bibliography (18)IntroductionProverb is considered as a precious treasure both in china and western countries. It is used to express people’s thoughts and ideas in condensed phrases and it is easy for people to understand the meaning of the proverbs. Because it is summarized by the life and working experience as they grow up and so do they feel like taking advantage of using the proverbs to convey their experience and emotions. At the same time, the proverb is a kind of idiomatic phrase and it has something in common with the allegory, allusion. The flexibility in the use of rhetorical devices makes the proverbs more refined, clear and accurate, which express the full emotions.The paper concentrates on the cultural differences between Chinese and western proverbs. Through presenting the differences embodied by the proverbs, we can precisely perceive the different culture of China and western counties. And proverbs are the valuable portal to spy the essence of the culture both in china and western countries, meanwhile people can deeply get to know more about the history and life patterns in different countries. On one hand, we can take their experience as a mirror to guide our behaviors and on the other hand we can to some extend summarize our flaws and defect spots in order to attain our future goals. Firstly, this paper will briefly talk about the definition, classifications and features of the proverbs. Secondly it will focus on the functions of the proverbs. In this chapter, by stating the functions it also paves the way to reveal the experience and life patterns of the ancestors. Thirdly, it will get to the last one but not the least one the cultural differences between Chinese and western proverbs. This is the most important chapter, which elaborates the geography, religious belief, concepts and customs to embody the cultural differences. Through the contrast, we can get close to perceive the cultural differences between Chinese and western countries.Part I The Definition, Classifications and Features of Proverb 1.1 The definition of proverbProverb is a kind of sayings. It prevails in the community with concise words. Most proverbs reflect the practical experience of working people's life and are generally passed down orally.(Available: /view/23790.htm，2010)It is mostly spoken in the colloquial form of phrases or rhymes easy to understand. And proverbs are to some extent similar to idioms, twisters, common sayings, and aphorism.1.2 The functions of proverbThe functions of proverbs are that they express some rules of conduct and quite often convey some advice or counsel. In other words, most proverbs possess philosophic depth or instructive function. For thousands of years they have been instructing and inspiring people, so they have been regarded as the guideline of people’s thoughts and deeds, which means people are thinking or doing things by following the direction of their proverbs either consciously or unconsciously. Proverbs have become important sources of inspiration just because they contain truth, wisdom, counsel, rule of conduct, etc. Following will mention two functions of proverbs.1.2.1 The phatic communicationThe phatic function of proverb is the most basic function of language. People use the phatic proverbs to create an atmosphere of greeting or maintain social contact rather than exchange of information. It is to ease the atmosphere of the conversation, at the same time get the talkers satisfied psychologically.1.2.2 Cultivation of mind and formation of behaviorSome proverbs are intended to persuade and teach people. To persuade is to praise justice, to fight against the bully. To teach is to guide people to adopt a correct attitude towards life, to take a proper way to get along well with others. For example, better die with honor than live with shame; don’t have cloak to make when it begins to rain. Such proverbs sound very firm and resolute and they can strengthen people conviction and awaken people consciousness of life or better their thinking methods. They are very helpful for people to make distinction between right and wrong, to be clear about what to love and what to hate. Because they are good for people’s self-cultivation and they can call for deep thought, many people take these proverbs as their life motto.Some other proverbs reveal and criticize the dark side of the ages or society. They attack the dirty practices of the society so as to remind people to keep conscious and maintain sharp warning. For example, the fox changes his skin, but not his habit; a leopard cannot change its spots. People tend to recite such proverbs when they are disclosing the evil in the society or when they are reminding others to keep alert.1.2.3 Perception of the weatherThe proverbs concerning weather refer to a long history, vast regions, and rich content. Many of them can be used to make long, medium and short-term weather forecasts. Our ancestors have accumulated rich experience in the struggle with the nature of the observed changes in the weather. As early as three thousand years ago, the Yin Ruins in Oracle, there are many account of weather. Weather proverbs are the accumulated knowledge of the natural experience generated in the production of working people living in long-term practice, which one side is the use of natural, another side is the struggle with nature. And after years of practice in the test and temper, proverbs are summarized into conciseness, pleasant to listen to, easy to understand, easy to remember, and widely circulate among the masses.1.2.4 Summary of the life experienceMany proverbs summarize knowledge of people’s daily life such as the best wine comes out of an old vessel; Soft fire makes sweet malt.As people’s daily life is co mplicated and extremely trifling, such proverbs are numerous. They summarize people’s knowledge in their life and they tell people what to do and how to do it. They are just like an encyclopedia to guide people’s daily life. From them, people may broaden t heir knowledge and outlook so as to avoid making mistakes. Some proverbs of this type are concerned with a particular field, like farmer proverbs and meteorological proverbs. Peasants of different ages, in their over years’ work, practice and prove the far ming experience and productive rules. From generation to generation, they sum up their experience and the farming rules into some vivid, concise and lively sentences. These sentences are farmer proverbs and they are practiced and testified year after year and they have been proved true and accurate. They reflect the peasants’ farming experience and agricultural law and show the working people’s wisdom. Farmer proverbs are a precious and valuable part of agricultural data. Peasants of different ages have some of them as guide in their farming. And meteorological proverbs, which summarize the fundamental meteorological knowledge of generations, are also a big help in people life. For example, April showers bring forth May flowers; A cold May and a windy makes a full barn and a finny; Dry August and warm does harvest no harm; A fair day in winter is the mother of a storm; A misty morning may have a fine day; Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings（/books/sep4ubr.shtml，2011）.1.3 The features of proverbThe long-term use of proverb is of great value. The flexibility in the use of rhetorical devices makes the proverbs more refined, clear and accurate, which express the full emotions. In general, proverbs conventionally use the rhetorical devices such as contrast, metaphors, personification, allusion, inversion, parallelism and rhyme etc.1.3.1The use of rhetorical technique1.3.1.1ContrastExtensive use of antonyms in the proverbs reflects the paradox existing in the objective things. Such as acute and slow, true and false, survival and death and so on, which Intends to highlight the semantic, and strengthen expression. For example,Be swift to hear, be slow to speak. (敏于听，而缓与言)；United we stand, divided we fall.(团结则存，分裂则亡).1.3.1.2 AnalogyAnalogy is to relate what want to explain with other things similar in mood and sense through rich associations, in order to express its intention. For example,Books are ships that pass though the vast sea of time(时光好比汪洋,书籍好比航船).1.3.1.3 Personification gimmicksPersonification gimmicks to compare the inanimate objects or animals to human beings, which endow them the Spirituality and increase the sense of vivid and expressive force. For example,An uncut gem doesn’t sparkle(玉不琢，不成器).1.3.1.4 AllusionMany proverbs derived from a historical event or famous sayings. For example,The on-lookers see the best game(当局者迷，旁观者清).1.3.2 The particular syntactic structure1.3.2.1 Inverted sentencesBecause the language itself, or the needs of highlighting the proverbs, the inverted sentences are used sometimes. For example,Nothing venture, nothing gain(不入虎穴焉得虎子).1.3.2.2 Elliptical sentenceProverbs pay attention to concise, refined sentences. Using the elliptical sentence makes the proverb concise and read fluently. For example,One boy is a boy, two boys half boy, three boys no boys. (一个和尚挑水喝，两个和尚抬水喝，三个和尚没水喝).1.3.2.3 AntithesisThe equal word number, the same structure, and the symmetrical phrases or sentences in meaning which express two relative or close meaning For example,A bird is known by its note and a man by his talk.（听音识鸟，闻言识人）1.3.2.4 RepetitionThe repeated word or idea has a reinforcing effect. With the repetition of the same word in close succession, we may notice that the main point of the sentence becomes clear. It can also be used to express strong emotion and give us an aesthetic feeling and a sense of logical progression of ideas. For example,Sound in body, sound in mind.(有健康的身体才有健康的精神)Part II The Classifications of ProverbProverbs are the fixed statement prevailed orally prevailing among people. The appropriate uses of proverb enable the language to be lively and enhance the expressiveness of the article.Starting from the content, the proverb can be roughly divided into the following seven categories.2.1Proverbs of weatherThis is generated from the long-term production practice, experience learned from meteorological observation. So weather proverb is a valuable cultural wealth. But in the old days, weather proverbs are only considered as the country slang. While nowadays in the era of scientific farming, the weather forecast has gone deeply into the rural parts. For example, 蚂蚁搬家蛇过道,明日必有大雨到；雷公先唱歌，有雨也不大；有雨山戴帽，无雨云拦腰（温端政，2004：174）; Red clouds in the east, rain the next day.2.2 Proverbs of agricultureIt is farming experience summed up in the production practice. The brave and hard working people, naturally gifted continue creating a large number of weather proverbs in the long term of agriculture labor along with the agriculture proverbs. It inspires the people to create a large amount of material wealth, and it will be further promoted and their specific colloquial proverbs are as follows: 庄稼一枝花,全靠肥当家（温端政，2004：153）, there is no fertilizer in the ancient; Manure is used to irrigate the soil. So the crops growing well necessarily rely on the manure (/books/sep4ubr.shtml, 2011)2.3 Proverbs of social communicationThese proverbs implicate how to behave in the social daily life, which praise the intelligent people's worldly personality, and belittle those selfish villains. Meanwhile they reveal the ugly phenomenon of interpersonal communication in the ancient Tibetan tribes. For example, 黑暗使太阳更明亮，夜晚使星星更光明，诬蔑使英雄更荣耀，诽谤使勇士更显明（汪福祥，2001：68）;I cannot be your friend and your flatterer too.2.4 Proverbs of studyIt’s mainly about the summary of learning experience, which motivating people to strenuously study. For example, a fall into a pit, a gain in your wit, which means that undergoing a setback, increases the experience. Live and learn, learning is for idea and stability when at youth; Learning is for complement and the supplement empty soul when at the middle age; learning is a kind of mood, taste slowly and delights you; 博学使人谦逊，无知使人骄傲.2.5 Proverbs of ethicTerms of ethical proverbs mainly teaches people to be kind, united, and in harmony in family. Condemn the hypocrisy and castigate the evils. For example, 父亲心中想儿子，儿心冷若水中石;Frugality is the mother of liberality.2.6 Proverbs of animalsThere are many proverbs about animals, the element of animals added in English and Chinese proverbs makes the proverbs even more close to the life of people, and also makes a more vivid image of the proverb. However zodiac in English and Chinese proverbs is quite different in expression and understanding. Such as dog and dragon have quite different meanings in English and Chinese proverbs. For example, 落地凤凰不如鸡;A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.Part III Cultural Difference between English and ChineseProverbsProverbs are originated from life experience and culture and they are summarized in several types. According to the classification, we can vividly perceive the different culture reflected by proverbs and we can find out that different nations in different historical processes gave birth to the unique characteristic culture. Overall, the main line of Anglo-American is the doctrine of individualism, while Chinese culture believes collectivism as the main line. In addition, the Anglo-American culture is deeply influenced by religion, and Confucianism in Chinese culture has left deep scars. China's long feudal obviously have a great influence on Chinese culture.Proverbs and culture are inseparable. Language is influenced by our culture and reflects the culture. Proverbs are the essence of language; its contents are brilliant, deep in meaning, and have a broad appeal to the masses. As Bacon said "Proverbs are genius and the embodiments of wit and spirit.” Proverb is the summary of the daily life throughout the whole nation, as well as the summary of work experience. It also reflects a country and its rich cultural connotations. As a language, the unique charm of proverb lies in its mysterious essence of the national culture, which not only reflects a common national culture but also reflects their personality. Moreover proverbs reflect the cultural differences through the living environment, customs, religious beliefs and moral values and other factors, which give us a total prospect of the different culture in the west and China.3.1 Different ways of lifeGeography determines the way of life. Chinese people live in semi-enclosed continental geography, where the climate mild. Its own self-sufficient peasant economy can meet the needs of people's life, so people believe that the harvest can not do without the natural gifts, and pay attention to the unity of heaven and humanity. While Greece is the birthplace of Western culture, where the geographical environment is Open Ocean, people need to do long-term struggle with the harsh nature. So people in the West develop a scientific tradition of conquering the nature and exploring the nature. The open geographical environment enables more contacts with the outside world, resulting in the developed industry and commerce.Proverbs are closely related with people's work and life, while the proverbs are produced though different geographical environments as the Labor production activities. The proverb not only shows the different life of the people's labor productivity in different regions, but also reveals the unique geographical environment at the time, and geographical environment constrains and impacts their lifestyle.3.1.1 English proverbs about sailing and fishingEurope is on the verge Atlantic Ocean of high-latitude. Due to board on the Atlantic side, the terrain is too flat and low-lying, and more close to the Arctic. The cold air down from the poles can wipe out most of Europe, which is very bad for the development of required agricultural civilization. Under the natural geography environment in which the West vigorously develops the maritime industry through the maritime transport, sea fishing and maritime trade, which opens up a sea route to promote economic development.Britain is an island, is well developed in the history of seafaring. Therefore, when we take the cost of money without constrains as a metaphor, the English expression is spend money like water, while the Chinese are挥金如土.There are also some proverbs which use the ship to express a warning. For example, a small leak will sink a great ship. While the Chinese proverb,小洞勿补，大洞吃苦; There is analogy that only in the severe test can show who is the strong, the English proverb is a smooth sea never made a skillful mariner, while the Chinese proverb is疾风劲草.3.1.2 Chinese proverbs about agricultural developmentChina is a monsoon climate, which is suitable for agricultural production. The large number of mountains and lands determines china to be an agricultural society. However the marine transportation is not well-developed. People can not live without land. Therefore, there exist a lot of proverbs related with agricultural production. The proverbs reflect the braveness and hard-working of the working people. The long-term labor in the production generates a large amount of agricultural proverbs, which is a strong impetus to agricultural productions. For example, 种瓜得瓜种豆得豆（汪福祥，2001：122），which means what you plant will decide what you harvest. It is a metaphor that what you do will decide the results you get. How mucheffort you have paid, the equal result will come to you.Geographical environment also affect the properties. In China, after a spring rain, the bamboo shoots spring to the ground, which indicates the proliferation of new things.3.2 Different customsCustoms is the Long-established combination of understanding, habit and tradition. The same objective things and different customs give rise to different associations which have different connotations.China and Britain is far from each other, the behaviors and traditions vary a lot. The understanding of same things and the psychology of likes and dislikes are quite different, which are reflected and inherited in the language. And to some extent, it reproduces the mood of the nation's interest.3.2.1 Different cultures of animalsParticularly in English and Chinese proverbs, both use the proverb to describe the different people. However, a number of people from different countries hold different emotion towards animals, even some hold the opposite.The word dog is In particular to talk about. For a long time, China has flooded with the disgusting feelings to dogs. Although the status of dogs in family now in China is constantly improved, people’s thinking towards dogs is still not completely changed. This is the accumulated crystals of Chinese culture during thousands of years. Proverbs are full of dissatisfaction with dogs. For example, 狗拿耗子，多管闲事；狗咬吕洞宾，不识好人心；While The British people are dog lovers, they consider dogs as loyal friends of mankind, rather than simply animals. Therefore, there are many English proverbs, represented by the dog. For example, every dog has his day; you are a lucky dog and so on.Dragon in the eyes of the Chinese people occupies a lofty position, proverbs about "dragon" are at a large quantity, and contain a compliment. For example, 龙马精神；龙眉凤目.In a foreign language, there are a few proverbs to praise the dragon with derogatory. "Dragon" means a violent person, a hard man, a strict guardian of ferocious, or vicious old woman. For example, the dragon’s teeth this means the root of fighting each other; or the old dragon which means the evil.3.2.2 Different concepts of social communicationIn traditional Chinese culture, especially in Confucianism, the self-interest compared with the interests of nation, collectivity, family and friends is a small interest. Self-interest is to meet other interests, spontaneously meet the interests of its own kind, and even in order to promote the national and collective interests while sacrifice the personal interest. In this culture, the friendship is more important than personal interests which are regarded as the important moral concept. The gentlemen are willing to do anything they can to help their friends out of trouble. Therefore, there exist such proverbs as 海内存知己，天涯若比邻,it can be described that good friends will not be alienated from the distance. 人生得一知己足矣，斯世当以同怀视之, Among the hardships, the deep in the soul bonds firmly together, help each other. Take the confidant as one’s own brothers and love them as love one.While in western society, personal interests are always more important than any other interest, friends are secondary, even inconvenient. In the English proverbs friends seemingly have the negative meanings as well as some negative proverbs to describe the friends. While they are saying that, a man without a friend is only half a man; friendships multiply joys and divide grieves. However when the conflicts between the friends and the personal interests arise, there are some new statement. For example,love your friend, but look after yourself; Friends are thieves of time. It is obvious that from the positive and negative perspective on the pros and cons of friends, there is a dialectical flavor. In western moral systems, personal, and self is always the first. Western concept of friendship under the impact of in the worship of money and the utilitarianism, friendship is a synonym for mutual benefit, covered with a thick layer of utilitarian. He that has a full purse never wants a friend; hunger knows no friend.3.3 Different religious beliefsReligious belief is an important aspect of people's mental activity, which has a major impact on the national culture. As nations in history, geography, politics, economic aspects have their own characteristics, resulting in a unique national culture. The similarities and differences in Ethnical culture are often reflected in the national language, especially reflected in the cultural significance of the proverbs. So studying the different Chinese and English religious thought and ideas in proverbs can help us gain a deeper understanding the diversity of western and Chinese language culture.3.3.1 Belief of Christian in the western countriesChristianity is the monotheistic religion, with the Bible of the Old and New Testaments, which is in the belief of the original sin of human and believe Jesus is the Son of God crucified to cleanse the human original sin and the save the humanity . Christianity originates in Judaism, and is called the world’s three major rel igions together with the Buddhism and Islam. There is only one Christian church in the earliest, but in the historical process of Christianity, it differentiates into many factions, mainly three factions Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant, and some other smaller factions.Christianity is polytheism. Christianity recognizes only one God and regards god as the whole world, including the founder and master of the human .People absolutely obey God. God is omniscient and omnipotent. For example, heaven is above all; truth is the daughter of God; the tree that God plants no wind hurts it; The Lord is crowned supreme god by the Christianity, in a sense it suggests Christians believe in religious piety.Everyone is equal and the obsession of hierarchy is strict. Christian views that only the people have faith in god enjoying the equal rights and obligations. Faith makes all people equal. This equality under the cover of Emmanuel theology has two meanings. So many English proverbs reflect the equal relationship. For example, we are all Adam’s Children; human blood is all of a color.Under the concept of equality, the people in English-speaking countries surly will defy the imperial power. For example, a king without teaming is but a crowned ass; a cat may look at a king（. /lunwen/xfwh/a/5904/785904.html，2011）3.3.2 Beliefs of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism in ChinaBuddhism originated in India and was introduced into China during the Han and Tang Dynasties. Buddhists believe that all things are born for fate in the world. There is no essential difference between living beings and the Buddha. Human has the Buddha nature, but the persistently delusional barrier prevents it appear.Only people abandon the evil from the good can they have the fruition of Buddha hood and be immortal.For example, the Chinese proverb 放下屠刀，立地成佛。