Connotations Of Animal Words In English And Chinese Languages Essay

Con nonations Of creature Words In slope And Chinese Languages EssayAbstract This paper aims to account the distinctives of diametrical types of savage sound outs in face and Chinese. Because of the close relation betwixt hu valet de chambre beings and living organisms, brute manner of speaking substantiate been given rich con nonations. However, callable to the struggles of customs, living environments and cultural backgrounds of various nationalities, individually nationality has its own understanding about sentient being nomenclature. According to their features, this paper divides wolf words into three categoriesone is identical wolf words, quasi(prenominal) connotations, one is alike(p) animal words, different connotations, another is different animal words, homogeneous connotations. Whats more than, it is to further analyze the transformation dodging for each group of animal words and find out a rule for the translation of animal words.Key Words int ercultural communication animal words difference connotation translation strategy1. IntroductionAnimal words take over a large amount in face and Chinese. As the result, it is substantive to master different signifi muckleces of animal words in intercultural communication.1.1 Research BackgroundWith the rapid development of the global world, multitude have more and more chances to fall out with foreigners. Intercultural communication has become more and more important. It is a common phenomenon in our daily life, which butt joint occur anytime and anywhither and amidst two muckle from different countries. Due to the differences of cultures and social backgrounds surrounded by the countries, citizenry have diverse understandings toward a equal word. A successful intercultural communication demands exact meaning and right expression.The animal is closely related to the human beings. In the daily life, pile willing use large numbers of animal words to express the feeling s or describe some situations. Animal words contain large cultural information. As two of the most widely used languages, both Chinese and side argon full of animal words which have accumulated abundant connotations as the time passed by. To know the right connotation of an animal word between English and Chinese, we can avoid making mistakes in the process of translation, and avoid misunderstandings in intercultural communication as well.1.2 Purpose of the ResearchAs LASamovar saidIt is more accurate to say community possess meaning and that words elicit these meanings. We can have different meanings for the same word. All bulkdrawing on their backgrounds, decide what a word means(LASamovar1995152). So based on different cultural background, animal words have different connotations. bit in intercultural communication, its necessary to understand the connotations of animal words.Mean slice, the translation is one of the most important activities on intercultural communication. Th erefore, in this thesis, the writer wants to hold the difference connotations of animal words in English and Chinese and to find out a translation rule for different kinds of animal words.1.3 Structure of the PaperThe thesis is shared into five chapters. The first chapter includes the research background, purpose of the study and the organization of this thesis. In the second chapter, literature review aims at presenting the previous investigations of animal word, which includes the achievements and limitations of past studies of animal words. Then the third chapter discusses the similarities and differences of animal words in English and Chinese. In this chapter, the writer divides animal words into three different categories. The fourth chapter finds out the competent translation strategies for each kind of animal words. The last chapter draws a conclusion and points out the limitations of the research2. Literature ReviewThe history of intercultural communication maybe is as lo ng as the history of human life. The bargains of merchants along the silk road during the Tang Dynasty in China and the immigration of thousands upon thousands of gold-diggers to north America are the instances of intercultural communication(20115). alone actually, the systemic study of intercultural communication just started in the United States in the 1950s. Intercultural communication is related to linguisticspsychologypraxiologysociology, philosophy and so on. In addition, intercultural communication plays a major role in tourists, overseas studies, business and immigrants.The scholars at home have been done many investigations of animal words in English and Chinese from various dimensions. Such as Liao Guangrong (-2000) pays more attention to the cultural connotation of the animal word itself. Liu Yingjie(2006) focuses on the linguistics to analyze animal words. The thesis A Comparative Cognitive Analysis of Metaphors in English and Chinese Animal Terms (Di Feng, 2006) studie s the animal terms from the stand point of metaphors. He focused on proving the effect of metaphorical competence development to the language enhancement and cultural studying through the study of contemporary metaphor theories and the relationship between the animal terms and cultural. Zhou Datian(2007) analyzes the reasons that cause the different renders of animal words in English and Chinese. He points out that these differences are influenced by four features. They are the culture, literary quotations about animal words, peoples customs and the mode of production, the sports and entertainment. Meanwhile, he thinks that animal words represent the national characteristic. If we understand and use animal words correctly, we can study and comprehend these two languages better.By reviewing the previous researches in animal words, the author finds that animal words studies on the perspective of the intercultural communication are limited counterbalance there is no paper systematical ly analyzing the major translations methods of different kinds of animal words that base on intercultural communication.3. The Similar and polar Connotations of Animal Words in English and ChineseIf people dont understand the cultural background of the sentences, it is hard to know the true meaning the speaker wants to express while in intercultural communication. For utilization, here is a dialogue about the connotation of an animal word. A asks B whether he is ready for the math exam tomorrow. Then B answers that he has got his rabbits stem right here. In this dialogue, the rabbits foot shares the same meaning of good luck and success. If we dont know this background, we would not continue the talking. So it is worthy of studying the similarities and differences of the connotation of animal words so as to avoid the embarrassment in intercultural communication.3.1 Same Animal Words, Similar ConnotationsMost animal words contain abundant connotations. However, because of animals character and traits, they often share the same meaning. The connotation of bull in English and Chinese are similar in accordance with the bad temper of bull. To key to a someone who is stubborn, Chinese and English share some similar expressions. In English, people say Sometimes you can be so bull-headed While in Chinese, people usually say . And the image of the bee which is busy gathering honey is well-known by people, so we use the bee to praise the industrious and up-and-coming person both in English and Chinese, e.g. He is as busy as a bee.In addition, living in the similar environment, though people from different culture background, they would share similar understanding about a same animal. Take fox as an example, when the fox refers to a person, it means that the man is cunning or sly. According to Oxford Dictionary, betrayer is Domestic or wild animal with short legs, cloven hooves and a broad blunt snout (Oxford, 1108). That is the acknowledgment of pig. Actually t he imaginary and metaphorical expressions of pig in English and Chinese are alike as well. They both connotes the images of fat, foolish and greedy. In Chinese, ---are receipts words to scold people. In English, there are saying like as fat as a pig , He give ways a pig of himself (-) or He has been a pig about money(---).There are others sharing similar connotation, for instance, lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen () slant in troubled waters () Its a good horse that never stumbles() . In short, when in intercultural communication, the similarity of connotative meanings of animal words in English and Chinese can help people make less misunderstanding as possible.3.2 Same Animal Words, Different ConnotationsIn most cases, the animal word stands for different images in different cultures. Here the author wants to introduce some true animal words which are remarkably different in different cultures..3.2.1 Fish()Britain is an island country. The fishery and seafar ing are fully developed and they mean a lot to Britain. Thus, many sayings are created according to the sea. For example, British will use a fine kettle of fish to express the things are in the mess or farfetched. Fish in the air is equal to the Chinese phrase . To have other fish to fry means people have other things to deal with. About the fish in English ,it is also a uncomplimentary word reflected to the bad person, like a poor fish() a loose fish() a cold fish ().It is very difficult to know the exact meaning without a well understanding about the English culture. So does the Chinese. The fish has the same pronunciation as , so the fish is the symbol of abundance in Chinese. In Spring Festival, people would like to cook a fish as a dish to symbolize a good luck in the next year(the authors translation) (20031718). It is a special tradition of China which is unique over the world. Many foreigners hear little of it.3.2.2 Dog(-)Dog shares the same denotation in both English and C hinese. But Chinese and English-speaking countries have different attitudes toward dog. To talk about the connotation, these two languages are greatly diverse.In English-spoken countries, people do not just stay fresh dogs for hunting or farming, but also treat them as fellows. The dog always shows a lovely and loyal image in English. By this reason, English people keep taking the dog as humans faithful friend. Here are some expressions of dog a lucky dog(), a clever dog (), a top dog (), every dog has its days(--).Opposite to English, when to refer a person of dog, it usually means something bad in Chinese. For instance, the myth - means mistaking a good person as bad guy. Most Chinese phrases about -are associated with derogative connotations. It is reflected on the sayings like -, -, ----. While Chinese say someone like a dog or -, they are criticizing a person. No Chinese people would like to be called as a dog. Thus we must take special care while translating from English to Chinese.3.2.3 firedrake()Dragon is of commentary meaning in Chinese. According to the dictionary, dragon is a heroic animal of the ancient Chinese legend, the ancient symbol of the emperor (the authors translation) (816). Dragon is an imaginary animal in China. In Chinese culture dragon occupies a prominent position as it symbolizes auspiciousness, wealth, future and power. We Chinese people call ourselves as descendants of dragon(). Parents hope their children can be useful and have a bright future like a dragon or a phoenix when they grow up. Ancient people also believed that the dragon was the king of the seawas an immortal. Therefore the dragon is always associated with water and heavens.On the contrary, dragon is a derogatory term in English. though and dragon are both an imaginary animal in China and western countries, they have different appearances. According to the dictionary, the dragon is a mythical behemoth like a giant reptile. In European tradition the dragon is typ ically fire-breathing and tends to symbolize chaos or evil (The New Oxford Dictionary of English.2001). Dragon is also considered to be a fierce person, esp. a woman. So obviously, the translator cant translate the dragon word directly from Chinese to English. It will make English people think that it is a curse.3.3 Different Animal Words, Similar ConnotationsBy the commonness of social lives and customs in China and English-speaking countries, people may use different animal words to represent similar connotations, especially in the idioms.For instance, has the same meaning of the black sheep of the family() can be regarded as love me love my dog English people would like to say like a rat in the hole to describe a person who is sure to win or troubles are easily to save. But in Chinese ,we prefer to employ - To refer to hypocritical, in Chinese it would use . In English it would use the crocodile tears() Sell a pig in a poke has the same meaning as --.There is one more typical examination of this sort.HorseandOxBecause of the difference of farming practices, horse and ox play the same role in China and Britain. They are the important instruments for farming, so horse and ox share some similarities in these two counties, even in other western counties. To refer to strong, in Chinese there are expressions like -. In English, they are equal to as strong as a horse. Hard drawing without complain, in Chinese, these person will be called (-20102). While in English, they will be said as work like a horse or a willing horse. In other aspect, the man who tells lies would be called . And he would be called talk horse in English.4. The Translation of Animal Words in English and ChineseAccording to Columbia Encyclopedia, Translation is the art of recomposing a work in another language without losing its original flavor (Columbia, qtd. in,200640). Our famous scholar Yan Fu defined the standards of the translation as faithfulness, communicativeness and elegance. Gener ally speaking, it is difficult for translators to translate a word individually without a sentence or a text. They should maintain the right meaning of the source language, and also follow the style of the original texts to keep the coherence of the source texts and the target texts. Translation is often compared to a bridge, which is not just between the source text and the target text but between the author of original text and the reader of the target text(,200640 41). The close relation between language and culture determines the close ties of translation and culture. Translation is not just about individual words. The cultural backgrounds and knowledge also play a major role in translation and restrict it. Thereforetranslation is one of intercultural communication activities. The words translation constructs the foundation of intercultural communication(the authors translation) (,200321).4.1 The Translation Strategy for animal words Sharing Similar ConnotationBecause the simila r understanding of the same animal words in English and Chinese, the reader can easily get the right meaning of the words without the translators explanation. These animal words can be translated into other language directly. In other words, translators can use unfeigned translation on animal words which share the same denotations or the similar connotation.Literal translation refers to translate a sentence originally, keeping the original forms, including construction of sentences, meaning of the original words and metaphor of the original and so on. It can not only reproduce the meaning and frame of language, but also keep its vivid image figure of speech and novel and unique expressive ways so that the readers can comprehend the origins literal grace(, 2011).Here are some examples of using literal translation. There is an English sayings like water move out a ducks back to describe a phenomena that the water couldnt stay in the ducks back and all slide off without any trail. It is used to criticize a person whom the suggestions have no effect on. Likewise, there is a same idiom in Chinese which has the same connotation . Thus, translators can use literal translation on this saying. Because the image of the rat is timid and disgusting both in English and Chinese, the phrases A lion at homea cabbage a broad and A rat crossing the street is chased by a11 can be directly translated to - and --. There are others animal words have similar connotations like black horse(), as stupid as an ass(-) and do not be a goose(). The literal translation can not only express the same connotations of animal words, but also can remain the language style of the source text better.4.2 The Translation Strategy for Animal Words Sharing Diverse ConnotationIt is a good choice to use the free translation to interpret animal words which have same denotations but different connotations in English and Chinese. Only to abandon the denotations can we batten that the cultural meaning w ould be accurately transferred. To take the typical example dragon. As we all know, dragon has a completely opposite images in Chinese and English. So, a Chinese phrase can not be translated literally into expect ones son to become a dragon. In order to avoid misunderstanding, the better translation is to expect ones son to become useful. Out of such consideration, is mightily interpreted as the four tigers of AsiaBut in recent years, with the widespread of Chinese Dragon Culture, some scholars put forward that translator can translate to Loong to reserve the Chinese cultural characteristic(20082).In English, it has an acclaim like you are a lucky dog. But because of the different images of dog in English and Chinese, it will be considered as a curse when is translated to -. If the connotations of one animal word is dissimilar even inconsistent in two languages, the better translation strategy is only to keep the connotation, in other words, to use the free translation. Thus, the sentence you are a lucky dog should be translated into .4.3 The Translation Strategy for Different Animal Words Sharing Similar ConnotationOn the basis of the analysis above, there exists a situation in which different animal words share the similar connotations in English and Chinese. This type of animal words can be substituted by each other. While translating, the translator just ineluctably to find the matched animal words or some idioms to replace it. These are some translation instances from English to Chinese. As the analysis above, the connotations of the lion and tiger are similar. As the result, to place oneself in a lions mouth can be translated to . Meanwhile, we would better translate the English idiom kill the goose that laid the booming eggs to - rather than -. Beside, it seems no mistake to translate the phrase better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion to -,. But the Chinese may dont understand the connotation of this translation. In addition, a Chinese saying shares the similar meaning with this phrase. Alternatively, we could use to replace the translation of -, in this phrase. The English to wake a sleeping wolf and the Chinese both express the inadvertently action making the others awareness and prevention. In this way, these two phrases can interconvert while translating.The purpose of translation is to maintain the cultural meanings of the source texts. It is not suitable to use literal translation or free translation to translate animal words which different ones stand for similar connotation. It is easily to confuse and mislead the readers. The author thinks that the best translation strategy for these animal words is to use the similar connotation words of the target language to substitute the original animal word in source text. It is better to maintain the connotation and the language characteristic of source text as well.5. ConclusionAnimal words contain lots of connotations which are relied on peoples living environ ment, religion and the animals appearances. Since the close relation between human being and animals, and the various connotations of animal words in English and Chinese, it is really necessary to know the exact meaning of animal words to guarantee intercultural communication go on smoothly. The translation is one important intercultural communication activity. After analyzing animal words connotations, the writer finds that animal words can be divided into three categories according to their own connotation feature. Each group of animal words is suitable for one translation strategy. Translation in English and Chinese, translators can use the literal translation for the same animal words referring to similar meaning, and use the free translation for same animal words referring to different meaning. In addition, translators can use the same meaning animal words to replace when different words share similar meaning. But this mode is not stationary, the translators must be flexible, t hey should find the right connotation in the source text based on the writers intention. A successful translation is to express the thick meaning of the source texts through analyzing the whole texts, instead of studying on the surface.By the limited scope of knowledge of the author and insufficient time, this paper just talks about a minimal part of the study of animal words and refers to only three major translation strategies. There are more animal words which cannot be listed and discussed here one by one. But the author hopes this thesis can be helpful for the further research of animal words.