含有数字的英汉谚语对比研究

A Comparative Study of Chinese and English Numeral Proverbs

Abstract

A proverb is a kind of special language which people always use. Proverbs are often homely, witty and colorful statement of general truth and wisdom, especially of moral nature. This thesis is a comparative study of numeral proverbs in Chinese and English. It investigates the different functions of numbers used in proverbs, reveals the differences between Chinese and English cultures, and points out the importance of intercultural communication.
The thesis collects lots of Chinese and English numeral proverbs. Through analysis of these proverbs, we find that numeral proverbs have many similarities and differences on three parts: numeral functions, rhetorical functions and culture. The similarity in both Chinese and English proverbs is that numbers are usually used to indicate quantity. Numeral proverbs are also used as metaphor, hyperbole, taboo and symbol in different ways for different emphasis. Language and culture are different respectively. People in different culture have different values, thought patterns, religions, allusions and customs. The different usage of numeral proverbs reveals their cultural and historical contents. Therefore, the numeral proverbs carry historical and cultural characteristics of different nations.
Key Words: number; proverb; cultural differences; rhetorical means

摘  要

谚语是人们经常使用的1种特殊的语言，通常朴实、幽默，鲜明地陈述了1般真理及智慧,特别是道德品质。本文针对英汉两种语言中的含有数字的谚语进行了分析对比，研究数字谚语的各种功能，了解两种文化之间的区别，揭示了跨文化交际的重要性。
本文收集了很多包含数字的英汉谚语。通过对这些谚语的分析，发现数字谚语中的数字在数量、修辞及文化上有许多相同点和不同点。它们的相同点是：通常英汉数字谚语都用数字来表达数量大小。不同点是体现在修辞手法上，数字谚语用来表达暗喻、夸张、禁忌及象征的意义和重点截然不同；由于不同的语言和文化，人们的价值观、思维方式、宗教信仰、典故和传统风俗各异。数字谚语不同使用源自于两种不同的文化内涵与历史积淀。因此数字谚语承载着各自民族的历史文化特征。

关键词：数字、谚语、文化差异、修辞手法

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