Abstract

Idioms are an important part of a nation's language and culture. Due to the cultural differences between the East and the West, the translation of idioms has became the most difficult part in the process of translation. Only in depth understanding of the specific culture behind the idioms can be properly translated.

Both Chinese and English own a long history, splendid culture, and a very rich idioms. Different idioms reflect different cultures; different cultures also require different idioms. Chinese and English idioms are the essence part of the national culture of the two countries, which concentrate many different aspects in culture, such as in the geographical environment, traditional culture, influence of religion, way of life and values. Therefore, in the translation skills we should combine their own traditional culture and make it in one spirit.

Keywords: translation skills; English and Chinese Idioms; difference comparison

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Introduction to English Idioms-1

1.2 Introduction to Chinese Idioms-1

2. The Cultural Differences Between Chinese and the West-2

2.1 Difference between vocabularies-2

2.2 Difference between social intercourses-3

2.3 Difference between senses of worth-4

2.4 Difference between modes of thinking-4

3. The Diversity of Idioms in China and the West-5

3.1 The Diversity of living environments-5

3.2 The Diversity of folk customs-6

3.3 The Diversity of religions-6

3.4 The Diversity of historical myth and allusions-7

4. The Ways and Skills of Translating Idioms from English to Chinese-8

4.1 Literal Translation-9

4.2 Paraphrase-9

4.3 Amplification and Omission-10

5. Conclusion-11

References-13