Abstract

In both Chinese and English, there are a lot of animal metaphors. They usually not only have basic meanings but also have deep connotations and symbolic meanings. In different culture, animal metaphors have different connotations and symbolic meanings which are caused by literary factors, religion, mode of thinking and values. Without the cultural backgrounds, people will face the pragmatic failures in daily communication. This thesis, from the studies of animal metaphors and cultural differences, tries to throw out some suggestions which can help people avoid the pragmatic failures caused by animal metaphors in daily communication.

Keywords: animal metaphors; cultural difference; connotation; pragmatic failures

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

3. Comparative Study on Animal Metaphors in Chinese and English-2

3.1 Same animal metaphors with different cultural connotations-3

3.2 Different animal metaphors with similar cultural connotations-4

4. Reasons for Cultural Differences in Animal Metaphors-5

4.1 Literary factors-5

4.2 Religion-6

4.3 Mode of thinking-6

4.4 Values-7

5. Suggestions to Avoid Pragmatic Failures Caused by Cultural Differences in Animal Metaphors-7

5.1 Improve intercultural awareness-8

5.2 Develop the ability of intercultural communication-9

5.3 Establish a tolerant attitude to different culture-10

6. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13