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
諺語是人們經常使用的1種特殊的語言，通常樸實、幽默，鮮明地陳述了1般真理及智慧,特別是道德品質。本文針對英漢兩種語言中的含有數字的諺語進行了分析對比，研究數字諺語的各種功能，瞭解兩種文化之間的區別，揭示了跨文化交際的重要性。
本文收集了很多包含數字的.英漢諺語。通過對這些諺語的分析，發現數字諺語中的數字在數量、修辭及文化上有許多相同點和不同點。它們的相同點是：通常英漢數字諺語都用數字來表達數量大小。不同點是體現在修辭手法上，數字諺語用來表達暗喻、誇張、禁忌及象徵的意義和重點截然不同；由於不同的語言和文化，人們的價值觀、思維方式、宗教信仰、典故和傳統風俗各異。數字諺語不同使用源自於兩種不同的文化內涵與歷史積澱。因此數字諺語承載著各自民族的歷史文化特徵。
關鍵詞：數字、諺語、文化差異、修辭手法
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