Cultural Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs 论中西方谚语的文化差异.doc

Cultural Differences between English and Chinese Proverbs 论中西方谚语的文化差异 1 The Definition, functions of Proverb 1.1 The definition of proverb Proverb is a kind of sayings. It prevails in the community with concise words. Most proverbs reflect the practical experience of working peoples life and are generally passed down orally. It is mostly spoken in the colloquial form of phrases or rhymes easy to understand. And proverbs are to some extent similar to idioms, twisters, common sayings, and aphorism. 1.2 The functions of proverb The functions of proverbs are that they express some rules of conduct and quite often convey some advice or counsel. In other words, most proverbs possess philosophic depth or instructive function. For thousands of years they have been instructing and inspiring people, so they have been regarded as the guideline of people’s thoughts and deeds, which means people are thinking or doing things by following the direction of their proverbs either consciously or unconsciously. Proverbs have become important sources of inspiration just because they contain truth, wisdom, counsel, rule of conduct, etc. Following will mention two functions of proverbs. 1.2.1 The phatic communication The phatic function of proverb is the most basic function of language. People use the phatic proverbs to create an atmosphere of greeting or maintain social contact rather than exchange of information. It is to ease the atmosphere of the conversation, at the same time get the talkers satisfied psychologically. 1.2.2 Cultivation of mind and formation of behavior Some proverbs are intended to persuade and teach people. To persuade is to praise justice, to fight against the bully. To teach is to guide people to adopt a correct attitude towards life, to take a proper way to get along well with others. For example, better die with honor than live with shame; don’t have cloak to make when it begins to rain. 1.2.3 Perception of the weather The proverbs concerning weather refer to