摘　要

语言，反映了文化，在人类交流中发挥着重要作用。习语，作为人类智慧的结晶，是在语言的长久历史中发展起来的一种固定表达。作为语言群体中的重要部分，习语也是文化的载体以及语言的精华。我们可以从字典中查阅到，习语的含义指的是一组单词的整体含义而非其成分中单个词语的意思。它是一种特定人群在一个特定的时间或地点使用的语言和语法。显然，通常习语会带有强烈的民族色彩和地域色彩。缺乏对文化的基本了解很可能导致中英人民往来交流中出现障碍。此外，有时，人们对不同习语产生误解，也导致了翻译过程中的局限和错误。于一个英语学习者而言，掌握习语是一个难题。因为它承载着与中国文化完全不同的西方文化。然而，日常生活中习语的使用频率非常高。因此，比较中英习语的文化差异显得极为必要。这有助于我们了解习语背后的不同文化和在中西交流和翻译中表现得体。本文中，作者试图找寻中英习语的文化差异并提出相关翻译方法。找出它们之间的差异能便于我们提升习语的翻译，有效地进行交流。

关键词：语言；文化；习语；差异；翻译

Abstract

Language, which is one of the mirrors of culture, plays a decisive role in human’s communication. Idiom, which is the essence of people’s intelligence, is a kind of expression formed during the long history of language. As the essential part of the language family, idioms are also the carrier of culture and the cream of languages. As is defined by dictionaries, it refers to an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. It is the kind of language and grammar used by particular people at a particular time or place. Apparently, Idioms often have strong national and local flavor. Without the basic knowledge of the culture, a great number of obstacles tend to arise in exchange between Chinese and English people. On top of this, sometimes, people’s ill-understanding of various idioms turns out to be the restriction on translation. To an English learner, idioms are hard nut to crack since they bear western culture which is quite different from Chinese culture. However, they are used in daily lives with a high frequency. So, the study on their cultural differences is so necessary that it can help people know the two distinct cultures behind idioms and then learn how to act appropriately in communication as well as translation. In this paper, the author tries to nail down some differences between English and Chinese idioms and bring up several translation methods. By exploring the differences between them, the massive can develop our translation and communication more effectively and accurately.

Key words: language; culture; idiom; differences; translation

1 Introduction
1.1 About the paper
Language is the most important communicative tool of all human beings. It plays its role as not only the carrier and cream of culture but also as one of the most important channels of culture transmission. Language of any kind is the essence of the culture of its own nation. Specifically speaking, with certain connotations, the idiom is a kind of accepted and fixed phrases or sentences, originating from the language and experience of a certain group of people. Due to its vivid expression and abundant connotations, the idiom is deeply loved and frequent used by the public. Currently, it is obvious that idioms frequently appear in the spoken language as well as written works. Thanks to the profound and broad culture that China has, Chinese idioms are able to develop, enhance and flourish.