on the characteristics of english proverbs and translation

7/29/2019 On the Characteristics of English Proverbs and Translation

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On the characteristics of English Proverbs and Translation

Contents

Acknowledges ii

Contents iii

English Abstract ivChinese Abstract v

Part I

Introduction 1

Part II

Characteristics of English proverbs 1

1. Many eloquence characteristics 2

2. Deep thought and moral 3

3. Bright ethnic and geographical characteristics 4

Part III

Cultural backgrounds of English proverbs 5

1. Traditional customs 52. Religion 7

3. Historical stories and literary works 8Part IV

Translation methods of English proverbs 10

1. Literal translation 10

2. Free translation 11

3. Substitution translation 12

4. Combination of literal and free translation 14

Part V

Conclusion 16

References 18

Abstract

The author of this paper tries to prove that English proverbs, which are the gems of the

English language, have such close relations to British culture that they truly reflect the

colorful life of British people throughout history. From the perspective of language form,

English proverbs are characterized by religious structure, concise form, deep moral, bold

image, unique geography and ethnic characteristics, and from the perspective of cultural

backgrounds, they are associated with religious beliefs, habits and customs, fables and myth,

and culture and art. So it is not an easy job for our Chinese people to translate English

proverbs precisely. In the end of the paper, the author proposes four translation methods ofEnglish proverbs: literal translation, free translation, substitution translation, literal translation

combined with free translation.

Keywords:: English; proverb; translation; culture

Abstract

English Proverbs are the crystallization of the wisdom of the British people. By

formally introducing the English language from the Language proverb features: concise text,

in the form of short, clear metaphor of profound implication, with distinctive national

characteristics and local color and so on. At the same time, the author describes the cultural

background of the emergence of English proverbs and the United Kingdom's traditional

customs, religious beliefs, allusions and literary works related to these factors is made moredifficult translation of English proverbs. Finally, the author analyzes the four English proverb
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Translation: literal translation, synonymous proverbs apply the Law, free translation, literal

translation and free translation combined.

Keywords: English; proverb; translation; culture

Part I

Introduction

Like other nation's proverbs, English proverbs are the essence of English people's wisdom. Awell-translated English proverb can not only teach, enlighten and persuade people, but also

can enrich our Chinese language and culture. So it is necessary to study a nation's proverbs

when we try to study its language and culture.

English proverbs have many characteristics, such as religious structure, concise form, deep

moral, bold image, unique geographical and ethnic characteristics. These characteristics make

difficulties for us to translate English proverbs if we want to keep the original proverb's

language form and taste.

Moreover, because of the differences of religious beliefs, habits and customs, fables and

myth, and culture and art, English proverbs and Chinese proverbs carry on the different

national cultural characteristics and information. If we do not know these cultural

backgrounds, we cannot understand the English proverb's connotation and cannot translatethem precisely. To our Chinese people with a little cultural knowledge about English, it is

very difficult for us to understand and translate English proverbs. So when studying English,

we should try to study its culture firstly.

In order to present an adequate translation of a proverb, we can use the four translation

methods flexibly: literal translation, free translation, substitution translation, literal translation

combined with free translation. When translating, we should try to choose a proper

translation method firstly. Secondly, we should translate the proverb's connotation.

Meanwhile, we should try to keep the original proverb's form.

In this paper, the author aims to introduce the characteristics of English proverbs, and

discuss the four translation methods and their advantages respectively.

Part II

Characteristics of English proverbs

English proverbs have the same characteristics like the other nations' proverbs. They are

produced orally by farmers, hunters, workers, sailors, housewives, etc, so they conclude

British people's experience of fighting with the society and nature, and have the function of

teaching , enlightening, and persuading people. English proverbs possess the following

characteristics.

1. Many eloquence characteristics

1.1 Oral and concise words

We all know that English proverbs are produced by British workingpeople orally, so thewords of English proverbs are very concise and oral. When we translate them, we should try

our best to keep the original proverb's oral characteristic. For example, 'Bad workmen quarrel

with their tools. 'clumsy workers blame device. (Peng Xiaohong, 2005). Obviously, we can

see that the translation is more formally, and it will lose its oral characteristic. So the above

one should be translated like this,' clumsy work often blame poor tool ', which will be easier

for people to recite.

Now we will give two kinds of translations of some English proverbs. From these

translations, we can see that the second translation is more popular, and is easier for people to

recite.

1. Well begun is half done.

Can be made by the beginning, matter is already half. (A good start is half the success.)2. Waste not, want not.
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Jian prevent exhausted. (No waste, no worries about the lack of.)

3. A good beginning makes a good ending.

For its final good, one must first of their only good. (With a good start, have good results.)

4. A danger foreseen is half avoided.

Foresee their suffering, then suffering from lack of fear. (Foreseen the danger, it means

preparedness by half.)

1.2 Syntax structure and rhythm

Moreover, when we read proverbs, we will find that the syntax structure of English proverbs

is compact and symmetrical; and the rhythm is gentle and united. For example, 'You may

take a horse to the water, but you can not make it drink '(Chen-Yu, 2002). If we translate it

like this, you put horses into the river to go, but you can not call it water, it will lose the

characteristics of concise words, symmetrical and compact syntax structure and gentle

rhythm. So it is better for us to translate like this, Qian Ma river is easy to force the horses

drinking water is difficult.

Proverbs have the characteristics of concise and oral word, symmetrical and compact syntax

structure and gentle rhythm. Therefore, when we translate them, we should try our best tokeep these characteristics. Only in this way, can the translation have the taste of proverb.

2. Deep thought and moral

Like other proverbs, English proverbs imply deep thought and moral. They usually express

people's noble thought, and they can teach, encourage, enlighten and persuade people, like

people's good friends and motto. For example,

1. Fish and guests smell in three day.

However, fresh fish, on the 3rd, the words, but on the 3rd pro.

2. A wise man thinks all that he says; a fool says that entire he thinks.

Think that his words are wise, foolish man who made it thought.

3. Learning is better than house and land.

Xue-fu is better than five million vehicles consistent family wealth.

4. A hedge between keeps friendship green.

.5. All that glitters is not gold.

Flashing not always gold.

6. Complacency is the enemy of study.

Learning enemy is their own satisfaction.

7. Failure is the mother of success.

Failure is the mother of success.

8. Knowledge makes humble, ignorance makes proud.Knowledgeable people humble, ignorance makes proud.

9. No rose without a thorn.

No roses without thorns.

10. Pleasure comes through toil.

Kujinganlai.

3. Bright ethnic and geographical characteristics

English proverbs are based English cultural backgrounds. When we read English proverbs,

we cannot stop to imagine the English history, geography, customs, politics, economy, etc.

Obviously, English proverbs have bright ethnic and geographical characteristics. Therefore,

when we translate this kind of proverbs, we should try our best to keep the original proverbs'

ethnic and geography characteristics. Now we will take some proverbs as examples followingwith two kinds of translations. We can compare which one is better to keep the ethnic and


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geographical characteristics of proverbs.

1. Talk of the devil and he is sure to appear.

Speaking of the devil, the devil went to. (Said Cao Cao, Cao Cao to.)

2. Two heads are better than one.

2 human mind better than a good. (3 b cobbler top of a Zhuge Liang.)

3. Beauty lies in lover's eyes.Valentine's eyes out of beauty. (Valentine's eyes out of beauty.)

4. Do not cross the bridge until you come to it.

Ship everything be straightened out. (Do not unfounded.)

5. Never offer to teach fish to swim.

Do not teach the fish swim. (Do not N..)

We all know that 'Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, Xi Shi, Qi people, Luban' are the unique people in

Chinese history. If we choose the second translation, our Chinese people will make a

misunderstanding that there are also Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, Xi Shi, Qi-man , Luban in

Britain. On the contrary, the first kind of translation implies the bright ethnic and

geographical characteristics, and people can easily know that they are English proverbs but

not Chinese ones.Part III

Cultural backgrounds of English proverbs

Proverbs are based a nation's unique cultural backgrounds. Human culture has much in

common, but also has much in difference. The differences of the traditional customs,

religions and historical stories and some other literature works make proverbs have strong

cultural characteristics. If we want to master a foreign language, we must know the specialty

of the foreign country's cultural backgrounds. In the following part, we will talk about the

cultural backgrounds of English proverbs: traditional customs, religion and historical stories

and some other literature works, which will help us understand the English proverbs well,

then translate them precisely and faithfully.

1. Traditional customs

Every nation has its own traditional culture, in which its own traditional customs, are

different from others. These differences reflect the bright national feeling and characteristics.

For example, people from different nations have different feelings to the same animal.

1.1 Bat

In China, bat stands for 'happiness'. Because in Chinese, the pronunciation of 'bat' is the same

as 'fu' (happiness), Chinese people think that bat is a lucky thing meaning happiness. On the

contrary, bat stands for an unlucky thing in Britain, which we can see from many English

proverbs. For example, 'As blind as a bat. senseless'.

1.2 Dog

In China, although some people feed dogs, most people abhor and despite this kind of animalpsychologically. They often compare dogs with bad people or some disgusted things. On the

contrary, Englishmen like dogs, because they think that dogs can hunt with them and look

their homes. They regard dogs as their companions and pets. Therefore, in many English

proverbs, British people often compare dogs with people. For example,

1. Beat the dog before the lion.

Warning to others.

2. Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion.

I would rather be beheaded, do not for Pteris.

3. Love me, love my dog.

Aiwujiwu

4. Every dog has its day.When mortals Jieyou proud.
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5. Let the sleeping dog lie.

Do not stir up trouble.

6. Barking dogs do not bite.

Barking dog does not bite

7. Dog does not eat dog.

The same is not cannibalism.8. A good dog deserves a good bone.

Merit is due.

1.3 Dragon

Dragon is an imaginary animal with wings and cLaws, able to breathe out fire. In China,

dragon is regarded as an auspicious deity standing for emperor. So Chinese people adore it

very much, and compare themselves with dragon, such as 'Chinese people' , 'Legend of the

Dragon' and 'Succeed'. But in British mythology, dragon is a fierce and cruel animal with

four feet, which is a synonym of evil. So dragon is a derogatory sense in Britain. For

example, to sow dragon's teeth , sowing the seeds of discord; to chase the dragon. taking the

opium / heroin.

2. Religion2.1 Christianity

We all know that Buddhism has great influence on Chinese culture. So there are many

Chinese proverbs referring to Buddhism, for example, 'Jiehuaxianfo' 'leisure did not burn

incense, the Pro is a reactive'. However, Britain is a nation which is influenced deeply by

Christianity. There are many English proverbs referring to God, heaven, devil, hell, etc. For

example,

1. Go through hell and high water.

Through fire and water.

2. God helps those who help themselves.

Those who help themselves, fabulous as the.

3. Talk of the devil and he will appear.

Speaking of the devil, the devil went to.

4. Man proposes, God disposes.

Man proposes, God disposes.

5. Mills of God grind slow but sure.

Justice has wide but not loose.

2.2 Bible

We all know that Bible is a book referring to Christianity, and it is also an essential

book in every English family. Even though in a small poor village, you will find that there is

a Bible in every farmer's austere house. Obviously, Bible has controlled English people's

spirit and every aspect of their life, which has been reflected in many English proverbs. Forexample, Forceful as Samson like Samson, like the Titanic, (Zhu, 2002). Samson is one of the

most famous giants in Bible. He was full of plentiful energy, which God Jehovah gave him.

Samson once mangled a lion without any weapon as he ripped a little lamb. Moreover, he

once used a jawbone of an ass to kill 1000 Philistines. Unfortunately, Philistines seized him ,

and they scratched his couple of eyes. With great angry, Samson pushed over Philistine's

house, which just smashed 3000 Philistines. At the same time, he was also smashed by the

fallen house. Therefore, in Britain, Samson symbolizes person who is with great energy.

There are many English proverbs coming from Bible. For example,

1. Spare the rid and spoil the child.

Reluctant to stick, spoiled a child.

2. Beard the lion in his den.Tiger's mouth extractions, .
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3. There is nothing new under the sun.

Heaven and earth so great is full of wonders.

4. Cast your pearls before swine.

Howling at the moon.

5. Judge not according to appearance.

Do not Yimaoquren.Bible has figured many people with vivid individuality. Now, we know that Bible plays an

important part in British people's life. If we do not know the literature illusions and proverbs

from Bible, we cannot study English well. So, if you want to translate vividly and concisely,

please read Bible! It will give you great help.

3. Historical stories and literary works

We all know that every nation has its own culture and history, so every nation has its

own unique literature works. In China, Confucianism and Taoism influence people greatly.

However, in Britain, people are influenced greatly by Greece fables, Aesop's fables and some

other literature works, such as Shakespeare's works, and many proverbs are originated from

them. Therefore, if we do not know these historical stories well, we cannot translate

precisely. Take an English proverb originated from Aesop's fables as an example, 'Do not bea dog in the manger 'stand latrines is not shit, (Zhu, 2002). The story is like this, a dog grabs

the battle's manger without making good use of it, and it never eats the hay that the cattle

wants to eat. So this proverb's connotation is to satire a person who commandeers wealth,

resource and position without making good use of them. Meanwhile, he impediments the

other people to own them.

There are many proverbs of this kind. The following are as examples,

1. Do not change horse in the middle stream. Huanma river in Mozambique, Mozambique for

the chicken.

It is originated from a historical story in England.

2. He has burnt his bridges behind him. Most drastic Last Stand.

It is originated from a historical story in Roman.

3. Grasp all, lose all. Yujin was bound to lose.

It is originated from Aesop's Fables

4. Happy is the man who learnt from the misfortunes of others. A lesson, a blessing for future

generations.

It is originated from Aesop's Fables

5. When Greeks meet Greeks, then comes the tug of war. 2-hung compete, their struggle must

lie.

It is originated from Greece fables.

6. One falls into Scylla in seeking to avoid Charybdis. Only from the wolf's den, but also into

the tiger's mouth.It is originated from Greece fables.

7. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Bit high heart restless.

It is originated from Shakespeare's famous play-Henry .8. Practice makes perfect. Practice makes perfect.

It is originated from English poet, Christopher Anstey. (An Sitai ,1724-1805)

9. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Shallow people learn wrong.

It is originated from one of the most important poets in England, Pope. (Bo Bo ,1688-

1744)

10. Curiosity killed the cat. Multi-less attitude.

It is originated from Thomas Gray, a famous English poet in 18th century. (Thomas. Gray

1716 - 1771) reposted elsewhere in the Research Papers Download http://www.hi138.comPart IV
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Translation methods of English proverbs

From the above discussion, we know that proverbs have bright cultural backgrounds and

ethnic and geographical characteristics. If we do not master enough English cultural

backgrounds, we cannot understand their true meanings and connotations. When we translate

proverbs, we should first deal with the discrepancy between language and culture. We should

not only translate the proverb's connotation, form and eloquence, but also the ethnic and localcharacteristics. Only in this way, can we translate the proverbs exactly and accurately.

According to the different characteristics of proverbs, we will mainly introduce four

translation methods-literal translation, substitution translation, free translation and

combination of literal and free translation.

1. Literal translation

Literal translation, which is a main translation method, means we need to translate proverbs

literally. Some English proverbs and Chinese proverbs have the same form and meaning, and

these English proverbs do not have too many cultural backgrounds. It is easy for the readers

to understand them. When translating this kind of proverbs, we can translate them literally.

This approach can not only keep the original proverb's form and meaning, but also can be

easily understood by readers. What is important of all, literal translation can transplant theEnglish proverbs into Chinese culture. We all know that English proverbs have many fresh

expressive methods and comparisons. We can introduce these fresh expressive methods and

comparisons into China. Finally, these English proverbs will enrich Chinese language and

culture. Now we will give some proverbs with two kinds of translations - the first one is free

translation and the second one is literal translation.

1. An unfortunate man would be drowned in a teacup.

Unlucky people who can not withstand storms. (One person bad luck, a cup of tea can also be

drowned.)

2. Bind the sack before it be full.

Until everything can be suitable. (Tape filled before Zhazhu.)

3. Draw not your bow till your arrow is fixed.

Think twice before they act. (Arrow no improtance first do not bow.)

4. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

10 credits are better than one. (Pairs of birds in the forest better than a bird in the hand.)

5. Old birds are not to be caught with chaff.

Have no experience of people being easy to trap. (Chaff Zhuobu Zhu fields and then.)

6. Catch the bear before you sell the skin.

Do not get too excited. (No catch the bear, the first not to sell skin.)

7. When the cat is away, the mice will play.

Yama the absence of the little devils jumping beam. (Cat is not in the rats into a fine.)

8. Learn to creep before you leap.Orderly and gradual manner. (Before you crawl, and then you walk.)

From the above example, we can see that literal translation can keep the original proverb's

vivid comparison. It is not only easier for people to understand, but also can enrich our

Chinese language and culture.

2. Free translation

Every country has its own unique culture. So every nation's customs, experience and

observation are different. English proverbs contain some unique historical stories and cultural

backgrounds, and our Chinese people are not familiar with the comparisons in these English

proverbs. If we translate them literally with explanations or footnotes, the translation may

express the original proverb's literal meaning, but this translation makes proverbs lose their

characteristics-concise words, precise structure, short form, etc. Meanwhile, we can not findthe Chinese proverb with the same meaning to translate it. In this situation, we should use
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free translation method. For example, 'Choose a wife on a Saturday rather than a Sunday'

(packet-pass France and Xu Jie, 2002). If we translate it literally like this, 'choose a wife

advised on Saturdays, not on Sundays', it is very difficult for our Chinese people to

understand it, because this proverb implies British religious custom. In Britain, people

believe Christianity, every Sunday people will take off theirworking suits, and put on their

best beautiful clothes going to the church to do church, and 'a Saturday' means the workingdays. This proverb implies that when people choose girlfriend, he should pay attention to her

usual behaviors rather than her beautiful appearance. So if we translate it according to its

connotation like this, choose a wife should re-moral, is not only the re-appearance / Optional

wife look normal, not heavy clothing, it is easier for our Chinese people to understand it.

There are many English proverbs translated freely. For example,

1. Two can play the game.

Takes two to tango.

2. New broom sweeps clean.

.

3. The grass is greener on the other side of the hill.

To this mountain, looked at the high mountain.4. Putting the cart before the horse.

Cart before the horse.

5. A little bait catches a large fish.

The Italian small.6. There are more ways of killing a cat than by choking it with cream.

Do not hang in a tree.

7. Love me little, love me long.

The most steady and sweet love.

8. The best friends must apart.

There is no never-ending feast.

9. experience is the best teacher.

After the pit, an intellectual.

10. A contented mind is a perpetual feast.

Contentment.

11. Ask your purse what you buy.

Living within our means.

3. Substitution translation

Substitution translation, which means we use the Chinese proverb with the same meaning to

translate English proverb. We all know that human culture has much in difference, but also

has much in common. Proverbs are produced in people's working and daily life. Therefore,human being's experience and observation have much in common, which are reflected on

proverbs. Many English and Chinese proverbs have the same meaning, connotation and

persuading way. In this situation, we should translate them by substitution translation. For

example, 'Wall have ears' (white pure, 2003), which has the same meaning and connotation

with the Chinese proverb, 'walls have ears', so we should choose substitution translation

method.

There are many proverbs of this kind, for example,

1. Strike while the iron is hot.

Build on the progress.

2. Constant dropping wears the stone.

Dishuichuandan.3. Misfortunes never come alone.
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Misfortunes never come singly.

Although human being's experience and observation have much in common, English and

Chinese culture have great differences, which are also reflected in the proverbs. Some

English and Chinese proverbs have the same meaning and connotation, but they have

different eloquence. If we translate them literally , it is difficult for our Chinese people to

understand their connotation. In this situation, we should translate them by substitutiontranslation. For example, 'A cornered cat becomes as fierce as a lion' (Zhang Yubiao, 2005).

If we translate it literally like this, 'had been forced to desperate cat, be as fierce as a lion',

maybe our Chinese people can understand its connotation, but this kind of translation will

lose the proverb's characteristic of concise words. In this situation, we should try to find a

Chinese proverb with the same meaning and connotation to translate it. We can translate it

like this, 'Goujitiaoqiang', which will be easy for our Chinese people to understand and read

it.


1. Birds of a feather flock together.

Feather flock together, people into groups.

2. Go to the sea, if you would fish well.Better ventured, nothing gained; does not go into the sea, it is difficult escapement dragon.

3. Great oaks from little acorns grow.

Encirclement of the wood, was born in Haomo; a thousand miles begins with a single step.

4. Kill two birds with one stone.

Double-edged sword, kill two birds with one stone.

5. One rotten apple spoils the barrel.

A mouse droppings ruin pot gruel.

6. The fox preys farthest from his home.

A rabbit does not eat the grass edge.

7. Rome was not built in a day.

Ice three feet thick cold day.

8. If you want knowledge, you must toil for it.

Qin Shu-shan had a road for the tracks, Xue-Hai Zhou free cliff hard to do.

9. It takes three generations to make a gentleman.

Ten trees, takes a hundred years.

4. Combination of literal and free translation

When translating English proverbs, we will find a problem that some English proverbs have

complicated historical and cultural backgrounds. If we adopt literal translation method, it can

express the proverb's literal meaning, but it can not express the primary proverb's connotation

well; if we use free translation method, though its connotation is well expressed, the vivid

comparison will be lost. In this situation, we should translate proverbs by combining literaland free translation. This method will make the translation express both the primary proverb's

literal meaning and connotation. For example, 'A cat has nine lives' cat has nine lives, there

are a thousand bamboo root (Shu-Ting Wang, Wang Jianming, 2004). In Britain, people hold

a religious view that cat has strong life power, because when people throw it down from a

high place, the cat can stand firmly on the floor without being injured. Moreover, cat is very

clever and flexible, so it is difficult to kill it. So people use the proverb 'A cat has nine lives'

to imply people who have strong life power or people who can escape from dangerous

situation easily. However, in China, our Chinese people do not know the story. If we translate

this proverb literally like this, 'the cat has nine lives', it is very difficult for our Chinese

people to understand the connation of the proverb; if we translate it by free translation like

this, 'there are a thousand bamboo root', it is easy for our Chinese people to understand theconnation of the proverb, but it is very difficult for our Chinese people to understand why


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English people compare cat with people having strong life power. In this situation, we should

translate it by combination of literal and free translation like this, 'cat has nine lives, bamboo

has a thousand roots', which will make the translation keep both its literal meaning and

connotation.


1. Little pitchers have long ears.Pot mouth long, were a small sharp-eared.

2. A single flower does not make a spring.

A flower that blossoms is not a spring, blossoming spring beauties.

3. Fish begins to stink at the head.

Fish Lantou first foul, the country lost the first official rot.

4. Never buy a pig in a poke.

Smoke and mirrors and take the eye; compartment bag to buy pigs, cheated.

5. Still water run deep.

Flow of deep water, quiet man of deep meditation.

6. Never do things by halves.

Halfway can not be accomplished, from start to finish National Cheng Kung Universitybusiness.

7. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Xiahe personally know the depth of knowledge pro-pudding sweet and sour taste.

8. Money begets money.

Money begets money, profit make a profit.

9. A drowning man will catch a straw.

Drowning grasp straw doctor when critically ill.

10. Do not change horse in mid-stream.

The river Mo Huan Ma, Mo for the chicken.

Part V

Conclusion

Proverb is a vivid carrier of a country's history and culture. It is the wisdom of people from

all walks of life. Bacon, a famous English philosopher once said, 'The genius, wit and spirit

of a nation are discovered in its proverbs'. (Proverbs are a national talent, wisdom and

spiritual expression.) Proverb shows the development of every society. English proverb, likes

a mirror, can reflect a nation's whole culture, and it is also like a window, which can display

the nation's culture. A well-translated proverb can not only teach, enlighten and persuade

people, but also can enrich our Chinese language and culture.

English proverbs have the characteristics of concise structure, short form, precise words, deep

meaning, vivid comparison, and bright ethnic and geographical characteristics. In addition,

English proverbs have distinctive cultural backgrounds. They reflect British nation'straditional customs, religion, and fables and myth, etc. All these elements cause the difficulty

of translating English proverbs.

The most important thing of translating proverbs are the exact translation of the

connotation of the original article, and give consideration to the literal meaning under the

situation of no cultural conflict, and actually translate the appreciation or the depreciation of

the original article according to the concrete language situation. When translating English

proverbs, firstly we should understand the proverb's cultural connotation verily. Secondly, we

should pay attention to translate proverbs with precise words, short form, oral and popular

style, etc. Finally, we should flexibly choose the proper translation method according to

different situation and need. Only in this way, can we translate English proverbs precisely

and faithfully.
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