Abstract：To compare the invisible meaning of animal idioms in English and Chinese, this paper proceeded with the similarities, differences and the reasons of differences between animal idioms in English and animal idioms in Chinese. By analyzing some practical examples, I can study cultural connotations and respective culture characteristics in English and Chinese animal idioms. Through the study of the invisible meaning of animal idioms in English and Chinese we can have better cross-cultural communication and promote the cross-cultural communication between the East and the West.

Key words: Animal idioms; cultural difference; English and Chinese       idioms

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1Introduction1

2 Characteristics of animal idioms’ connotation in English and Chinese.2

    2.1Similarities2

2.1.1 Same Referent, Same Metaphorical Meaning2

        2.1.2 Different Referent, Same Metaphorical Meaning4

    2.2 Differences.4

       2.2.1 Same Referent, Different Metaphorical Meaning4

        2.2.2 Same Referent, Different Metaphorical Meaning (not opposite).6

    2.3 Particularities. .6

        2.3.1 Vacancies of Associative Meaning.6

2.3.2 Easy to misunderstand idioms.7

3 The reasons for different cultural connotation of animal words in English andChinese8

    3.1 Different origin 8

        3.1.1Originating from the Bible, ancient literary works.8

        3.1.2Originating from fable and fairy tale.9

        3.1.3Originating from proverb.10

    3.2 Different living environment11

    3.3Different customs13

    3.4Different religious culture.13

    3.5Different historic culture.14

    3.6Different value and thinking habit15

4 Conclusion.16

References.17

Acknowledgments18