Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Definition of Conceptual Metaphor-1

1.2 Reasons for the Study-1

1.3 Significance of the Study-1

1.4 Structure of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two Previous Studies on Animal Metaphors-3

2.1 Cultural Differences of Animal Metaphors-3

2.2 Translation of Animal Metaphors-3

2.3 Cognitive Study on Animal Metaphors-3

Chapter Three Animal Metaphors in English and Chinese-5

3.1 Animal Metaphors in English-5

3.1.1 Metaphors about “pig” in English-5

3.1.2 Metaphors about “sheep” in English-5

3.1.3 Metaphors about “dog” in English-6

3.1.4 Metaphors about “owl” in English-6

3.1.5 Metaphors about “dragon” in English-6

3.2 Animal Metaphors in Chinese-6

3.2.1 Metaphors about “pig” in Chinese-6

3.2.2 Metaphors about “sheep” in Chinese-6

3.2.3 Metaphors about “dog” in Chinese-7

3.2.4 Metaphors about “owl” in Chinese-7

3.2.5 Metaphors about “dragon” in Chinese-7

3.3 Comparison of English and Chinese Animal Metaphors-7

3.3.1 Same Animal with Same Meaning-7

3.3.2 Same Animal with Different Meanings-8

3.3.3 Different Animals with Same Meaning-9

3.4 Causes of the Similarities and Differences-9

3.4.1 Causes of the Similarities-9

3.4.2 Causes of the Differences-9

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

4.1 Achievements-11

4.2 Limitations-11

References-13

Abstract

Previous studies on animal metaphors in English and Chinese were mainly from the perspectives of cultural differences, cognition and translation, and few touched their comparison. Based on the theory of conceptual metaphor, the thesis makes a comparative analysis of English and Chinese animal metaphors. This study shows that conceptual metaphor HUMAN IS ANIMAL exists in both English and Chinese. Because of cultural universality and particularity, animal metaphors have similarities and differences in activities of people from both cultures. The study is important for the research of conceptual metaphor HUMAN IS ANIMAL, and also helps to understand animal metaphors further.

Keywords: conceptual metaphor  English and Chinese animal metaphors  comparison  causes