Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Idiom Translation
中文摘要
语言是文化的载体，习语是语言的精髓。习语也是语言词汇的重要组成部分，是语言成熟和高度发展的标志。英汉两种语言历史悠久，包含着大量的习语，它们不仅言简意赅，而且形象生动，给人一种美的享受。在语言发展的过程中，人们通过自己的劳动生活和劳动实践创造出了许多特色的习语。这些习语的背后反映了一个国家的历史、生活习俗、宗教信仰和地理等方面的内容，可以说英汉习语承载着不民的民族文化特色和文化信息。同时，习语是修辞的重要手段，我们通常使用谐音使习语达到易懂易记，生动有趣的目的。虽然它没有规则的句子结构，却有着相对固定的自身表达形式。也因此习语的这些特点为它的翻译增加了难度。为了使读者更好的理解并运用习语，在翻译中译者必须考虑其背后的文化因素。同样的习语在不同的语境中将会有完全不同的翻译，它反映了中西方人们在地理位置、生活习性、风俗习惯以及宗教信仰等方面的不同看法。本论题将通过习语的翻译向读者介绍一些中西方的文化差异，介绍一些习语翻译的方法和翻译的要素，从而使译者更好地掌握习语的翻译。
关键词：语言，习语， 文化差异，翻译
Abstract
Language is the carrier of culture and idioms are the pith of the language. Also idioms are an important part of linguistic vocabulary and the symbol of maturity and highly development of language. Both of the English language and Chinese language have a long history. So in the process of each culture, they contain a large number of idioms. Not only are these idioms concise but also they are vivid. We enjoy the aesthetics that idioms show to us. In the process of language, people create many featured idioms which are based on their labor life and labor experience. Thus, the content of idioms can reflect the history of a nation, the tradition of a nation, the religion of a nation and geographical features of a nation and so on. With no doubt that English and Chinese idioms introduce different national features and cultural information to us. Furthermore, Idioms are important means of rhetoric. To make them easily accessible and remembered, we often use euphony. So they do not have regular sentence structure, but a relatively fixed form of expression. Those characteristics of idioms make the translation more difficult. In order to enable readers understand and use idioms better, translator must consider the underlying cultural factors when they conduct a translation. The same idiom in different contexts may have completely different translations; it reflects people’s different views on geographical location and living models, tradition and customs and religious beliefs. Through the translation of idioms, this study will lay out some of the Chinese and western cultures to readers and introduce some methods and principles of idiom translation so that translators can better grasp the idiom translation.
Key words: language, idioms, cultural differences, translation
Content
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 3
2. Cultural differences reflected in idiom translation………………………3
2.1 Cultural differences reflected in geographical location and living models ………………………………………………………………………………3
2.1.1 Differences in national characters …………………………………3
2.1.2 Differences in national core values…………………………………4
2.2 Cultural differences reflected in tradition and customs ……………4
2.2.1 Differences in etiquette norms ……………………………………4
2.2.2 Differences in views on colors and mascots……………………4
2.3 Cultural differences reflected in literature and religious beliefs……4
2.3.1 Differences in historical allusion ……………………………………4
2.3.2 Differences in religious beliefs ……………………………………4
3. Methods of idiom translation …………………………………………………5
3.1 Literal translation……………………………………………………………5
3.2 Free translation……………………………………………………………5
3.3 Combination of literal and free translation……………………………5
4. Principles of idiom translation ………………………………………………5
4.1 To keep the original text meaning ………………………………………5
4.2 To pay attention to the national characteristics ………………………5
4.3 To notice the artistic characteristics ……………………………………5
5. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………6
Reference
Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Idiom Translation
Wang Jifeng, Class 4, Foreign Language Department, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics
1. Introduction
Idioms are also called the idiomatic phrases. They are the pith which picked up from human lifelong social experience. The language which has a long history will contain a large number of idioms. The definition of idiom has a broad cover. Generally, English idiom contains set phrases, proverbs, sayings, colloquialisms, allusions and slang and so on. And Chinese idiom also contains enigmatic folk similes. Idioms are often the vivid language which is used to make the described things more vivid. Although the structure of the idioms is short, it contains the significant meaning and can be easily understood. Most people would like to use these idioms to describe things or demonstrate their feelings. Not only do these idioms contain abundant cultural information but also they imply a large number of featured culture and cultural background and have strong sense of culture.
After prolonged usage, idioms become fixed phrases which are regarded as crystallization of the wisdom of people. Because they have unique and special expressions, when they are used to analyze things or phenomena, they can be impressive and visual. Like mirrors, they reflect the characteristics of a nation or a culture.
The great linguist Smith once mentioned, “We have most of the metaphorical meaning to the phrase and idioms which coming from the people, from the career and love of the general public. The producing of idioms are the same as the manufacturing of words, they are not coming from the library or gorgeous theater, but from the factories, kitchens and farms. Many idioms are steamed from sailors, workers, housewives, cooks and so on. They engage in their professional activities, the production and labor, and often require small, lean words to express their ideas of work. So they create some wordings including some interesting and vivid metaphors from present collocation in which things are familiar to them. These moving words and metaphors can greatly stimulate the imaginations of their fellows, loved and spread one by one. They are gradually becoming professional activities or terminologies.”
2. Cultural differences reflected in idiom translation
Culture is a complicated system of knowledge, moral principles, beliefs, arts, law and customs, etc. And language, as a part of culture, mirrors the rich and varied cultural phenomena. And the task of translating entails taking English and Chinese cultural differences into consideration.
2.1 Cultural differences reflected in geographical location and living models
2.1.1 Differences in national characters
Idioms maintain close ties with people's life and geographical location. These aspects can reflect in the national characters. In all aspects of Chinese life, people try their best to pursue a harmonious state with their surroundings, and they always choose to be obedient to the nature. From past to now, Chinese people prefer to regard things as a whole. Furthermore, they would like to use their knowledge to master everything in the world. On the contrary, Westerners pursue adventurous and exciting life. They have completely different mentality and aesthetic tradition than that of Han nationality.
2.1.2 Differences in national core values
Being guided and influenced by the concept of “harmony between man and nature”, Chinese people take harmony as a social value. According to this basic value, Chinese people also carry out a set of inherent standards of goodness, beauty and ugly. Therefore, Chinese people have a strong sense of the collective honor and groups of belonging. Under the influence of the groupings, Chinese people advocate attentiveness to the family, community and the nation. Personal profit can be sacrificed if in need. In contrast with Chinese culture, in the western countries especially in America, they think highly of individualism.
2.2 Cultural differences reflected in tradition and customs
2.2.1 Differences in etiquette norms
Praise is a means to get a harmonious interpersonal relationship, and is frequently used in communicational occasions. But Chinese people and the Westerners have different reactions towards praise. Britain and the United States gladly accept the praise when they receive a praise and answered “thank you”. Chinese people often make self-negation to show modesty. Therefore, the Chinese have more modest language than English in social activities. Such as: 承蒙夸奖, 不吝赐教, (both refer to one belittles himself to show modest). It reflected in the idioms as “适可而止” translated as “to know when and where to stop”; “知足常乐” is translated into “contentment brings happiness”; “过奖了” is translated into “to give undeserved compliment”; “不敢当” is translated into “it is too much of an honor”.
2.2.2 Differences in views on colors and mascots
Different nations have different feelings on colors because they have different living environment and visual angles. Chinese people love red all the time, because “Red” stands for happiness, celebrations, success, development and brightness, While, the western people regard “red” as a symbol of “disaster”. In Chinese history, “yellow” is the symbol of royalty. For example, the Chinese idiom “黄金时代” is translated into English as “golden age”. The English idioms “born in the purple” is translated as “出身豪门”.
In terms of mascots, there are also different concepts of “dragon” in Chinese and English languages. In English and American culture, there is no status for the reptile. In their minds, the dragon is a symbol of fierce and frightening creature. On the contrary, in Chinese culture the dragon is a symbol of imperial, lucky and noble power.
2.3 Cultural differences reflected in religion and beliefs
2.3.1 Differences in historical allusion
There is no lack of idioms alluding to historical events. Such idioms are simply-structured but highly significant. And they cannot be just understood and translated from the literal meaning. For example, “三个臭皮匠，赛过诸葛亮” can be translated into “Three cobblers with their wits combine surpass Zhu Ge Liang, the mastermind.” Most of English idioms of historical allusions come from the Bible and Greek and Roman mythologies. For example, “潘多拉之盒” can be translated into “a Pandora's box” or “上帝帮助自助的人” is translated as “God helps those who help themselves.”
2.3.2 Differences in religious beliefs
It is a Chinese conviction that Buddha has ability to control everything in the world. It is believed that life is a bed of bitterness and everything is empty. So there are many idioms in this regard, such as “放下屠刀,立地成佛”, “苦海无边,回头是岸”. While in the Western countries, especially in England and America, the majority of people are Christians, believing that God is
the creator of everything and the master of the world. Idioms concerned with God are countless in the English language, such as “谋事在人，成事在天” is translated into “Man proposes, God disposes.”
3. Methods of idiom translation
3.1 Literal translation
Free translation is to translate one kind of cultural element into a new one. Some translators are familiar with the contents and images of the original language. They put aside the pragmatic significance, selecting some sentences from the target language to express the same meaning. Strictly speaking, free translation makes people appreciate the same aspects of different cultures, reduces the difficulty for the audience to understand it. But on the other hand it loses a lot of cultural information, to a certain extent, loses the opportunity for people to appreciate and understand different cultures.
Blood is thicker than water. (血浓于水。)
Knowledge is power. (知识就是力量。)
3.2 Free translation
Literal translation is to translate the cultural and linguistic information in a manner which truly maintains the source language. It gives the phrase a new component of language translation and novelty of expression. This translation fastens the mutual exchange of two different cultures and languages, at the same time infiltrates and promotes their integration.
the stars and the moon—— 披星戴月
facts speak louder than eloquence——事实胜于雄辩
3.3 Combination of literal and free translation
There are situations where literal translation will confuse the reader but free translation will result in the loss of the flavor of the original. In such situations, it calls for a combination of the two methods.
垂涎三尺——the mouth waters copiously.
不到黄河心不死——until all is over ambition never dies.
4. Principles of idiom translation
4.1 To keep the original text style
We should pay attention to the translation of same idioms, but that doesn’t have any changes. Whereas according to the text, it has a certain semantic field. such as”谋事在人,成事在天”always translated into:” Man proposes, God disposes.”
4.2 To pay attention to the national characteristics
Idioms of each nation have the national specific historical, economic, cultural, and daily life, customs and geographical environment and other matters. At present, many translations of English idioms add the number of Han ethnic characteristics.
Beauty lies in love’s eyes. ——情人眼里出西施
No great loss without some small gain ——塞翁失马，焉知非福
4.3 To notice the artistic characteristics
The idiom is a form of the folk literature, it is not only to embody masses' wisdom, but also demonstrates masses' artistic talent. In the process of idiom translation, we must not only faithfully express the original text of the ideological content, but also maintain the original text of the image and the analogy as far as possible, and all that some rhetoric effect, namely needs to pay attention to the maintenance the artistry of idiom.
He knows the water the best that has waded through it. ——要知河水深浅，须问过来人 We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ——井干方知水可贵
5. Conclusion
A great number of definitions have been given to culture. Therefore, idiom, which is a part of culture, can serve and reflect cultural needs.
To learn English well, idioms can help us understand sentences more accurately. And also we can use them to increase the appreciation of our articles. That is why most famous writers like to use them in their works, such as Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, Charles Lamb, etc.
In a word, the unique grammar structure, the rhetoric and the language characteristic and its profound thought meaning of English idioms cause the translation work not only to be difficult but also significant. The full understanding of English idioms has laid the foundation for the better understanding. Idiom is an indispensable part of English learning. It is the generation, form and use that have a long history and profound meaning. It stands for the inside culture information of English. English idioms and Chinese idioms supple each other. And because of this, our world of language can be interesting and colorful. To learn English good, not only do you need good English basic language knowledge, but also have to know more or less of historical knowledge.
Reference
[1] Christine Ammer. Cool Cats, Top Dogs, and Other Beastly Expressions. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 1999
[2] Hall, E. Beyond Culture. New York: Doubleday&Co. Press, 1976
[3] Harry Collis. 101 American English Proverbs. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press, 2003
[4] Pam Wadeson. English Through Idioms. Beijing: Foreign Language Company Press, 2002
[5] Richard A. Spears. Phrases and Idioms. Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China Press, 2004
[6] Robert McCrum, Robert MacNeil, William Cran. The Story of English Tianjin: Baihua Literature and Art Publishing House, 2005
[7] Samovar, LarryA.et al. Communication between Cultures. 3ed. New York: Wadsworth Publishing Company Press, 1998
[8] 郭荣义.英语习惯用语手册[S].北京：光明日报出版社，1986
[9] 浩瀚.常用习语[S]北京：外文出版社，2001
[10] 蒋磊.英汉习语的文化观与对比[M].武汉: 武汉大学出版社, 2000
[11] 孔令翠，蒙兴灿. 实用汉英翻译[M].成都: 四川大学出版社, 2002
[12] 骆世平.英语习语研究[M].上海: 上海外语教育出版社, 2005
[13] 平洪.英语习语与英美文化[M].北京：外语教学与研究出版社，2000
[14] 孙乔.新编简明英语习语手册[S].北京：知识出版社，2002
[15] 杨自俭.英汉语比较与翻译[M].上海：上海外语教育出版社，2005
[16] 张复满.实用英语习语大全[S].安徽：安徽科学技术出版社，2005
[17] 张培基.习语汉译英研究[M].北京：商务印书馆，1979
[18] 庄和诚.英语习语探源[M].上海：上海外语教育出版社，2002
Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Idiom Translation
中文摘要
语言是文化的载体，习语是语言的精髓。习语也是语言词汇的重要组成部分，是语言成熟和高度发展的标志。英汉两种语言历史悠久，包含着大量的习语，它们不仅言简意赅，而且形象生动，给人一种美的享受。在语言发展的过程中，人们通过自己的劳动生活和劳动实践创造出了许多特色的习语。这些习语的背后反映了一个国家的历史、生活习俗、宗教信仰和地理等方面的内容，可以说英汉习语承载着不民的民族文化特色和文化信息。同时，习语是修辞的重要手段，我们通常使用谐音使习语达到易懂易记，生动有趣的目的。虽然它没有规则的句子结构，却有着相对固定的自身表达形式。也因此习语的这些特点为它的翻译增加了难度。为了使读者更好的理解并运用习语，在翻译中译者必须考虑其背后的文化因素。同样的习语在不同的语境中将会有完全不同的翻译，它反映了中西方人们在地理位置、生活习性、风俗习惯以及宗教信仰等方面的不同看法。本论题将通过习语的翻译向读者介绍一些中西方的文化差异，介绍一些习语翻译的方法和翻译的要素，从而使译者更好地掌握习语的翻译。
关键词：语言，习语， 文化差异，翻译
Abstract
Language is the carrier of culture and idioms are the pith of the language. Also idioms are an important part of linguistic vocabulary and the symbol of maturity and highly development of language. Both of the English language and Chinese language have a long history. So in the process of each culture, they contain a large number of idioms. Not only are these idioms concise but also they are vivid. We enjoy the aesthetics that idioms show to us. In the process of language, people create many featured idioms which are based on their labor life and labor experience. Thus, the content of idioms can reflect the history of a nation, the tradition of a nation, the religion of a nation and geographical features of a nation and so on. With no doubt that English and Chinese idioms introduce different national features and cultural information to us. Furthermore, Idioms are important means of rhetoric. To make them easily accessible and remembered, we often use euphony. So they do not have regular sentence structure, but a relatively fixed form of expression. Those characteristics of idioms make the translation more difficult. In order to enable readers understand and use idioms better, translator must consider the underlying cultural factors when they conduct a translation. The same idiom in different contexts may have completely different translations; it reflects people’s different views on geographical location and living models, tradition and customs and religious beliefs. Through the translation of idioms, this study will lay out some of the Chinese and western cultures to readers and introduce some methods and principles of idiom translation so that translators can better grasp the idiom translation.
Key words: language, idioms, cultural differences, translation
Content
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 3
2. Cultural differences reflected in idiom translation………………………3
2.1 Cultural differences reflected in geographical location and living models ………………………………………………………………………………3
2.1.1 Differences in national characters …………………………………3
2.1.2 Differences in national core values…………………………………4
2.2 Cultural differences reflected in tradition and customs ……………4
2.2.1 Differences in etiquette norms ……………………………………4
2.2.2 Differences in views on colors and mascots……………………4
2.3 Cultural differences reflected in literature and religious beliefs……4
2.3.1 Differences in historical allusion ……………………………………4
2.3.2 Differences in religious beliefs ……………………………………4
3. Methods of idiom translation …………………………………………………5
3.1 Literal translation……………………………………………………………5
3.2 Free translation……………………………………………………………5
3.3 Combination of literal and free translation……………………………5
4. Principles of idiom translation ………………………………………………5
4.1 To keep the original text meaning ………………………………………5
4.2 To pay attention to the national characteristics ………………………5
4.3 To notice the artistic characteristics ……………………………………5
5. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………6
Reference
Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Idiom Translation
Wang Jifeng, Class 4, Foreign Language Department, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics
1. Introduction
Idioms are also called the idiomatic phrases. They are the pith which picked up from human lifelong social experience. The language which has a long history will contain a large number of idioms. The definition of idiom has a broad cover. Generally, English idiom contains set phrases, proverbs, sayings, colloquialisms, allusions and slang and so on. And Chinese idiom also contains enigmatic folk similes. Idioms are often the vivid language which is used to make the described things more vivid. Although the structure of the idioms is short, it contains the significant meaning and can be easily understood. Most people would like to use these idioms to describe things or demonstrate their feelings. Not only do these idioms contain abundant cultural information but also they imply a large number of featured culture and cultural background and have strong sense of culture.
After prolonged usage, idioms become fixed phrases which are regarded as crystallization of the wisdom of people. Because they have unique and special expressions, when they are used to analyze things or phenomena, they can be impressive and visual. Like mirrors, they reflect the characteristics of a nation or a culture.
The great linguist Smith once mentioned, “We have most of the metaphorical meaning to the phrase and idioms which coming from the people, from the career and love of the general public. The producing of idioms are the same as the manufacturing of words, they are not coming from the library or gorgeous theater, but from the factories, kitchens and farms. Many idioms are steamed from sailors, workers, housewives, cooks and so on. They engage in their professional activities, the production and labor, and often require small, lean words to express their ideas of work. So they create some wordings including some interesting and vivid metaphors from present collocation in which things are familiar to them. These moving words and metaphors can greatly stimulate the imaginations of their fellows, loved and spread one by one. They are gradually becoming professional activities or terminologies.”
2. Cultural differences reflected in idiom translation
Culture is a complicated system of knowledge, moral principles, beliefs, arts, law and customs, etc. And language, as a part of culture, mirrors the rich and varied cultural phenomena. And the task of translating entails taking English and Chinese cultural differences into consideration.
2.1 Cultural differences reflected in geographical location and living models
2.1.1 Differences in national characters
Idioms maintain close ties with people's life and geographical location. These aspects can reflect in the national characters. In all aspects of Chinese life, people try their best to pursue a harmonious state with their surroundings, and they always choose to be obedient to the nature. From past to now, Chinese people prefer to regard things as a whole. Furthermore, they would like to use their knowledge to master everything in the world. On the contrary, Westerners pursue adventurous and exciting life. They have completely different mentality and aesthetic tradition than that of Han nationality.
2.1.2 Differences in national core values
Being guided and influenced by the concept of “harmony between man and nature”, Chinese people take harmony as a social value. According to this basic value, Chinese people also carry out a set of inherent standards of goodness, beauty and ugly. Therefore, Chinese people have a strong sense of the collective honor and groups of belonging. Under the influence of the groupings, Chinese people advocate attentiveness to the family, community and the nation. Personal profit can be sacrificed if in need. In contrast with Chinese culture, in the western countries especially in America, they think highly of individualism.
2.2 Cultural differences reflected in tradition and customs
2.2.1 Differences in etiquette norms
Praise is a means to get a harmonious interpersonal relationship, and is frequently used in communicational occasions. But Chinese people and the Westerners have different reactions towards praise. Britain and the United States gladly accept the praise when they receive a praise and answered “thank you”. Chinese people often make self-negation to show modesty. Therefore, the Chinese have more modest language than English in social activities. Such as: 承蒙夸奖, 不吝赐教, (both refer to one belittles himself to show modest). It reflected in the idioms as “适可而止” translated as “to know when and where to stop”; “知足常乐” is translated into “contentment brings happiness”; “过奖了” is translated into “to give undeserved compliment”; “不敢当” is translated into “it is too much of an honor”.
2.2.2 Differences in views on colors and mascots
Different nations have different feelings on colors because they have different living environment and visual angles. Chinese people love red all the time, because “Red” stands for happiness, celebrations, success, development and brightness, While, the western people regard “red” as a symbol of “disaster”. In Chinese history, “yellow” is the symbol of royalty. For example, the Chinese idiom “黄金时代” is translated into English as “golden age”. The English idioms “born in the purple” is translated as “出身豪门”.
In terms of mascots, there are also different concepts of “dragon” in Chinese and English languages. In English and American culture, there is no status for the reptile. In their minds, the dragon is a symbol of fierce and frightening creature. On the contrary, in Chinese culture the dragon is a symbol of imperial, lucky and noble power.
2.3 Cultural differences reflected in religion and beliefs
2.3.1 Differences in historical allusion
There is no lack of idioms alluding to historical events. Such idioms are simply-structured but highly significant. And they cannot be just understood and translated from the literal meaning. For example, “三个臭皮匠，赛过诸葛亮” can be translated into “Three cobblers with their wits combine surpass Zhu Ge Liang, the mastermind.” Most of English idioms of historical allusions come from the Bible and Greek and Roman mythologies. For example, “潘多拉之盒” can be translated into “a Pandora's box” or “上帝帮助自助的人” is translated as “God helps those who help themselves.”
2.3.2 Differences in religious beliefs
It is a Chinese conviction that Buddha has ability to control everything in the world. It is believed that life is a bed of bitterness and everything is empty. So there are many idioms in this regard, such as “放下屠刀,立地成佛”, “苦海无边,回头是岸”. While in the Western countries, especially in England and America, the majority of people are Christians, believing that God is
the creator of everything and the master of the world. Idioms concerned with God are countless in the English language, such as “谋事在人，成事在天” is translated into “Man proposes, God disposes.”
3. Methods of idiom translation
3.1 Literal translation
Free translation is to translate one kind of cultural element into a new one. Some translators are familiar with the contents and images of the original language. They put aside the pragmatic significance, selecting some sentences from the target language to express the same meaning. Strictly speaking, free translation makes people appreciate the same aspects of different cultures, reduces the difficulty for the audience to understand it. But on the other hand it loses a lot of cultural information, to a certain extent, loses the opportunity for people to appreciate and understand different cultures.
Blood is thicker than water. (血浓于水。)
Knowledge is power. (知识就是力量。)
3.2 Free translation
Literal translation is to translate the cultural and linguistic information in a manner which truly maintains the source language. It gives the phrase a new component of language translation and novelty of expression. This translation fastens the mutual exchange of two different cultures and languages, at the same time infiltrates and promotes their integration.
the stars and the moon—— 披星戴月
facts speak louder than eloquence——事实胜于雄辩
3.3 Combination of literal and free translation
There are situations where literal translation will confuse the reader but free translation will result in the loss of the flavor of the original. In such situations, it calls for a combination of the two methods.
垂涎三尺——the mouth waters copiously.
不到黄河心不死——until all is over ambition never dies.
4. Principles of idiom translation
4.1 To keep the original text style
We should pay attention to the translation of same idioms, but that doesn’t have any changes. Whereas according to the text, it has a certain semantic field. such as”谋事在人,成事在天”always translated into:” Man proposes, God disposes.”
4.2 To pay attention to the national characteristics
Idioms of each nation have the national specific historical, economic, cultural, and daily life, customs and geographical environment and other matters. At present, many translations of English idioms add the number of Han ethnic characteristics.
Beauty lies in love’s eyes. ——情人眼里出西施
No great loss without some small gain ——塞翁失马，焉知非福
4.3 To notice the artistic characteristics
The idiom is a form of the folk literature, it is not only to embody masses' wisdom, but also demonstrates masses' artistic talent. In the process of idiom translation, we must not only faithfully express the original text of the ideological content, but also maintain the original text of the image and the analogy as far as possible, and all that some rhetoric effect, namely needs to pay attention to the maintenance the artistry of idiom.
He knows the water the best that has waded through it. ——要知河水深浅，须问过来人 We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ——井干方知水可贵
5. Conclusion
A great number of definitions have been given to culture. Therefore, idiom, which is a part of culture, can serve and reflect cultural needs.
To learn English well, idioms can help us understand sentences more accurately. And also we can use them to increase the appreciation of our articles. That is why most famous writers like to use them in their works, such as Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, Charles Lamb, etc.
In a word, the unique grammar structure, the rhetoric and the language characteristic and its profound thought meaning of English idioms cause the translation work not only to be difficult but also significant. The full understanding of English idioms has laid the foundation for the better understanding. Idiom is an indispensable part of English learning. It is the generation, form and use that have a long history and profound meaning. It stands for the inside culture information of English. English idioms and Chinese idioms supple each other. And because of this, our world of language can be interesting and colorful. To learn English good, not only do you need good English basic language knowledge, but also have to know more or less of historical knowledge.
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