（精）chapter 9 English idioms.ppt

Chapter 9 English Idioms 英 语 习 语 Contents General Remarks 9.1 Characteristics of English Idioms 9.2 Classification of Idioms 9.3 use of Idioms Conclusion General Remarks Definition of Idiom An English idiom is a group of words with a special meaning different from the meaning of its constituent words. An idiom is a fixed group of words or a single word, or even a sentence, with a special meaning that cannot be guessed from its structure. A combination of two or more words which are usually structurally fixed and semantically opaque(难理解的), and function as a single unit of meaning. Significance of idioms 习语的重要性 English idioms form an essential part of the general vocabulary, idioms reflected the environment, life, history, and culture of the native speakers, and are closely associated with their innermost spirit and feeling. It is an established form, one that has been accepted by traditional usage. As such, the component words, word order and meaning of each idiom should be learned as a whole. Familiarity with a wide range of idiomatic expressions, and ability to use them appropriately in context, are among the distinguishing marks of a native-like command of English. P. Cowie R. Mackin 9.1.1 Semantic unity 语义的整体性 9.1.2 Structural stability 结构的稳定性 1) In the idiom the words have lost their individual identity. 2) Quite often the idiom functions as one word. (lack of motivation, we mean that it is difficult or impossible to infer the meaning of an idiom from the individual components) 3) The semantic unity of idioms is also reflected in the illogical relationship between the literal meaning of each word and the meaning of the idiom. 习语的语义整体性也可体现在每个词的字面意思和习语的意义之间不合逻辑的关系中。 A feather in one’s cap (an honor, success, of which one can be proud of) to draw a blank (to fail to discover or find out something after searching hard and asking many qu