中文“牛”短语和英文“马”习语的对比性精选.ppt

Chinese “niu” VS English “horse” Strong 强壮如牛 Stubborn temper “牛不喝水强按头” The reasons for the similarities: “niu” and “horse” have been serving for human beings for thousands of years. “niu” and “horse” have been playing a very important role in farm work, transportation, food and war. Whenever they are needed, human beings will assign tasks for them. because of their physical features: strong. The reasons for the differences In Britain, “horse racing began to become a professional sport during the rule (1702-1714) of Queen Anne.”(Y.P.Li, 2008, p. 188). Because of the long history and wide popularity of horse racing, there are lots of words and idioms about “horse”, as it’s discussed earlier in the paper. * * The similarities of the meaning extensions between Chinese “niu” idioms and English “horse” idioms Hardworking “像老黄牛一样工作”(work like an old ox). The corresponding expression in English is “to work like a horse” or “to be a workhorse” In English: as strong as a horse “You can take a horse to the water but you cannot make him drink” From ancient time, China has been a country with agriculture as its supporting industry because of its land and geographical position. As well, China is also a country rich in “niu”, which has been widely used in farm work. Britain is also rich in land and agriculture is also one of its most important industries. But horse is more popular there. *