英语习语的文化内涵

英语习语是英语语言的精华，其数量可观，内容包罗万象，在英语民族文化中具有重要地位，在日常使用中有着广泛影响，是英语词汇中一个不可缺少的组成部分。任何语言现象都是文化的载体。习语中凝聚着诸多文化因子，有着深厚的社会历史渊源和丰富的文化内涵，习语作为一种语言现象和语言现实，涉及到人类生活——物质生活、精神生活、政治生活的方方面面。但习语的意义通常不是字面意义，大都隐含着深刻的文化涵义。组成成分是习语的字面意义，可以理解为外延，而不同的那个意义，便是习语的隐含意义或潜在意义，可以理解为内涵。而这些内涵正是英美民族文化的深刻反映。由此可见，英语习语是英语语言的精华和英语民族文化的积淀，正确地理解和运用习语的关键是要掌握习语的文化内涵。文化内涵揭示习语的渊源和深层含义，是习语的根本。
本文旨在从文化的角度，通过英美国家的历史文化，自然地理环境，风俗习惯，宗教文化，寓言神话和文学作品六个方面，通过大量的举例说明英语习语所蕴含的丰富文化内涵。英语学习者只有掌握了习语的文化内涵才能掌握习语的真正含义，才能正确地运用和理解，才能更加了解英语民族的思维方式和生活习惯，在跨文化交际中减少误解、矛盾和冲突，促进不同文化背景下的人们文化交流。

关键词：英语习语，文化内涵，跨文化交际
An Analysis of Cultural Connotation of English Idioms                                    

Abstract: Every language is laden with idioms. In the English language, idioms play an indispensable role. As the most active and widely used language, English enjoys a vast idiomatic basis, which makes its learning very exciting and interesting. English idioms are crystallization of human wisdom and gems of English language. They derive from the culture of the English-speaking nations and from day-to-day life, show the spirit of the language with their specific brevity, humor, wisdom and connotation. Any linguistic phenomenon is the carrier of culture. Idioms, as a way of expression, are sure to be framed by an inevitable relationship with the culture and the society to which they belong. Idioms reflect culture, and culture consists in idioms. But English idioms are often hard to understand and use correctly, especially for non-native speakers. Because English idioms always carry their own explanation, if we are unaware of their presence we will find ourselves in a state of confusion because we will assign literal meanings to them instead of their cultural connotation. The implicit meaning of idioms is in essence a cultural departure from the original literal meaning. The connotation of idioms is exactly the reflection of British and American culture.
This thesis aims to analyze the cultural connotation of English idioms from the cultural perspective under such academic circumstances, and to help English learners have a deeper insight into English history and culture to promote cross-cultural communication. This thesis introduces the background knowledge and significance and purpose of studying English idioms firstly, and describes the culture connotation of English idioms in detail by examples from six aspects: historical development, natural conditions, customs, religion, mythology and fables, and literary works. In this paper so many examples are cited to help the readers be aware of the importance of understanding the cultural connotation of English idioms. The writer also hopes those examples cited in the paper will promote cross-cultural communication between different nations.

Keywords: English Idioms; Cultural Connotation; Cross-cultural Communication

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