Abstract:Language is the reflection of culture. Numeral, as a means of calculation, is one of the most important parts of the language, and contains different cultural significances in different languages. The numerals are mysterious and divine.
This thesis intends to explore the cultural differences between Chinese and English numerals, and the differences of their respective national characteristics and unique thinking patterns concerning the numeral expressions of religious beliefs, aesthetic perceptions, historical events, sports and games, classical works, mythologies, social customs, and living conditions. The study also refers to the translation methods of the numeral.
The Chinese and English numeral expressions are the beautiful treasures of the human cultures, which embody the colorful traditions and features of the national culture. Through studying Chinese and English numeral expressions, we can have a better understanding of differences between the two languages and cultures,get mutual respect in foreign exchange, and reduce misunderstanding and friction so as to promote the cross-cultural communication and translation.
Key words: Numeral; Numeral expressions; Culture difference; Translation
中文摘要:语言是文化的反映。数词是语言中的一个重要的方面,英汉数词除了数字本身的计算意义外,还有非数字的文化意义,具有神秘和神圣的蕴涵。
本论文旨在探讨英语数词和汉语数词之间由于英汉两个民族鲜明的民族特点和独特的思维方式造成的文化差异,主要表现在含有数词在内的表达中的宗教信仰、审美观、历史事件、体育游戏、文学著作、神话、社会风俗和地理环境等方面。文中还提出了相应的翻译对策。
其原因是英汉数词是人类文化中绚丽的瑰宝,它鲜明地折射出英汉民族文化的传统和特色,通过研究英汉数词的各种表达可以更加深入地了解到两种语言、两种文化之间的差异,帮助我们在对外交流中相互尊重,减少误会与摩擦,为跨文化交际提供便利。
关键词:数词;数词表达;文化差异;翻译