從中西方文化差異看英語習語翻譯(五)

As mad as a March hare(野性大發), this idiom is produced from the scene that March is the rabbit breeding season, the wild rabbits are especially active and running everywhere.

Bury one’s head in the sand(掩耳盜鈴), this idiom is from the behavior of the ostrich, when an ostrich is in danger, it buried its head in the sand, so this idiom means someone stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the fact, shut one’s eyes to the potential danger.     

4.3 naturalization transition

   This transition method is with the help of Chinese synonymous idioms. Because of the different cultural background, sometimes the image of the original text does not conform to the Chinese customs, if using literal transition method, it will be quite difficult to understand or cause another association. So as to make sure the accurate transmission of original meaning, people can use naturalization transition method. This transition method requires the translator to be familiar with the source language and culture of the target language. The translator can express the synonymous idioms accurately according to the symmetry of content and form. Such as:

      apple pie order                    井然有序

as mute as a fish                   噤若寒蟬

constant dropping wears away a stone  滴水穿石

Blood is thicker than water.           血濃于水

All rivers run into the sea.            百川歸海

Good medicine is bitter in the mouth.   良藥苦口

 However, when applying this transition method, people should take care sometimes in form, the habit of saying in English is extremely similar to the saying in Chinese, but they are seemingly in harmony but actually at variance, if apply mechanically, a minimal error or deviation may result in wide divergence.

5 . Conclusion

Idioms are the most refined information of carrying culture, the culture connotation of idioms is extremely rich. As the essence of customs and languages, idioms can reflect the general character and individuality of different languages and cultures. Therefore, transition of idioms is not only the transition of language but also of culture. The translator Nida once said, when the translating the text, the translator will face two cultures, achieve mastery through a comprehensive study of the two cultures, accurately grasp the cultural difference, he can feel just like a fish in water while translating. Therefore, to learn English well, people should pay attention to the cultural differences between English and Chinese, understand the different cultural traditions and customs of the two countries, consciously use the relevant transition methods to guide practice, thus the English idioms translation can be more actual, more vivid and more natural.