Proverbs in Inter—Cultural Communication

施慧

【Abstract】Understanding the implied meanings of proverbs exactly is very significant in inter-cultural communication，for it determines whether the communication is successful or not.However，it is very difficult for people with different cultural backgrounds to master the very meaning of the proverbs.In this passage，I will focus on the inter-cultural communication between the English and the Chinese.I will analyze what contributes to the differences in inter-cultural communication and how to use proverbs exactly in the particular situation so that we can have a successful inter-cultural communication.

【Key words】inter-cultural communication； difference； strategy

Ⅰ.Introduction

A proverb is a brief popular saying that gives advice about how people should live or that expresses a belief that is generally thought to be true.On the one hand，English proverbs are the essence of its language and culture.They show how English people think and what their lifestyles are.On the other hand most of Chinese proverbs stem from Chinese idioms，classical allusions and two-part allegorical sayings，which are strange to the foreigners that it is impossible for them to understand the implied meanings behind these proverbs.

In all，it is the culture differences that contribute to the misunderstanding of the proverbs.So what is culture？According to Goodenough，a societys culture consists of whatever it is one has to know or believe in order to operate in a manner acceptable to its members，and to do so in any role that they accept for any one of themselves.With different ecological environment，different nationalities create their own cultures.At the same time，they are also modeled by their own culture.Thats the very reason why there exists culture differences.

Ⅱ.Factors lead to the differences

A.Geographical environment

England is an island country on the Atlantic，while China is in East Asia.Different geographic locations result in different climate.So，its very difficult for people to understand the proverbs concerned about the climate.

（1）It is a warm wind，the west wind full of birds cries.（春風(fēng)送暖，百鳥歡唱。）

（2）東風(fēng)壓倒西風(fēng)：The East Wind prevails over the West Wind.

In England，west wind represents warmness.However，in Chinese，it is just opposite that west wind is the symbol of coldness.

Besides，different geographical location also result in different resources.In ancient ages，Chinese people mainly lived in the inland.Thus，they aspire to the ocean.

He spent money like water.（他揮土如金。）

When it is translated to Chinese，we use soil to take place of water.It is because that Chinese people live in the inland and there is much soil.While the English are surrounded by the water，so to them，water is inexhaustible.

B.Cultural background

As what has been discussed above，the English are deeply influenced by Christianity.Most of the English proverbs come from the Bible，the works of Shakespeare and Aesops Fables.While the Chinese language is obsessed with Confucianism.Most of the Chinese proverbs stem from The Four Books and The Five Classics.

（1）blow hot and cold （朝三暮四）

This proverb comes from the story Man and Satyr in Aesops Fables.

（2）applaud someone to the echo（為某人大聲喝彩）

This sentence originates from Macbeth.Echo is originally the name of the God who died due to Narcissus refusal.

From these two examples，it is obvious that only do we learn about the story can we find the phrases which can express the implied meanings of the original proverbs.

C.Cognitive differences

a.Cognitive differences on objects

The typical example is the animal.In the traditional Chinese value，dog is considered as the bad animal.And most of the proverbs about dogs are negative.However，in the English culture，dog is considered as the most faithful friend.Thus，proverbs about dogs in the English culture are mostly positive.For example：

（1）狐朋狗友：evil associates

（2）a lucky dog（幸運(yùn)兒）

Make comparison between the two groups of proverbs，it is easy to see the different attitudes towards dogs.

Besides，in Chinese dragon is the symbol of power，dignity and propitiousness.But in the western mythology，dragon is the representation of evil.For example：

（1）龍鳳呈祥：dragon and phoenix phoenix

（2）the great dragon（惡貫滿盈的東西）

So，when the Chinese communicate with the English，it is wise for them not to the proverbs concerning dragon for it is easy to lead to some misunderstandings.

b.Cognitive differences on colors

About colors，there exist many cognitive differences between the English and the Chinese.For example：

Red：

（1）red cent（毫無價(jià)值的事物）

It is used to refer to the valueless object.

（2）red skin（印度阿三）

It is the negative nickname of the Indians.

（3）開門紅：get off a good start

（4）紅利：dividend

White：

（1）white lies（善意的謊言）

（2）a white-headed boy（寵兒）

（3）白費(fèi)口舌：waste ones breath

（4）一窮二白：poor and blank

From the examples above，it is obvious that colors in different culture are endowed with different implied meanings.

c.Cognitive differences on numbers

There exist taboos on numbers not only in the western countries but also in the eastern countries.But there still are cognitive differences on numbers.

In the Bible，‘666 is the representative of evil，‘7 represents victory and ‘9has no implied meanings.While Chinese people prefer to the even numbers.For example：

（1）in the seventh heaven（極其快樂）

（2） at sixes and sevens（亂七八糟）

（3）雙喜臨門：Two happy events come one after the other.

（4）八面玲瓏：be smooth and slick in establishing social relations

At the same time.according to a survey，numbers are used more frequently in Chinese proverbs than in English proverbs.

Ⅲ.The strategies for proper use of proverbs in inter-cultural communication

Since there exist many differences in proverbs，it is significant for us to master some strategies in order to make a successful inter-cultural communication.

（1）Tolerance

Since the differences are unavoidable，I think tolerance is the most important quality in whatever kind of communications.On the one hand，we are supposed to bear the differences unless they have threatened our principles.On the other hand，when come across some mistakes，we can ask our foreign friends to help us correct our mistakes.

（2）Empathy

Its necessary for us to put ourselves in other ‘s position if we want to keep positive relationship with others.This aim can be achieved by listening to others seriously and observing their body language carefully.Its also beneficial for us to guess what the implied meanings the proverbs have in virtue of the context.

（3）Learning

We will not be able to know thoroughly the meanings of proverbs unless we have a deep understanding of their culture and history.The more we get in touch with the foreign cultural environment，the better we know about the implied meanings of the proverbs.

Ⅳ.Conclusion

Proverbs are one of the most difficult parts in our inter-cultural communication.If used properly，it can both prove that ones academic achievement is great and enhance the relationship between the speakers.If used inappropriately，it may arise misunderstandings and even conflicts between speakers.Since the differences lead to a failure in inter-cultural communication，we must have a deep understanding of both our native culture and the foreign culture.Only in this way，a successful inter-cultural communication can be ensured.

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