Cultural connotation of Chinese and English phraseological units

Well-known scientists in different aspects considered the role of phraseological units as «exhibitors of cultural signs». Being carriers of culturally significant information, phraseological units play a special role in the process of conceptualization of the world. Due to their special and close connection with culture, set expressions are quite difficult to understand and translate. In view of the complexity and significance of the study of phraseological units, due attention should be paid to the cultural connotations of English and Chinese set expressions. Cultural connotation is a category that allows us to correlate two semiotic systems: language and culture. Each phraseological unit, if it contains a cultural connotation, contributes to the overall picture of the national culture. This article attempts to analyze cultural phenomena reflected in cultural comparisons and differences between Chinese and English. By introducing knowledge about cultural coincidences, cultural differences, the article analyzes idioms from a relatively new cultural point of view. The analysis of the cultural connotation of phraseological units involves the clarification of many issues and, above all, how culture is embodied in phraseological units. The article can also serve as an improvement of knowledge about the cultural connotations of English and Chinese phraseological units. Therefore, an enriched cultural awareness would help students to get rid of the interference of their native language. At the same time, their foreign language skills and intercultural competence will be improved. At different stages of the work, various research methods were used: the method of continuous sampling - when collecting material; definitional analysis - in the study of phraseological units; contextual analysis, which includes the method of observation and the method of interpreting the text - in identifying relevant meanings. At all stages of the work, the methods of etymological and synchronic-comparative analysis were used. The practical significance of the study is because the results obtained can be used in teaching English, Chinese in the development of teaching aids, dictionaries, reference books, used in the theory and practice of translation, in educational lexicography.

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