Fei Gui, Mengqi Liu

Jiangxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology

Abstract：

The zodiac is an invaluable asset in traditional Chinese culture. There are many stories as well as idioms related to the zodiac animals in the English-speaking culture. Through analysis of these idioms, readers can get a glimpse of the cultural connotations contained in the English language, and deepen their understanding of the English-speaking culture, thereby helping disseminate the Chinese culture to the world and bridge the gap between the Chinese and the English-speaking world. By collecting idioms and allusions related to zodiac animals, the paper finds that these animals have not only served human beings as a means of living, but also enriched human language.

Key Words：

Chinese zodiac; idiomatic meaning; cultural connotation