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Unit Seven: In Other Words. Objectives:. By the end of this unit, you should be able to: ◆ have a general knowledge of English synonyms, idioms, proverbs, slang and euphemisms ◆ know how to use such language appropriately in different situations
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Objectives: By the end of this unit, you should be able to: ◆ have a general knowledge of English synonyms, idioms, proverbs, slang and euphemisms ◆ know how to use such language appropriately in different situations ◆ understand the difficulty of rendering English idioms in to Chinese and vice versa ◆ describe the characteristics of English proverbs and the cultural background of certain proverbs ◆ compare the similarities and differences between English and Chinese proverbs by translating some English proverbs into Chinese and vice versa ◆describe the functions of slang words or phrases in native speakers’ daily talk, and have an idea of what ‘rhyming slang’ is
4 6 8 3 5 1 7 2 Proverbs Taboo words Synonyms Homework Euphemisms Idioms Case studies Slang Contents
1. Synonyms ◆ Lexical items which have the same meaning but differ from one another in several ways
1. Synonyms Three ways that similar words differ from one another: • It may be a difference in regional variety e.g.: “autumn” & “fall” • There may be stylistic differences e.g.: “recalcitrant” & “disobedient” • There may also be differences in the emotional connotations of words e.g.: “youths” & “youngsters”
2. Idioms ◆ An idiom functions as a unit of meaning which cannot be predicted from the literal meaning of its member words.
2. Idioms • Colorful language red / blue / green… • Animals & Metaphors cat / horse / goose… • Sports and Idioms basketball boxing and wrestling billiards shooting…
3. Proverbs • Proverbs are those popular short sayings containing words of advice or warning—are an • important part of the language and culture of a society.
3. Proverbs • They are made memorable by the use of a number of devices • alliteration: “Look before you leap” • rhyme: “A friend in need is a friend in deed” • simple balanced structure: “More haste, less speed”
4. Slang • Words and expressions which are regarded as very informal and so are not considered suitable for formal social situations or serious writing. Slang us used between people who know each other very well or who have the same job or the same interests. It is often invented in keeping with new ideas and customs. One function of slang is to make speech vivid, colorful and interesting.
5. Taboo words • Words which people avoid using because they find them embarrassing or offensive. • Words related to the elimination of body wastes: • Cleaner / urinate / defecate
5. Taboo words • Swearing words is not severed as an emotional outlet, but it is also used to marksocial solidarity. This kind of words is much more frequent in informal • than formal situations. • When a foreigner using swear words may give the impression that he is claiming membership of group he does not belong to.
6. Euphemisms • Almost all cultures seem to have certain notions or things that people try to avoid mention directly, even when there is such a term in the language. If people cannot avoid mentioning such notions or thing, they often use euphemisms. These are indirect expressions that enable people to avoid talking directly about something which might cause offence and embarrassment.
7.Case studies Please analyze the case on Page 279 It is showing some expressions like idioms should not be taken too literally : A Chinese student Chen Gang finished the joint experiment with his friend David, an American student. But the experiment turned out to be a failure. Chen Gang felt rather depressed, and David encourage him with some American idioms.
7.Case studies . The mistake : Chen Gang did misunderstand David. He thought that David felt relieved that he had done nothing wrong and would enjoy himself by listening to music. Conclusion: • “face the music” is an idiom, meaning to accept the criticisms, unpleasant consequences, etc. that follow a decision or action of one’s own. • “play the game” is also an idiom, originating from the fact that people who participate in a game should obey certain rules, and now generally means to do something in a fair and honorable way
8.Homework Case analysis: One night a Chinese student majoring in English sat on the steps of the Foreign students’ residence and talked with two young male foreign students, one German and one American. They did not speak a word to her on their own initiative, but she asked many questions to get a conversation started. Every time they answered her with only one or two words. But she was determined to practice her English so she tried to keep the conversation going. “How do you spend your weekend?” she asked. The German boy answered immediately, “Fishing,” and the two boys looked at each other meaningfully. “Fishing?” She was really confused. “But where do you fish?” she asked. On listening to this the two boys burst out laughing. Questions:Why the two boys looked at each other meaningfully when the German boy said the word—fishing, and then they burst out laughing?
8.Homework The Key to the Question: • Fishing has two meaning: • One is the literal meaning. • The other is just sitting here or walking on the street and waiting for some girls to come up to us.
