中英文化差异--数词.ppt

Numeral “2” Connotations of “2” in Chinese culture -- It means “symmetry”, “twain”, “good luck”, “harmony” (two kinds of harmonious things which exist together) e.g. 成双成对 in pairs 好事成双 Good thing should be in pairs Numeral “2” 两全其美 (be complete in both respects) 出双入对 (go with each other all the time as lovers) 两小无猜 (The boy and girl are innocent playmates; attached to each other, when young) 一分为二 (divide one into two) 合二为一 (combine two into one) Numeral “2” Why do Chinese people have such a preference for the numeral “2”? -- According to Book of Changes, everything is composed of two sides Yin(阴) and Yang(阳). -- From the aesthetic perspective, Chinese have a partiality for symmetric beauty in nature. -- even numbers odd numbers Numeral “2” Connotations of “2” in English culture -- It means “variation”, “feud” and “wickedness” -- sending flowers -- In Feb, people sacrifice Pluto, and hold the memorial ceremony for the dead on Feb. 2nd. -- “Two” derives from “dice”( the plural form of “die”) Numeral “2” -- be in two minds about something (be unable to decide about something) -- two can play at that game (used when you threaten to behave as badly, etc. as somebody has just behaved towards you) Numeral “3” “3”—one of the favorite numerals in Western culture -- In Roman mythology, the three gods govern the universe (Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto) Numeral “3” Jupiter Numeral “3” Neptune Numeral “3”