英语动物词汇引申意义初探

英语中的许多词汇和词组来自动物名词,这些词除了有其本身意义之外,还有许多引申意义.这类词语内容丰富,形式多变,生动有趣,在英语语言运用中具有强大的生命力和创造力.因此,研究动物名词演变的成因、演变的方式和发展趋势,对加强英语的表达能力是有裨益的.本文从历史、文化、风土人情和语言自身的发展对动物名词引申进行了探讨性的分析.

Study on the Extended Meanings of English Animal Names

Many English words and phrases are originated from the names of various animals. They now carry some extended meaning other than their original ones. These words or phrases are rich in category, varied in form, and vivid and interesting in general, and long living and creative in use. Thus the research of their source, their way of converting and their trend of developing can be of much help to enhance the user's ability to express his or her mind in English. This article analyzes the extended meaning of animal names in terms of their historical, cultural, and conventional contexts and from the development of the language itself.