In the literal record, the old Greece civilization had begun in 800 B.C., it was 2000 years later than the old Babylon civilization and the Egypt civilization. But at the time it appeared, it shown its lively character, its activity and sprite. It influenced the development of the western civilization deeply. [37]
The following idioms will reflect it.
“Muddy the water”(To make a situation confused and not clear)[38],“be in the same boat”(To be in the same difficult circumstance)[39],“Across the board”(involving all staff)[40]. From these idioms, we can see that the sea is very important to the western people’s lives. There are so many geography idioms in the English idioms.
From these, we could know clearly that, the Chinese civilization is very different from the western civilization. In the origins of the Chinese civilization, the lands were very important to the people, so our culture is depending on the land and agriculture. In English, the land is not very important to people, the people made their living from the sea, their culture depend on the sea.
3.2.2 The differences of the geography of the China and England
(i) The Chinese geography
In the east of China, it is the Pacific Ocean, which isn’t like the Mediterranean sea, the ancient people can not cross it. In the northwest, there is a large desert, and in the southwest, there is the Qingzang highland and the Hengduan Mountain. So in this environment, the Chinese people are relatively isolated from the outside would.
Most of the Chinese areas locate in the middle latitude, so the weather is mild. China locates in the east of the biggest mainland—the Eurasia, and in the west of the biggest ocean—the Pacific Ocean, the Southwest of the China is near the Indian Ocean, and is influenced by the monsoon. So in most of the Chinese areas are suitable for the developing of the agriculture. [41]
There are many geography idioms can reflect that the geography influenced the culture much.
“沧海桑田”(From seas into mulberry field and from mulberry field into seas—time brings great changes to the world)[42] .“土生土长” （Locally born and bred; born and brought up in the locality ）[43] .“别有天地”(A place of unique beauty scenery of exceptional charm; an altogether different world)[44].“解甲归田” (Take off one’s armor to the land;)[45]
(ii)The English geography
The England located in the east of the Atlantic Ocean. The England is an island country. It consists of three big islands. In the west of the England, there is the Atlantic Ocean, which is narrow and suits to sailing. In the east of the England, there is the England Channel, which is peace and could be passed safely.
In the three islands, the land is small, and the land is for stock breeding. Also the farmer in England is few. Because of these reasons, the English people make their living in the sea.
There are many idioms could reflect it.
“Set sail”(Begin a voyage)[46]. “A cold fish”(A seeming unfriendly person)[76]. “Be like a fish out of water”(To feeling uncomfortable or awkward because one is in surroundings that are not familiar)[48]. “Have bigger/other fish to fry”(To have more important or more interesting things to do)[49].
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