Abstract：English proverb is an important part of language vocabulary and a valuable wealth of British and American culture. It uses the simple form to express the profound meaning and show the deepest connotation. The content of English proverb is extensive, rich and colorful. English proverb shows national talent, wisdom and spirit of a country. English proverb prevails in folk and is thought the daughter of daily experience.
Proverbs, which derive from life are the condensation and embodiment of the language and culture of a nation. This essay uses some typical examples to compare and analyze the English proverbs from the point of origin, geographical environment, customs, religious beliefs and historical background. These factors directly influence us to translate the English proverbs and understand the English proverb’s meaning.
In order to learn English and English culture better, one have to study English proverbs. When one translate English proverbs, one should know language structure and maintain ethnic culture and rhetoric color. Accurate translation is important for us to understand the meaning of English proverb itself and national culture.
Proverbs are difficult to translate because of their distinctive characteristics and their unique cultural backgrounds. In order to present an adequate translation of English proverbs, the author comes up with four translational methods which are literal translation, free translation, literal and free translation and explanatory translation.
Key words: influence; proverb; translational－methods
