林语堂与民间文学多有关联。他不仅热心搜集、整理、阅读、研究、仿作和翻译民间文学,而且还在自己的作品中刻画了不少民间人物或平民形象,频频描绘民俗表演、娱乐活动。林语堂之所以对民间文学情有独钟,一是为了补早年所受教育之遗憾,因为教会教育剥夺了他接触民间文学的机会;二是借鉴民间文学的优长之处和有益成分,服务于其文学创新和理论建树,如“为人生”的主张、“表现性灵”说、幽默及闲适文体之倡导;三是与其平民观、博爱情怀和近情哲学多有吻合之处。 Lin Yutang is closely related to folk literature. He not only enthusiastically collected, compiled, read, studied, imitated and translated folk literature, but also portrayed in his own works many folk figures or common people’s images, frequently depicting folk performances and entertainment activities. The reason why Lin Yutang has a special liking for folk literature is to regret the education he had suffered in his early years because of the church education depriving him of the opportunity of contacting with folk literature. Second, drawing lessons from the advantages and useful components of folk literature, Its literary innovation and theoretical achievements, such as “for life ” advocate, “performance of spirit ” said, humorous and relaxed style of advocacy; third is with its civilian view, fraternity and affinity philosophy more consistent.