The Translation of Chinese Idioms from the Perspective of Cu

英语专业毕业论文

The Translation of Chinese Idioms from the Perspective of Cultural Translation

Under the Supervision of

College of Foreign Language and Literature

June 2012

英语专业毕业论文

Contents

Abstract(English) (i)

Abstract(Chinese) (ii)

1. Introduction (1)

1.1 Definition of Idiom (2)

1.2 Classifications of Idiom (2)

1.3 Sources of Idiom (3)

2. Similarities and Differences of Cultural Connotation Between Chinese and

English Idioms (4)

2.1 Superposition of Both Image and Meaning (4)

2.2 Image Superposition (4)

2.3 Meaning Superposition (5)

2.4 “Lexical Gap” (5)

3. Reasons for the Differences (6)

3.1 Differences in Territorial Environment (6)

3.2 Differences in Customs and Culture (6)

3.3 Differences in Religious Beliefs (7)

3.4 Differences in Historical Background (7)

3.5 Differences in Values (8)

4. Methods for English Translation of Chinese Idioms (8)

4.1 Literal Translation (8)

4.2 Free Translation (9)

4.3 Excerpt (9)

4.4 Borrowing (9)

4.5 Literal Translation with a Note (9)

4.6 A Combination of Literal Translation and Free Translation (10)

4.7 Adding (10)

5. Problems in English Translation of Chinese Idioms (11)

5.1 A Precise Understanding of the Original Text (11)

5.2 Semantic Appraisement (11)

5.3 Retaining the Original Image (11)

Conclusion (12)

References (14)

Acknowledgements (15)

i

英语专业毕业论文

Abstract

With the rapid development of global economy and globalization, cross-cultural communication has also become more and more frequent. Translation plays a very important role in the communicative activities. It is through translation that different cultures can come to understand each other, and translation enriches the culture that involved. Idioms are an indispensable part of language and idioms are expressive. Chinese idioms, which carry rich information of Chinese characteristics and Chinese particular culture, are a special form in Chinese. Chinese idioms have persed forms. There are four-character Chinese idioms, proverbs, locutions and two-part allegorical sayings. And Chinese idioms, with a lot of traditional Chinese cultural features, add difficulties to the English translation to a certain extent. Therefore, dealing with Chinese idioms in English-Chinese translation becomes a very important problem. The translator should not only consider the differences between languages, but also keep a close eye on cultural differences, and strive to conserve foreign cultural characteristics that contain in the original text of capacity. The paper introduces basic information about idioms, analyzes the similarities and differences of cultural connotation between English and Chinese idioms from the perspective of culture, and points out some problems that should be paid attention to in the English translation of Chinese idioms.

Key words:cultural perspectives; Chinese idioms; Chinese-English translation; translation strategies

i

英语专业毕业论文

摘要

随着全球经济的迅速发展和世界经济一体化，跨文化的交际也变得日趋频繁。翻译在这一交流活动中扮演着非常重要的角色。翻译促成了不同文化间的交流与了解，并藉此丰富了参与交流的文化。习语是语言中不可缺少的、富有表达力的因素。汉语习语是汉语中一种特殊的语言形式,它承载着大量富有中国特色的信息和汉语特有的文化底蕴。而汉语习语形式多样，有四字成语、谚语、惯用语、歇后语，具有很强的民族文化特色，这在一定程度上增加了英译的难度。因此，在汉译英中如何处理汉语习语成为一个很重要的间题。译者不仅要考虑语言的差异，还要密切注视文化的差异，力求最大限度地保存原文所蕴涵的异域文化特色。本文将介绍一些习语的基本情况，从文化的角度分析英汉习语文化内涵的异同和产生差异的原因，并指出汉语习语英译时应注意的一些问题。

关键词：文化角度; 汉语习语; 汉译英; 翻译策略

ii

英语专业毕业论文

1. Introduction

Idiom, as a widespread fixed phrase and short sentences with special meaning, is an inalienable important element of a language. Idioms which are put into practice for a long time are very impressive. Idioms are results of labor and life through the ages, the crystallization of the wisdom of human beings, and spiritual wealth and cultural heritage of each nationality. As the essence of a language, idioms can be called as “enrichment culture”. (Yang Zijian, 396). Like a mirror, idioms iconically reflect the social system, local customs and practices, religious beliefs, living habits and the concept of value in different historical periods of a nationality. Understanding idioms of a language can help us understand the social culture better. Thereby we can use this language better.

Chinese idiom, which carries rich information of Chinese characteristics and particular Chinese culture, is a special form in Chinese. However, under the influence of geographical environment, life custom, historical background and religious belief, idioms of Chinese and English have both similarities and differences in meaning and forms of expression. Idioms are the crystallization of language and culture of the human being, and translation of idioms has caused the attention of the translation field. Whereas the English translation of Chinese idioms is far from satisfactory, owing to cultural factors to a large extent. Cultural elements influence the English translation of Chinese idioms in every aspect. We cannot understand idioms easily if we don’t know the cultural background of the idioms, let alone translate well. In order to transmit the information of Chinese idioms to English with a combination of form and meaning, the translator should not only have the ability to master the two languages well but also has a comprehensive understanding of two kinds of culture when translating Chinese idioms into English.

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