从文化翻译观看汉语习语的英译 [7]
论文作者:叶玲论文属性:短文 essay登出时间:2009-04-10编辑:黄丽樱点击率:12285
论文字数:5761论文编号:org200904102302439746语种:中文 Chinese地区:中国价格:免费论文
关键词:domesticationforeignizationcultural translation theorChinese idioms归化异化文化翻译观汉语习语
they may not know what “the east wind” is. In fact, reserving the image of “东风,西风”is to carry out the difference between Chinese and English. Because of the difference, we need communication, and with the communication, English readers can really know what the real Chinese culture is contained in the idiom. Therefore, translating “东风压倒西风”directly into English, from the view of translation of culture, is acceptable and necessary, for the whole meaning, image and culture behind it have been reserved and spread in translation.
(3) 一寸光阴,一寸金-an inch of time is an inch of gold
In addition, translators should translate not only the denotations but also the connotations of Chinese idioms. “一寸光阴,一寸金”should be translated into “an inch of time is an inch of gold”. Here, “gold” is one of the most precious metals in China, so “time” is “gold”. But in western countries, people think “money” is the most important article in life. There is a saying in English: “time is money”. In fact, the meaning of the two sayings is the same. However, “an inch of time is an inch of gold” is a better translation, for the cultural information of “一寸光阴一寸金”can be transferred directly and faithfully into English and the features of Chinese culture has been reproduced in translation.
From the examples mentioned above, we can see that literal translation is the first choice of translating Chinese idioms, for it can not only reserve the image, style and meaning of Chinese idioms but also reconstruct Chinese cultural features and information as much as possible.
3.2.2 Literal translation with a note
From the view of cultural translation, translation is to promote the communication of culture, so during translating Chinese idioms translators can translate the idioms directly first and then plus a note to present the readers the stories lying behind the idioms so as to enhance understanding. To some extent, it will make English readers know more about Chinese culture quickly and clearly and even take more interests in Chinese culture exists behind the idioms. This will be also helpful to promote cultural communication between Chinese and English. Here are a few examples:
(4) “难道这也是个傻丫头,又像颦儿来葬花不成?”因又自笑道 “若真也葬花,可谓东施效颦了;不但不为新奇,而是更是讨厌”(Dream of the Red Chamber, Chapter 34).
东施效颦-Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi
Here, “东施效颦”should be directly translated into “Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi” in order to let English readers truly contact the image of the idiom. After that, translators may give a simple introduction about “东施效颦”. i.e., Dong Shi imitating Xi Shi, which is a Zhuangzi's story of the beautiful Xi Shi's ugly neighbor, who endeavors to imitate the little frown that people ran from her in terror. In this way, English readers can know not only who “Dong Shi” and “Xi Shi” are but also what the idiom really means. In this way, Chinese culture can be reproduced clearly in translation.
(5) 叶公好龙-Lord Sheh’s love of dragons
“叶公好龙”, here it can be translated into “Lord Sheh’s love of dragons” and a concise explanation can be added after it: Sheh was so fond of dragons that he adorned his whole palace with drawings and carvings of them, but when a real dragon heard of his infatuation and paid him a visit, he was frightened out of his wits.
(6) 破镜重圆-a broken mirror made whole again
“破镜重圆” should be translated into “a broken mirror made whole again”. However, English readers may feel puzzled about the meaning and cannot understand why a broken mirror can be “whole again”. So
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