Numerical Idiom Translation from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory 功能对等视角下的汉英数字习语翻译文献综述

 2021-12-28 21:30:16

全文总字数：12885字

文献综述

1. Introduction1.1Research backgroundWith the development of globalization, communication has become an indispensable part to promote the integration of the world. What we need to know, however, is that, instead of language, it is disparities between cultures that produce misunderstanding and make cooperation difficult. In order to achieve equivalence between the text and translated text, therefore, it is urgently required that not only the original meaning, but also the cultural connotation be retained as much as possible. This thesis is expected to apply the theory of functional equivalence to the translation of numerical idioms. As idiom is one kind of special product of the long development of culture and history and numerals in different countries and regions represent distinctive preferences, it is worthwhile to study the translation of numerical idioms.Regarded as the father of translational theory in the contemporary United States of America (Xiong, 2001), Eugene A. Nida has made a great number of contribution to the development of western translation in which the theory of functional equivalence has even imposed profound impact on the field of Chinese translation. The concept of functional equivalence, however, is proposed after the creation of formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence which were first mentioned in Toward a Science of Translation (Nida, 1964). It is concluded that formal equivalence lays emphasis on the form and content of the message, while dynamic equivalence targets at completely natural expression (Zhang, 2008). Later, with the aim to eliminate the misunderstanding that form is less important than content so that it cannot be taken into consideration, Nida writes in collaboration with Taber (1969) to enhance the definition of dynamic equivalence. In 1986, he replaces dynamic equivalence with functional equivalence in From One Language to Another. Since then, the theory of functional equivalence has been widely spread and used to guide translational researches all around the world. The word idiom has several definitions. According to Oxford Advanced Learners English-Chinese Dictionary (the 6th edition), it refers to a group of words whose meaning is different from the meanings of the individual words (2004: 873). To be more specific, English idiom shares the same meaning with the term 熟语（Shuyu）which is defined as fixed phrases or sentences of a language, which cannot be modified arbitrarily. It includes set phrases, proverbs, maxims, locutions and two-part allegorical sayings, etc. (《辞海》，1999). Therefore, numerical idiom is a special kind of idiom that contains numerals. Taking account of different history, culture, geographical location and religious preference, the translation of numerical idioms from one language to another has become a difficult task since a long time ago which deserves further research.1.2 Need of the studyThis thesis is designed to research how we can translate numerical idioms in light of the theory of functional equivalence and whether the translation under the guidance of the theory can satisfy our needs, at least, of communication. First, this study brings about deeper understanding of numerals. In the ancient time, number functions merely as a symbol or tool catering to social needs, while gradually, under the influence of social background and cultural environment, cultural connotation substitutes for its concrete meaning, as a result of which we ourselves can learn more about numerical culture through the study. Second, the study endows us with the possibility of better international communication and cultural exchange. Third, it can serve as one of the examples for further study in similar fields.1.3 Organization of the ThesisThis paper is composed of four chapters. Chapter 1briefly introduces Eugene. A. Nida,theories created by him, the definition and classification of idioms, together with the significance of the study. Chapter 2 gives a detailed review of the development of functional equivalence and previous study on numerical idioms and their translation. In addition, research problems are also included in this chapter. Chapter 3 is divided into six parts in which six translational methods are covered and each several examples given. Chapter 4 summarizes the study and provides an insight for readers to do better in numerical translation.2.Literature review2.1 The Overview of Functional EquivalenceAlthough firstly proposed in 1964, the theory of dynamic equivalence, the predecessor of functional equivalence, has been used to guide the translation of Bible since 1950s (Tan, 1999). It is postulated in Toward a Science of Translating that one is not so concerned with matching the receptor-language message with the source message, but with the dynamic relationshipbetween receptor and message should be substantially the same as that which existed between the original receptors and the message (Nida, 1964). In spite of great response from translational domain, some are still confused with the concept of dynamic equivalence, which makes Nida add in his work The Theory and Practice of Translation that translation consists in reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source language message, first in terms of meaning and second in terms of style (Nida Taber, 1969). The concept of functional equivalence appears initially in From One Language to Another in 1986 and it is required that not only the equivalent content of message, but, in so far as possible equivalent of the form. In 1993, two levels of equivalence are postulated. The minimal level refers to the condition when readers of a translated text could understand the appreciation of original readers to the text, while the maximal level means that readers of a translated text should be able to understand and appreciate it essentially the same as the original readers do. As there is no absolute equivalence between the translated text and original text, the best translation lies somewhere between the two levels (Lin, 2007).By analyzing the theory from the perspective of translational operation, Gao Tianyu and Yang Jianhua (2007) reach a consensus that in the process of translation we should strive to realize formal equivalence when it is possible. Additionally, when it comes to the problem that which one we should put in the first place, author or reader, they claim that a translator should be loyal to the author in the period of understanding text and be responsible to readers in the period of representing translated text. Xu Derong writes in his article On the Translation of Childrens Literature (2004) that adhering to the theory of functional equivalence is helpful to retain childish interest in literature works. He commented that we should attach importance to the equivalence in the respect of vocabulary, grammar and rhetorical devices which demonstrate the form and style of the original text. In Lu Gangs study of title translation (2003), he says high-quality translation should be equipped with multi-tiered equivalence. Under the guidance of functional equivalence, the translated title, with an appropriate form, is easily understood and loyal to the original title. Zhang Qimin (2005) claims that by sticking to the theory of functional equivalence we can deal with problems in the translation of news terminology. Benefit from the theory, a variety of methodsusing equivalent vocabulary, annotation, free translation, domestication and alienationcan be taken to make translated terms meet the requirement of reality, accuracy and vividness.Limited by article space, some other researches on functional equivalence are not listed in this paper. In accordance with, nevertheless, what has mentioned above, it is universally acknowledged that this theory is conducive to translation in many fields.2.2 Previous Study on Numerical Idioms and Their TranslationNumerical idioms refer to idioms containing ordinal or cardinal numbers (Zhu Wu, 2012). They reflect national culture and psychology, religious culture, culture of myth and legend (Li, 2015). Wang Xiaofeng, Zhang Lijuan and Wang Dingan (2010) apply linguistic fuzziness to the translation of numerical idioms because they believe since fuzziness is one of the essential traits of language, translation, a process of switching languages, should share this attribute. It is summarized that several rhetorical devices such as simile, exaggeration, euphemism are used to convey fuzziness in numerical idioms. Whats more, measures like keeping, alternating, deleting and adding numerals are conducive to the translation of numerical idioms (Zhu Wu, 2012).Liu Yafen (2010: 89) analyzes the translation of numerical idioms in terms of frame theory, an important branch of cognitive linguistics. In her paper, numerical idioms are considered as a cognitive phenomenon and what makes equivalence hard to reach is frame vacancy or conflict caused by cultural differences. It illustrates a few translation strategies including literal and free translation, domestication and alienation, etc.Fan Xueli (2012: 64) writes in her thesis that the favour and taboo of numerals vary among countries to which we should pay much attention. She also suggests that when comes to translation, domestication is indicative of changing or omitting original numerals and foreignization implies literal translation (plus explication).It is also demonstrated in Chen Linxias article that numerical idioms can be classified into four groups. They are ordinals, a combination of ordinals and other elements, cardinals, a combination of cardinals and other elements. She says in the translation of numerical idioms one should try to express both surface and derivative meanings (1999).Chang Runfang (2008) makes a comparison of numeral culture between China and western countries. She draws a conclusion that a plenty of numerals in idioms are culture-loaded which requires us to gain a good knowledge of multilateral cultures so that we can avoid misunderstanding and spread our culture to the outside world.To sum up, numerical idioms play such a significant role in daily communication and cultural exchange that there have already been a plenty of discussion on their translation. In light of functional equivalence, therefore, this thesis also tries to explore another possibility of better translation.ReferencesFan, X. L. (2012). A study of the translation of numerals in Chinese idioms from the perspective of domestication and foreignization (Master thesis). Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Liaoning.Liu, Y. F. (2010). A frame-theory-based study of English and Chinese numerical idioms and their translation (Master thesis). Central South University, Hunan.Lin, X. H. (2007). English translation of Chinese idioms in the light of functional equivalence theory (Master thesis). Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai.Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a Science of Translating. Leiden: E. J. Brill.Nida, E. A., Taber, C. R. (1969) The Theory and Practice of Translation. Leiden: E. J. Brill.Nida, E. A. (1993). Language, Culture and Translation. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.常润芳（2008），英汉数字习语的文化根源及对比、翻译探析，《河南大学学报》，48（1）：155-160。

陈琳霞（1999），数字习语的转译及翻译，《上海科技翻译》，（3）：14-17。

高天宇、杨建华（2007），从翻译操作过程重新解读功能对等，《外语教学》，28（6）：88-91。

黄远鹏（2010），再论奈达翻译理论中的功能对等，《西安外国语大学学报》，18（4）：101-104。

雷来富（2010），从接受美学视角解析数字习语翻译原则，《教学与管理》，（30）：84-85。

李文娜（2008），唐诗宋词中数字的使用与翻译，《西南民族大学学报》，S1:5-9。

陆刚（2003），论文章标题英译的功能对等，《中国科技翻译》，16（4）：28-31。

谭载喜（1999），《新编奈达翻译理论》。

北京：中国对外翻译出版公司。

剩余内容已隐藏，您需要先支付 10元 才能查看该篇文章全部内容！立即支付

以上是毕业论文文献综述，课题毕业论文、任务书、外文翻译、程序设计、图纸设计等资料可联系客服协助查找。

您可能感兴趣的文章