功能对等理论视角下的汉语动物成语翻译

On Translation of Chinese Animal Idioms from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

By Min Min

In partial fulfillment of the requirement

For the B. A. degree

Department of English

School of Languages and Cultures

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

May 2016

Acknowledgements

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Liu Jiehai for his kind encouragement, great patience and valuable advice. I have learnt a lot about how to organize the study under his guidance. I am also immensely indebted to my parents, friends and roommates. Without their sincere support, my study would not go so smoothly. Last but not least, the well-stocked library of Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology provided me with abundant books and materials.

Contents

1. Introduction 2

1.1 Importance of Chinese Animal Idiom Translation............................................2

1.2 Significance of the Research.............................................................................2

2. Literature Review 2

2.1 Definition of Functional Equivalence Theory...................................................2

2.2 Development of Functional Equivalence Theory..............................................3

2.3 Summary of Functional Equivalence Theory....................................................4

3. Survey of Chinese Animal Idioms 4

3.1 Origins 4

3.2 Meanings 4

3.2.1 Unrelated to Animal Images....................................................................5

3.2.2 Related to Animal Images.......................................................................5

3.3 Main Rhetorical Devices 6

3.3.1 Simile 6

3.3.2 Metaphor 6

4. Comparative Analysis of Connotations of Animal Images between English and Chinese Culture 6

4.1 Same Animal Images of Similar Connotations 6

4.2 Same Animal Images of Different Connotations 7

4.3 Different Animal Images of Similar Connotations............................................7

4.4 Animal Images Unique in Chinese Culture…………………………………...8

5. Translation Methods of Chinese Animal Idioms from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory 8

5.1 Literal Translation 9

5.2 Literal Translation with the Explanation 10

5.3 Substitution 11

5.4 Free Translation……………………………………………………………...12

6. A Diagram of the Procedure of the Translation Method Selection of Chinese Animal Idioms……...................................................................................................................13

7. Conclusion 15

References 16

On Translation of Chinese Animal Idioms from the Perspective of Functional Equivalence Theory

Min Min

Department of English

School of Languages and Cultures

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

Abstract: The wider application of Chinese animal idioms in the recent cross-cultural communication has called for improved translation methods. This study aims to achieve the functional equivalence between Chinese animal idioms and their translations. It found that the difficulties to the translation of Chinese animal idioms rest with not only the idioms themselves, but also the cultural connotations of animal words involved. Under the guidance of Eugene A. Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory, it proposed four translation methods — literal translation, literal translation with the explanation, substitution and free translation, and designed a diagram of the procedure of translation method selection, which can effectively promote the cultural integration.

Key Words: Functional Equivalence theory; Chinese animal idioms; cultural connotations of animal images; translation method

摘 要：近来，汉语动物成语在跨文化交流中的应用更为广泛，要求翻译方法有所改善。本文旨在实现汉语动物成语和其译文的功能对等。研究发现，汉语成语翻译的难点不止在于成语本身，还在于其所含动物词汇的文化内涵。在奈达（Eugene A. Nida）功能对等理论的指导下，本文提出了直译、直译加解释，套译和意译四种翻译方法并设计了翻译方法选择流程图，能有效促进文化融合。

关键词：功能对等理论；汉语动物成语；动物形象文化内涵；翻译方法

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Chinese Animal Idiom Translation

Since animals are closely associated with people’s material and spiritual life, many animal idioms have been created to constitute a significant part of abundant Chinese language. As the essence and epitome of the deep-rooted Chinese culture, they are passed down from generation to generation and frequently appear in both oral and written communications for their simple structures and penetrating meanings. Along with the mounting global cultural exchanges, the translation of Chinese animal idioms has become increasingly important. It can help not only bridge the gap between Chinese and English, but also diffuse extensive and profound Chinese culture to the abroad.

1.2 Significance of the Research

剩余内容已隐藏，请支付后下载全文，论文总字数：32667字