A Study on the Translation of Culture-loaded Words in Speeches of Boao Forum for Asia from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory

By

Jing Shuang

In partial fulfillment of the requirement

For the B. A. degree

Department of English

College of Liberal Arts

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

May, 2018

Acknowledgments

This thesis is a reflection of what I have learned in four years in this university. At the moment of its completion, I would like to give my sincere gratitude to all who have assisted and supported me.

First, my deepest gratitude goes to my supervisor Professor Zhang Jun, who has given me pertinent suggestions about the topic and modified this thesis. It is his consistent guide that has alleviated the difficulties I encountered during writing. Also, I want to express my thanks to all the teachers of the English department for their respectful teaching, for their lectures, the priceless treasure, are beneficial to my improvement of grasping translation theories and applying theories to practices.

Last but not least, I am grateful to my families and schoolmates, notably my roommates and Sun Qiuyan. For one thing, my family members have given me lots of mental and financial support during these four years, allowing me to work on my study consistently; for another, I often discussed some problems with my roommates while learning and their constructive suggestions and affectionate encouragement have helped me fulfill this thesis.

Contents

Abstract 1

摘要 1

Chapter One Introduction 2

1.1 The definition of Culture-loaded words 2

1.2 Objectives of the Research 2

1.3 Methodology 3

Chapter Two Theoretical Framework 3

2.1 Brief Introduction to Adaptation Theory 3

2.2 Aspects of the Meaningful functioning of language 4

2.2.1 Contextual Correlates of Adaptability 4

2.2.2 Structural Objects of Adaptability 4

2.2.3 Dynamics of Adaptability 5

2.2.4 Salience of the Adaptation Processes 5

Chapter Three Analysis of the Translation of Culture-loaded Words 6

3.1 Characteristics of the Speeches of Boao Forum for Asia 6

3.2 Classifications of Culture-loaded Words 6

3.3 Translation Methods of the Culture-loaded words in speeches of Boao Forum for Asia 7

3.3.1Set Phrases and Free Translation 7

3.3.2 Proverbs and Literal Translation 8

3.3.3 Political Expressions with Chinese Characteristics 9

A. Literal Translation 10

B. Literal Translation plus Explanation 11

Chapter Four Inspirations for the Translation of Culture-loaded Words 11

4.1 Conforming to the Context 11

4.2 Conforming to Idiomatic Expressions of the Target Language 12

4.3 Taking Cognitive Factors into Consideration 13

Chapter Five Conclusion 14

References 15

A Study on the Translation of Culture-loaded Words in Speeches of Boao Forum for Asia from the Perspective of Adaptation Theory

Jing Shuang

Department of English

College of Liberal Arts

Nanjing University of Information Science amp; Technology

Abstract: China’s leaders deliver an extraordinary speech at the opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) every year. Their speeches are clear in structure, persuasive in language and rich in culture with a series of words with Chinese characteristics. However, these words are a great challenge for translators due to cultural differences. This paper first presents the definition of culture-loaded words, objectives of the research and its methodology. Then it briefly introduces Adaptation Theory and analyses this new research pattern from four perspectives. The main body of the thesis makes a tentative analysis of the translation of collected culture-loaded words and summarizes some practical principles for dealing with culture-loaded words under the guidance of Adaptation Theory. Lastly, the paper reveals the findings and limitations of the study.

Key words: Adaptation Theory; Culture-loaded words; Speeches of Boao Forum for Asia; Translation methods

摘要：中国领导人每年会在博鳌亚洲论坛开幕式上发表主旨演讲。他们的演讲结构清晰，说服力强，文化底蕴丰富，有一系列具有中国文化特色的词汇。但是，由于文化差异，这些文化负载词使译员在翻译过程中面临巨大挑战。本论文首先介绍文化负载词的定义、研究的目的和方法，然后简要介绍了顺应理论并从四个角度分析这一新研究模式的内容。接着，论文主体部分对收集的文化负载词的译文进行了分析，并在顺应论的指导下为文化负载词的翻译总结一些翻译原则。最后，本论文总结了研究的结果和局限性。

关键词：顺应论；文化负载词；博鳌亚洲论坛演讲；翻译方法

Chapter One Introduction

1.1 The definition of Culture-loaded words

Culture-loaded words (CLWs), also known as culture-specific terms or culturally loaded words, only exist in the source language and are the manifestation of a nation’s unique culture. In academia, it has been several tens of years since this concept was raised in 1980; however, scholars have mixed views about its definition.

From the perspective of lexicography and translation studies, culturally loaded words refer to those words or phrases that are closely associated with the lifestyle of a nation. As the knowledgeable Spanish translator Aixelá put it, a CSI does not exist in translation, but it is the result of a conflict arising from any linguistically represented reference in a source text. (Aixelá, 1996: 57) On the contrary, the definitions from Chinese scholars are not so abstract. For instance, some scholars held that culture-loaded words, within a specific cultural context, are a direct and indirect reflection of national culture in language and vocabulary. (Chang, 1995: 83-84) Generally speaking, no matter how scholars define this notion, it is bound to contain two aspects of meanings. First, this kind of words certainly stands for a nation’s culture and covers a range of linguistic symbols with rich cultural connotations. Second, cultural information makes it hard for translators to be a bridge between the writer and target readers.

1.2 Objectives of the Research

Speech is an art of language. It aims to cheer up the audience and arouse their resonance so as to share what the speaker wants to convey, such as thoughts, viewpoints and sentiments. Nevertheless, many words with Chinese characteristics in public speeches are obstacles for foreign listeners to understanding the real meanings owing to cultural differences between China and the Western. In Aixelá’s eyes, “in a language everything is culturally produced, beginning with language itself.” (Aixelá, 1996: 57) Shouldering the responsibility of satisfying communicative needs, translators are not only confronted with the difficulties of reacting within limited seconds, but they also need to deal with the problem of translating CLWs. Thus, for better theoretical guidance in translation, this paper will make a detailed study on the translation of CLWs in speeches. In addition, China has made rapid development and actively participated in various international conferences in recent years. It is of great significance to study how to translate culture-loaded words appropriately.

1.3 Methodology

In the light of a number of speeches delivered by China’s leaders in BFA, the five speeches delivered by China’s leaders in the opening ceremony of BFA in 2014-2018 are selected as materials. Though made in different occasions, they embody CLWs’ characteristics in public speeches and therefore are good materials to conduct a study.

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