-
Translating Metaphorical Mind Styles and (Re) Shaping Literary Character: A Corpus-Aided Study of Du Liniang in The Peony Pavilion
Zhengjun Zhao,
Xiaoqiong Hu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
106-113
Received:
5 September 2023
Accepted:
22 September 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: Mind style, an important vehicle to identify features of literary character, has traditionally been examined by qualitative research with focus on deviant stylistic features. However, there has been comparatively less attention given to metaphorical mind style, its translation, and its impact on characterization. Drawing on the Chinese-English parallel corpus of The Peony Pavilion, a famous Chinese drama created by Tang Xianzu in 1598, and its sub-corpus of metaphorical mind style, this paper investigates the operational norms observed by two well-known translators, Cyril Birch and Wang Rongpei when they translate the ego, id, and super-ego types of metaphorical mind style of Du Liniang, the heroine of this drama, from Chinese into English. The results show that (1) transplantation and explicitation are the most frequently observed operational norms in translation; (2) Birch prefers transplantation and has constructed a sincere, restless but reserved Du Liniang similar to that in the source text, whereas Wang favors explicitation, and has reshaped Du Liniang as a bolder, more straightforward and sensuous girl than that in the source text; (3) the same metaphorical mapping mechanism controls two translators’ common choice of transplantation and explicitation, however, their different views on translating images result in different priorities of operational norms and thus reconstructing a different character of Du Liniang.
Abstract: Mind style, an important vehicle to identify features of literary character, has traditionally been examined by qualitative research with focus on deviant stylistic features. However, there has been comparatively less attention given to metaphorical mind style, its translation, and its impact on characterization. Drawing on the Chinese-English para...
Show More
-
Research Article
The Narrative Construction in the Translation of the Science Fiction Santi
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
114-119
Received:
17 September 2023
Accepted:
10 October 2023
Published:
28 October 2023
Abstract: Narrative analysis framework based on sociology and communication theory put forward by Mona Baker presents narrative as a solution to conflicts balancing in translation process, which views translation as a dynamic process affected and shaped by various narratives framing strategies. Science fiction is a literary form with various narratives and its translation needs exploration under the guidance of narrative analysis. Santi and its English version The Three-Body Problem are excellent examples in the genre of science fiction with many different narratives in terms of history, society, individual and space. This paper, based on narrative analysis framework, examines the translation process of a prominent case in science fiction sector Santi by Li Cixin and translated by Ken Liu via methods of intensive reading, case statistics and comparison. Through meticulous analysis, it is found that 1) the translated version The Three-Body Problem has been shaped by different narrative factors and narratives in source text have been retained or changed in target text, 2) ontological narrative, public narrative, concept narrative and meta-narrative play different roles in producing a translated version, and 3) The Three-Body Problem’s successful reception and communication within American literary world can be attributed to these strategic narratives effectively balancing Chinese characteristics with American aesthetic.
Abstract: Narrative analysis framework based on sociology and communication theory put forward by Mona Baker presents narrative as a solution to conflicts balancing in translation process, which views translation as a dynamic process affected and shaped by various narratives framing strategies. Science fiction is a literary form with various narratives and i...
Show More
-
Research Article
Terminology, Culture and Hermeneutic Translation: The Women Images in Confucian Analects and Proverbs
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
120-129
Received:
8 September 2023
Accepted:
1 November 2023
Published:
11 November 2023
Abstract: Neo-Confucianism represents diversities from what Confucius says in Analects. Moreover, feminist biblical interpretation might have been deviated from the original sense of text for designing and implementing feminism objectives. It probably refers to transforming cultural recognition unconsciously and silently, which influences the explanation of Confucian Analects and Proverbs and the correlative feminism translation innovation consecutively. Through the interpretation on relevant terms of women images, male chauvinism, and feminism, it teases the objective women profile descriptions and subjective ones influenced by vicissitude of concepts and different social backgrounds in Analects and Proverbs. Based on that, it explores the positive and negative women images, and literarily demonstrates them in textual and extended domain, referred in Analects. Meanwhile, it detects the obverse and reverse women images, and takes hermeneutic explanation of them from visible and implied aspects, constructed in Proverbs. In view of above, it adopts the longitudinal diachronic retrospection in hermeneutic method, and the comparison of multi- versions of two texts on typical women images from the lateral synchronic angle. As a result, the two ancestral sayings and words reveal striking echoes and disparities, which provides a communicative opportunity between east and west classics to form constructing background thoughts for cross-cultural text translation studies.
Abstract: Neo-Confucianism represents diversities from what Confucius says in Analects. Moreover, feminist biblical interpretation might have been deviated from the original sense of text for designing and implementing feminism objectives. It probably refers to transforming cultural recognition unconsciously and silently, which influences the explanation of ...
Show More
-
Research Article
Medical Literature Search Based on Database and Medical English Translation with Machine-Assisted Tool
Yanyu Chai,
Yuhan Zhang*,
Yanxia Long*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
130-137
Received:
6 September 2023
Accepted:
8 November 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: In the context of the vast and diverse landscape of medical literature, the effective reading and translation of medical texts have emerged as pivotal aspects of medical English education and the initial step in facilitating medical research. Information retrieval, data compilation, and synthesis constitute integral components of this process. Furthermore, comprehending the intricacies and distinctions between Chinese and English, coupled with mastering fundamental translation techniques, represents a crucial challenge in the realm of medical English instruction. This study addresses the conundrums of swiftly identifying pertinent information and surmounting language barriers to produce precise and fluent translations. Building upon the foundation of the Themed Medical English Project, the research endeavors to offer various strategies for medical literature search, methods for refining search outcomes, and techniques for translating medical English. The objective is to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical literature comprehension and translation. Through this work, the research aims at empowering individuals engaged in medical research and English language learning to navigate the intricacies of this specialized field and to bridge the linguistic gaps that often impede the seamless exchange of medical knowledge. In conclusion, the research introduces two search query methods, including keyword and controlled vocabulary search, summarizes the characteristics of medical English and the resulting difficulties in translation process, and identifies two processes of machine-assisted human translation, including pre-translation adjustment and post-translation human editing.
Abstract: In the context of the vast and diverse landscape of medical literature, the effective reading and translation of medical texts have emerged as pivotal aspects of medical English education and the initial step in facilitating medical research. Information retrieval, data compilation, and synthesis constitute integral components of this process. Furt...
Show More
-
Research Article
Paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse Translated and Edited by Lin Yutang: Types and Functions Investigated
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
138-143
Received:
21 October 2023
Accepted:
6 November 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a deep impression on readers. Yet few current studies have comprehensively examined the paratexts in it. This article focuses on the peritext in this book to examine what categories of paratexts Lin Yutang employed in translating Chinese philosophical classics, and how they functioned in contributing to the success of this translation. With a textual close reading and comparison, it is found that Lin mainly employed four types of paratexts: introductions, footnotes, translator’s comments, and various headings or titles. They share similarities in function though used in different contexts. Overall, Lin’s adoption of those paratexts aimed to achieve three intended functions: clarifying textual meaning, bridging cultural gaps, and communicating personal thoughts. The first two functions are indispensable for translating philosophical texts, while the third is optional, not only reflecting Lin’s subjectivity but also helping to construct his cultural identity and make the translation more interesting. Regardless of the specific functions, Lin Yutang’s ultimate goal was to eliminate cultural barriers and promote the acceptance of his translation.
Abstract: Paratext is of great significance in analyzing translators’ decisions and motivations in intercultural communication. As an outstanding editor-translator-author, Lin Yutang was good at using paratexts in foreign dissemination of traditional Chinese culture, and the extensive paratexts in The Wisdom of Laotse translated and edited by him have left a...
Show More
