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On Translation of Cultural Images in Chang Hen Ge from the Perspective of Reception Theory

  • Yiying Yang

    Yiying Yang is an MA student in TESOL in the Department of Education of University of York, UK. She holds an MA in Translation and Interpreting from the School of Foreign Languages of Henan University. Her research interests include translation studies and English language teaching.

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Published/Copyright: January 17, 2020
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Abstract

Based on concepts of horizon of expectation and indeterminacy in reception theory, this paper reports a comparative analysis of Chang Hen Ge, a narrative poem written by Chinese poet Bai Juyi in the Tang Dynasty, and its English translations by William John Bainbrigge Fletcher, Herbert Allen Giles, Xu Yuanchong as well as Yang Hsien-yi and Gladys Yang. Results are as follows: 1) Xu’s translation is the best in that he adds annotations and combines literal and free translations so as to explicate cultural connotations and underlying implications of images while meeting and broadening target readers’ horizon of expectation. In addition, he tries to replicate figurative characteristics and transform rhetorical techniques of original cultural images to retain the source text’s indeterminacy and aesthetic value and to provide target readers with intense aesthetic experience. 2) There are inappropriate and inaccurate translations of cultural images in all the four English translations, and they are caused by differences in ethnic history, religious belief, mode of thinking, features of English and Chinese as well as the subjectivity of translators.

About the author

Yiying Yang

Yiying Yang is an MA student in TESOL in the Department of Education of University of York, UK. She holds an MA in Translation and Interpreting from the School of Foreign Languages of Henan University. Her research interests include translation studies and English language teaching.

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Published Online: 2020-01-17
Published in Print: 2019-11-26

© 2020 FLTRP, Walter de Gruyter, Cultural and Education Section British Embassy

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