Analysis of Chinese Translation of English Idiom1.doc

浅析英语习语的汉译Analysis of Chinese Translation of English IdiomContentsAbstract.1Key words.1I. Introduction.2II. Relationship between Idiom and Culture.21. Definition of idiom.2 2. Characteristics of idiom.3 3. Definition of culture.4 4. Relationship between English idiom and culture5III. Several Translating Ways of English Idiom.6 1. Liberal translation.7 2. Literal translation.73. Combination of liberal and literal translation.84. Translation with annotation.9IV. Conclusion.9References.10Analysis of Chinese Translation of English Idiom Abstract：An English idiom is a group of words with a special meaning, which is different from the meaning of a free phraseFor the sake of using idioms correctly and appropriately in cross-cultural communication, we must firstly be aware of the cultural differences and national characteristics of English and Chinese idioms and then master a series of helpful learning and translating skills. Moreover, idioms are profoundly affected by culture and the Chinese culture differs remarkably from the English one. These two features make it difficult for us to interpret and translate them. So this paper offers four methods used in idioms translation to help English learners understand idioms. They are literal translation, liberal translation, combination of literal and liberal translation and translation with annotation respectively. Under different circumstances, one should use different methods to make the translation faithful to the source language and vivid in the target language. At the end of this paper, some opinions on idioms translation are given so as to do better translation.Key words: idiom; literal translation; liberal translation; combination of literal and liberal translation; translation with annotation 摘 要：英语习语是具有特殊意义并区别于自由词组意义的一组单词。在跨文化交际中，为了正确地和准确地使用习语，我们首先必须意识到英语习语和汉语习语的文化差异和民族特色。然后，再掌握一系列英语习语的学习与翻译技巧。其次，习语受文化的深刻影响而中国文化与英国文化有具有显著的差异。正是习语的这两个特点，使得我们翻译习语具有一定的难度。因此，这篇论文给出四种习语翻译方法以帮助英语学习者更好地理解习语。它们分别是直译，意译， 直译加意译和加注释翻译方法。在不同的情况下，应使用不同的翻译方法以使译文忠实于源语言并使译文在目标语中形象生动。在论文的结尾，作者又给出关于能更好的翻译习语的一些见解。关键词：习语； 直译；意译；直译加意译；加注释翻译I. Introduction In contemporary world, English has been used widely, and it becomes more and more important. If you want to learn English very well, you should know some certain English idioms and their correspondent Chinese translation. English idioms have fixed Chinese translations and have their own translation techniques. It is an expression established in the long usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in grammatical construction or in having a meaning that cannot be derived as a whole from the conjoined meanings of its elements. In a broad sense, English idioms include idiomatic phrase, proverbs, colloquialisms and slangs. In comparison, the Chinese equivalent for “idiom” is “熟语”. Idiom plays a very important part in language, it is a group of words with special meaning different from the meanings of its constituent words，or different from the meanings of a free phrase. And they play important role in English learning. So it is necessary for an excellent translator and very important for every English learner to know the translating methods of English idiom in Chinese. In the following, the author will introduce some translation skills. And hope these skills can help improve the English levels of English learners.Language belongs to a special cultural phenomenon. And the culture influences the appearance of the idiom, which plays a predominant role in English language. The idioms of a nation are closely associated with its culture. English and Chinese idioms are no exception to the rule. British and Chinese geographical conditions, life experiences, histories, religious beliefs and literatures are all stamped on their idioms. For the sake of using idioms correctly and appropriately in cross-cultural communication, we must firstly be aware of the cultural differences and national characteristics of English and Chinese idioms and then master a series of helpful learning and translating skills. So it is very important to take a look at the effect of every field of culture on the appearance of English idiom. In a word, we should not only master some translation methods of English idioms, but also be aware of the cultural differences between source language and target language. II. Relationship between English Idiom and Culture1. Definition of idiom It is quite difficult to give a clear-out definition to the word "idiom", for it possesses several meanings, which might cause us confusion. It may mean the language of a people or a country, or a dialect, or a linguistic usage that defies grammatical analysis. But the most suitable definition for this paper is as follows. “Idiom is an expression established in the long usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in grammatical construction or in having a meaning that cannot be derived as a whole from the conjoined meanings of its elements.” English idioms, in a broad sense, include idiomatic phrase, proverbs, colloquialisms and slangs. In comparison, the Chinese equivalent for “idiom” is “熟语”. It means a kind of set phrase or sentence, which, like a stock expression, is often quoted by the common people. Chinese idioms can be roughly divided into “成语”(set phrases), “俗语”(common sayings), “谚语” (proverbs), “歇后语”(a two-part allegorical saying),and “粗俗语”(vulgar expression). An idiom is an expression which is unique to a language and cannot be understood simply from the meaning of its individual part. It is the core and cream of a language. Idiom, or say common saying, proverb, slang and so on. Its expression is so strong, rich and vivid. Idiom is a strong means to strengthen the ability of expression in original language; it often contains rich national cultural characteristic and information. During the translation, if we can display it as far as possible, the article will be colorful. Some literates say: “idiom is the salt in dish”. As some scholars say that idiom is the vitamin in food. Thus, it can be seen that idiom plays an important role in language.2. Characteristics of idioms Idioms, as a special and inseparable part of language, are the instrument and shell of thinking. They are set phrases or sentences abstracted from language and form an essential part of the whole vocabulary, which reflect the national colors of the native speaker and are said to be considered as the sinew of the language. So, it is important to master the translating techniques on Chinese translation of English idiom. First of all, let us have a look at the characteristics of idioms. Idiom has the following characteristics:1) An idiom is a special form of language. It must be well established and accepted through common practice. It stands as a whole. So no element in an idiom can be changed. In many cases, idioms hold implied meanings, and cannot be interpreted just according to their literal meanings. 2) An idiom is the crystallization of language. Language gives birth to idioms. It also polishes idioms. Refined by long usage, idioms have been described as the core of language. 3) An idiom is the representative of a language. Though both British and Chinese people use idioms and give the almost same definition of idioms, we cannot equal the two idioms, for their ranges are different. For example, English people think that dog is a kind of royal animal. So there are some idioms about it, such as “lucky dog” means 幸运的人, “every dog has his day” means凡人皆有得意日. While in china, dog is considered as contemptible animal. So idioms like 狼心狗肺，狗血喷人 etc, appeared. Dragon is loved by Chinese, while in England it is detested by the English. In china, the Chinese think that dragon is good thing, the idiom about it龙风呈祥，龙腾虎跃 appeared. In England, people regard it as an evil or dangerous animal. 4) Idiom comes from the experience of common people. It reflects the national colors.5) Idiom is the most important rhetorical device.6) Idiom is the special component of language. Sometimes, it is not conform to the regularity in grammar, and in logic. For example, “Money makes mares to go”. The regular grammar point is that make somebody do something, but in this idiom the grammar is make somebody to do something. And the words of idioms keep rather fixed. For example, in idiom “A stitch in time saves nine” “A” can not be substituted by “one”.Just because of the above characteristics of the English idioms, the translation of them is very difficult and complex.3. Definition of cultureDifferent people have different views on culture. Culture derives from the Latin word "culture", which means "cultivated materials" and "human cultivated nature". Among various definitions, the first generally accepted and comparatively complete definition is presented by an anthropologist Sir Edward Tylor in Primitive Cultures (1871). He defines culture as "that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of a society". Some linguists consider culture as the deed and thought of a society. Some famous translation theorists define culture as the way of life of a peculiar community, which is expressed by a language. Afterwards, scholars enriched the concept of "culture" by adding material to it and divided it into three parts in broad terms. 1) Material culture, which is manifested by various productions made by mankind. For instance, drinks, foods, buildings, dresses, tools, etc. 2) Spiritual culture, which is presented by the way and the result of men's thinking process, including beliefs, ideas, views, values, outlook on life, etc. 3) Social systems and customs, which means people's way of life and social regulations, involving laws, customs, education, history, etc. But this classification is not the terminal one. Other scholars, such as Eugene A. Nida, view ecology a part of culture. So generally speaking, culture is like an umbrella, covering every aspect of our life, from environment to cultivated nature, from social productions to spiritual works.4. Relationship between idiom and cultureAs has been noted, an idiom is the essence of a language. Therefore, the relationship between idiom and culture is just like the relationship between language and culture. First of all, language is a part of culture, but not the full content of culture, since material culture is manifested by man's productions. Furthermore, language mirrors culture. The most important function of language is to reflect productions made by humankind, people's outlook on life and the development of a community. Last but not least, language is influenced and shaped by culture. The development of culture promotes the creation of new words and expressions in a language. Besides, every aspect of culture influences language directly, either material or spiritual culture. Owing to this kind of close relationship, language is described as the carrier of culture and the mirror of cultural characteristics. Therefore, idioms -the refined part of language, are influenced deeply by culture. They are culturally characterized. As is well known, different nations possess different cultures. As a result, idioms of different nations must be affected by their peculiar cultures. Now, let us take a look at the effect of every field of culture on the appearance of English idiom.1) Idiom and history In history, there are many wars among countries. With the high frequency of war and the invasion of enemy, the culture of the stronger country also changes the culture of the weaker country. In 43 BC, the Romans conquered the Britain. Along with the conquest, the custom, clothes, life style of Rome were infiltrated to Britain. Language also changed with it. In English idioms we can find the trace of the Roman culture. For example, “Do in Rome as the Romans do”, the Chinese meaning is 在罗马就要过罗马人的生活即入乡随俗. “Rome was not built in a day”, the Chinese meaning is 罗马不是一天建成的即伟业非一日之功. “All roads lead to Rome”, the Chinese meaning is 条条道路通罗马即殊途同归, etc.2) Idiom and religion Religion is a kind of cultural phenomenon. Idiom has a closed relation with culture; therefore it can reflect the effect of religion on language. In English, there are more idioms related to Christianity. For example, “Old Adam” is an English idiom from a story of Genesis. The God created the first man named Adam then made a woman out of the rib of this man named Eve. God let them live in the Garden of Eden; do not allow them to eat the fruits in the tree planted in the garden. But, one day, they eat the fruits secretly tempted by the snake. At last, God found out this quickly. In order to punish them, God expelled them out of the Garden of Eden. So this idiom occurred, it means 人类原始的罪恶本性即本性的罪恶.3) Idiom and tradition Tradition of every country is different from that of the other countries. For example, English people have good sense of dog. They think that dog is a kind of loyal animal and regard it as their good friend. But Chinese people dislike dog and only regard it as the inferior animal. As a result, people of these two countries create some idioms related to dog, which have sharp differences. In English, “Love me, love my dog”, means 爱吾及物. “Lucky dog”, means 幸运的人.But in Chinese, they are some idioms, such as 狗仗人势, 狗血喷人. 4) Idiom and weather The climate of Britain is the typical temperate oceanic climate, rainy and foggy. The annual rainfall of the whole Britain is about 1016mm. Moreover, it is foggy on the island, especially in winter. Because of this kind of weather, some idioms appeared related to the weather of Britain. The following are some examples: (1) rain cats and dogs: rain very hea