On The Relationship Between Context And Translation

Context is a very important term when people delve into the field of translation. Opinions about definition and classification of context still vary. The author of the thesis is inclined to consider that context should be all the factors that influence, restrict and determine the meaning of words or utterances in language communication, including textual context, paralinguistic context and non-linguistic context. Yet, in a real sense, one specific context should be defined in its own context.As for translation, it is the transformation of the meaning of a text from one language to another language, while in the process of which the transfer of context plays an important part. To some extent, translation is the change of context. Translation is both a science and an art. Whether literal or free translation should be used, the authentic meaning of the source text should not be changed. Though there are different divisions of translation studies, the conception of context has never been be ignored or avoided.It has been tried and true that context is necessary and important in translation. It is generally agreed that there is no translation without context. Translation is always done in a certain context. Context is always defined in a certain translation. Context and translation are closely associated with each other. Context has a determining impact on translation. One of the important functions for a translator is to appropriately transfer different contexts with proper translation skills and techniques.Though lots of researches have been done about Zhang Peiji's works, few of them have touched upon the importance of context to translation. The creative highlight of the thesis is to apply the theory of the determining function of context to translation into the verification of the hypothesis that Zhang Peiji has done this correctly in his translation. From the perspectives of linguistic and cultural contexts, the author studies Zhang's work—Selected Modern Chinese Prose Writings with an attempt to find out how Mr.Zhang applied the theory into practice to appropriately convey the meaning of words, sentences and style, and finally comprehend Mr. Zhang's translation ideas and approaches. The main body of the thesis is composed of three parts: Chapter One The Theory of Context; Chapter Two Important Role of Context in Translation; Chapter Three A Case Study of Zhang Peiji's Translation.