On The Translation Of Weicheng From The Perspective Of Intertextuality

Intertextuality theory, originating from semiotics, is a text theory produced in the cultural trend of thoughts debated between structuralism and poststructuralism. Since its birth in French academic circle in1960s, through the development of several decades, intertextuality theory has developed beyond the theory scope of its originator, Kristeva, and applied into many fields such as literature, architecture, art, etc. The theoretical characteristics of "dynamic, diverse and open" provide a new perspective for the translation studies. The application of intertextuality theory to the translation studies can help us understand translation activities as well as the translation phenomenon. Weicheng, as a classic abounded with Chinese cultural characteristics, has its unique writing style. It is extremely rich in intertextual signs which are a component part of its thematic and cultural implication. For this reason, the present thesis attempts to make an exploration into the analysis of intertextuality in Weicheng and how the translators cope with it.The major findings of this thesis are as follows:Through discussing the translation of intertextual signs from the perspective of micro-intertextuality, applying intertextuality theory to translation practice, the author of the present thesis finds that there are mainly five types of intertextuality:quotation, allusion, parody, proverb and "untraceable codes". Through discussing how the translators treat the intertextual signs in Weicheng, the thesis author arrives at the conclusion that the translators will be affected by the intertextuality theory when they treat these intertextual signs in the process of translation.By discussing intertextuality in Weicheng from the perspective of macro-intertextuality, the author finds that there are two types of macro-intertextuality in Weicheng:thematic intertextuality and structural intertextuality. For macro-intertextuality translation, the translators have to neglect or omit it under many circumstances.Finally, the present author also summarizes and discusses methods applicable to intertextuality translation in literary works and comes to the conclusion that on the choice of the translation methods, the translators should flexibly choose different methods, including literal translation, free translation, transliteration, substitution and compensation, etc.