A Preliminary Study Of Information Loss And Overload In Translation

This thesis attempts to discuss the phenomena of information loss and overload in translation from the perspective of information theory, aiming to dig out the reasons and nature behind the phenomena. As a specific form of cross-cultural and inter-lingual communication activity, basically, the process of translation is also the process of information transmission. Therefore, the relevant theories and modes of information communication could be used to guide translation study.This thesis is composed of four chapters. Chapter One reviews the research scope and the development of information theory, as well as some key terms such as channel capacity, communication load, noise, redundancy and discreteness of information.In Chapter Two, the thesis mainly discusses the rationality of borrowing information theory to translation study. By reviewing relevant studies in this area, the author accounts for the necessity of studying information loss and overload in translation. In addition, the author tries to describe the translation process under the guidance of information theory and attempts to discuss the interactions among the author, the translator and the audience. Besides, the author applies some important terms of information theory to translation study.In Chapter Three, the thesis mainly investigates the phenomenon of information loss in translation. From the perspective of information theory, the author explains the generating of information loss. Information loss caused by the translator intentionally and unconsciously is discussed separately and consequences are explicated. Besides, the thesis classifies information loss in terms of types of information through cases analysis and proposes translator’s compensation methods.In Chapter Four, the thesis talks about the phenomenon of information overload in translation. From the perspective of information theory, the types of information overload are categorized through case analysis. In addition, the thesis analyzes the consequences caused by information overload. Then, strategies are discussed to show how the translator avoids information overload in translating.Through the discussion on the reasons, classifications, consequences, strategies of information loss and overload in translation, the thesis concludes that information theory could explain the information loss and overload in translation, providing a different angle for translation study. At present, there are rarely explorations of the phenomena of information loss and overload in translation. It is hoped that this preliminary study may be a bit useful for the future research in this area. Yet due to the limited ability of the writer, the defects inevitably exist in the argumentation.