Annotation In Novel Translation

As a significant part of literature translaion, novel translation is usually explored and disscussed. With the help of good translation, a good novel could not only attract many readers, but also promote the improvement of language and culture in the society. The readability of novel is one of the most appealing factors to readers, so novel translation raises a high demand for the translator. However, because of the difference between two languages and cultures, the understanding of the translator and the content of the original text, the understanding and expression of translator, translation becomes an "art of compromise", almost impossible to approach the perfection. In this way, the annotation in translation becomes an effective method to make up the difference.The novel Katherine by Anya Seton tells a historical story happened in England in14th century, which inlcudes many historical and traditional information in the western culture. In this way, the Chinese reader may feel the difficulty of cultural difference in reading. I hope my research here would make some contribution to solve the problem.Here in this paper, annotation in novel translation is discussed by analysing the translation text and the examples. These annotations could be classified into footnote, in-text annotation and omission of annotation. And I also come up with the specific solution for each type.