An Analysis Of The Translation Techniques For The Epigrams In The Strategies Of The Warring States (Zhan Guo Ce)

The world is in the era of emphasizing “soft” power,such as cultural influence.For a country,the internationalization of its culture has increasingly become an important manifestation of the national comprehensive strength.Promoting its culture abroad is an important strategic means to enhance the country’s “soft power” and enhance its international status.The Chinese nation has a long history and splendid culture,which gives birth to precious Chinese classics.Translation is not only the conversion of words between the two languages,but also the cultural communication between the two languages,especially in literary translation.Therefore,the translation of Chinese classics is not only the translation and promotion of Chinese literature,but also the dissemination of Chinese culture and values,so that Chinese culture could occupy an important position in the world’s multicultural collaboration.The epigrams in Chinese classics make up of an important part of Chinese literature.These epigrams not only contain profound connotations,rich rhetorical devices,but also have a high pragmatic value.Therefore,epigram translation is not only the translation and promotion of Chinese literature,but also the dissemination of Chinese culture and values.As a representative historical text of China,The Strategies of the Warring States(Zhan Guo Ce)draws from the scenes of manoeuvres among various political groups and reflects the unrestrained beauty of humanistic spirit during that period.“Persuaders” of the Warring States period were not bound to a certain state.They had the freedom of career choice and individualized thoughts.So they were free to lobby in any states for any sovereigns,seeking for official positions or rewards for themselves.In the process of presenting arguments to the sovereign or relatives and friends,they used vivid language to persuade the listeners powerfully.Among their excellent arguments,there are some epigrams not only rich in knowledge,intelligence and strategy,but also characterized by lucid and lively style.These epigrams,a valuable spiritual legacy,are frequently quoted by later generations.Based on Peter Newmark’s text-type categorization and communicative translation theory,this thesis aims to analyze the translation techniques used by the translators in translating the epigrams in The Strategies of the Warring States(Zhan Guo Ce)and their effects in the two English versions,namely,Chan-kuo Ts’ e translated by James I Crump,an American Sinologist and published by Oxford University Press in 1970 and reprinted by University of Michigan in 1996,and Records on the Warring States Period translated by Zhai Jiangyue and published by Guangxi Normal University Press in 2008 as one of the Library of Chinese Classics translation project series.The thesis adopts case study method and comparative analysis method.The research finds that the two translators adopt various techniques to translate the epigrams in The Strategies of the Warring States(Zhan Guo Ce).Among these techniques,literal translation,explicitation,generalization,cultural equivalent translation,conversion of figures of speech,and conversion of sentence patterns could exert positive effects on epigram translation.