A Study Of Intertextuality In The C-E Translation Of Half A Lifelong Romance

Intertextuality,receiving worldwide attention since the 1960 s,is a concept that emphasizes the interconnections between texts.Similarly,translation,playing an indispensable part in spreading Chinese culture overseas,includes the study of level of correspondence between the source text and the target text.To some extent,the combination of them can further improve the theoretical studies in these two fields.Hence,this thesis combines intertextuality with literary textual translation,and focuses on relevant theories and translation version which both have few previous studies.Specifically,based on Hatim and Mason’s perception of intertextuality,this thesis studies the English translation of Half a Lifelong Romance written by Eileen Chang in three aspects: firstly,the process of recognition and translation of intertextual references is analyzed under certain intertextual techniques;secondly,the distribution features of the translation of intertextual references on the hierarchy of importance are explored;thirdly,translation methods and techniques adopted by the translator in the translation of intertextual references are concluded.This thesis employs qualitative research method.In particular,observation technique is adopted for data collection,and detailed explorations are presented with case study and textual analysis.It is found that(1)the translator recognizes intertextual references by exploring the pre-texts,and transfers them by means of handling of connected relations between two different cultures and languages;(2)the translation of intertextual references primarily reaches the first three levels of hierarchy;(3)the translator mainly uses free translation method and shift translation technique,especially the semantic shift.After a comprehensive study,the conclusions are as follows:(1)the study of pre-text in intertextuality provides a solid foundation for understanding the expressions in the source text;(2)the context and intention,important factors in intertextual studies,play essential roles in the process of transferring intertextual references;(3)the nature of intertextuality sheds light on the translation process which involves adjustment,change and creation of new contents and values;(4)the universality of intertextuality enlightens the translator on the mastery of different kinds of intertextual relations in texts.The value of this thesis lies in facilitating the reader and the translator to have a better cognition and understanding of the intertextual references in texts and the transfer of them,and gives certain theoretical reference to translation studies from the perspective of intertextuality.