Adaptation Theory In Euphemism Translation: A Case Study Of A Dream Of Red Mansion

As a common linguistic phenomenon in all languages, euphemisms have been used in all times and all languages. The formation of euphemisms is influenced by the norms and structure of the language wherein they are used. Culture also exerts its influence on the use of euphemisms. Therefore, euphemisms used in one culture can be quite different from those used in another in terms of motivation, formation, and cultural connotation. Besides, situational factors also have an impact on the use of euphemisms. Thanks to linguistic and cultural differences, the translator will encounter various kinds of difficulties in understanding and translating euphemisms. This thesis attempts to find a workable principle guiding the translation of euphemisms from the perspective of Adaptation theory. The principle is expected to help the translator tackle successfully with difficulties and convey the major meanings of a source text euphemism to the target text reader.Chapter one of this thesis is a brief introduction. Chapter two presents general knowledge concerning euphemism. Chapter three shows basic points of adaptation theory and four angles on which the study of linguistic phenomena should be based. Part four is the focus of this thesis. Taking euphemism translations in four different English versions as example, the dissertation analyzes the translation process and strategies of different translators in the perspective of adaptation theory.In Chapter three the author of this thesis makes a survey of the basic ideas of the theory of adaptation that is put forth by Jef Verschueren. He contends that using language must consist of the continuous making of linguistic choices, consciously or unconsciously for language-internal and language-external reasons. Adaptability is a property of language which enables human beings to approach points of satisfaction for communicative needs. The theory of adaptation contains four angles of investigation, i.e. contextual correlates of adaptation, structural objects of adaptation, dynamics of adaptation, and salience of the adaptation process. The author of the thesis claims. Any other factor that has an impact on the translator's choice of a particular translation technique is also part of the translation context. It refers to a configuration of all factors that contribute to the translator's understanding and assessment of a euphemism as well as his choice of translation technique.Chapter four of this thesis is an illustration of the interrelation between the translator's choices of translation techniques and a variety of translation contexts wherein his/her choices are made. In each type of translation context cited, different factors interrelate and interact. Although some factors play a distinctive role, other factors cannot be ignored. The translator's choice results from an adaptation to the configuration of factors rather than a single most important one.In translating a euphemism, the translator is expected to choose a proper translation technique in light of translation context wherein his decision is made. That translation context is a constellation of interacting factors, which fall into two categories:objective ones and subjective ones. The objective factors prevent the translator from making a wanton or inappropriate choice. The subjective factors are those that are closely related to the translator's mental world (e.g. translation purpose, personal taste and cultural predisposition) and ability. Specific translation contexts are diversified and changeable. The translator's choices are dynamic accordingly. There is no need for the translator to follow a static or rigid principle. The general principle governing the translation of euphemisms is:the translator should mobilize subjective factors as many as possible to increase his salience of consciousness in the process of adapting to various objective factors and try to keep a dynamic balance in considering different factors. Only in this way can the translator maximize his adaptation to various factors and find an ideal translation technique.