A Study On The Restrictive And Interpretive Functions Of Context In Idiom Translation Between English And Chinese

Idioms are fixed phrases or expressions which have been refined through ages of use and recognized widely as a crystallization of language and an indispensable part of language because of their vivid images, concise expressions and strong cultural characteristics. A large number of idioms exist in both English-speaking countries and China. In order to express the original meaning of the source language in the target language and avoid misunderstanding between two different cultures, the thesis is devoted to making a study on the restrictive and interpretive functions of context in idiom translation between English and Chinese. The preceding part traces back to the studies on context both in western countries and in China to provide a relatively thorough sketch of contextual theory, including the definition, the classification and functions of context. Then researches on the restrictive function and interpretive function of context as well as researches on the relationship between context and idiom translation are presented respectively. Finally, by analyzing a group of authentic examples of idioms, the thesis proves that the restrictive function of context restricts idiom translating in the lexical, syntactical, textual, stylistic, situational and socio-cultural choices; interpretive function of context helps explain meaning beyond the words, concrete meaning out of different situations and polysemy. Interpretive function of context can also be used to interpret reference and uncover the communicative meaning of an idiom by clarifying fuzziness or ambiguity.By nature, this study is a qualitative one. Documentation, exemplification, comparison and contrast are the major research methods that are applied in analyzing the differences between source text and target text. Through analyzing a group of practical examples on the basis of concrete translating practice, the thesis clearly proves that context influences idiom translation, the contextual functions influence the understanding and defining of meaning on idiom translation. When confronted with the task of translating idioms between different languages, it is indispensable to consider the contextual functions to avoid mistranslation.Through a close description of the influence of contextual functions in idiom translation, this thesis has theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, it widens the vision of context studies and enlarges the scope of the studies of translation theory and sets up a new angle in idiom translation. Practically, it enhances translator's contextual sense. It reduces misunderstanding and mistranslation in translating practice. More attention and further studies on context in idiom translation studies are expected.