On Zhiyi--Translating In An Author-Oriented Way

This thesis is an attempt to evaluate the method of Zhiyi which, as a basic translation approach, is still of considerable importance to E-C translators and which, unable to tackle all the problems in E-C translation, should be used jointly with Yiyi.Chapter One is devoted to the differentiation between Zhiyi and word-for-word translation. Zhiyi takes context into account in determining the specific meaning of a word, but lexical adaptation to target language is moderate; while word-for-word translation is a word-rank-bound translation featuring words translated singly out of context. Zhiyi allows semantic amplification within a certain limit; whereas word-for-word translation strictly abides by the principle "neither a word more nor a word less".Chapter Two centers on description of Zhiyi in contrast of Yiyi. Zhiyi attaches great importance to formal resemblance to the source text and makes modifications only in cases of necessity; while Yiyi pays much attention to a fluent and natural expression of the target text and resorts frequently to formal adjustments, either obligatory or optional. Zhiyi, as an author-oriented method, designs to reproduce the original text as much as possible; Yiyi, by contrast, is reader-oriented which tries to relate the reader to modes of behavior relevant within the context of his own culture.The major concern of Chapter Three is to reveal limitations of Zhiyi when it comes to the conversion of set phrases and sentence patterns, comparative sentences, yes-no answers to negative questions and statements, culture-specific expressions, and long-winded multi-layer modification, which are so unique as to defy a formal translation. In such cases Yiyi is desirable. Yiyi often serves as a complement to Zhiyi but has its own merits worthy of attention. A combination of Zhiyi with Yiyi proves not only necessary but also attainable.The above is a brief survey of what is dealt with in this thesis.